WWII US Marked Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless 32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1942 C&R

SOLD FOR: $3912.99

LSB#: 211129FH03

Make: Colt

Model: 1903, U.S. Property Marked

Serial Number: 566272

Year of Manufacture: 1942 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC.22, 1903.” with a rampant colt logo behind the serrations. The left side of the frame is marked “566272”, found again marked on the bottom of the slide. The left-rear of the frame has a faint Ordnance Wheel marking (frequently lightly struck on this model). The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle, “X” at the rear, the right of the trigger guard is marked “57”. The right of the frame is marked “U.S. PROPERTY”.

Barrel Length: 3 3/4”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped bladed with a rounded front fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have light handling wear, most notable toward the bottom of each panel. There are a few scattered light nicks and scuffs. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with minor thinning at most edges, light handling wear in the grip areas and a few scattered minor marks. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are generally clear, the Ordnance wheel is incomplete, common on these pistols. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has minor play to the frame. It has a grip safety, a manual safety and a magazine disconnect safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one blued 8-round magazine.

Our Assessment: In addition to its commercial popularity, the Colt 1903 served as United States General Officer pistols from the 1940s until their replacement by the M15 General Officers pistol in the 1970s. The Office of Strategic Services issued the Model 1903 to its officers during World War II, it was used by the British SOE, and they were issued to various other intelligence and investigative personnel. This U.S. Property marked example is in Fine condition with 95% of its original parkerized finish remaining, a nice bore, and strong mechanics. This would still make a great shooter, but with this pistol’s history, it will also be of great interest to Colt and WWII collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!

Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud

WWII US Marked Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless 32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1942 C&R
WWII US Marked Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless 32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1942 C&R