Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3912.99
LSB#: 230414TM001
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 72972
Year of Manufacture: 1925 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded bladed fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth pearl panels with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear. The right panel has a thin crack across the screw-hole. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. The slide is serial-matched to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is a little minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are only a few scattered minor marks. The action shows little in the way of operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame. It has a grip safety and a manual safety. The safety can be used to lock the slide back. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine, a hinge-lid cardboard Colt box and an assortment of factory paperwork including manual. There is no serial number written on the bottom of the box, but the serial number is sort of carved in the bottom. The box shows moderate-heavy wear with losses and tears at edges and corners.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 2nd of the Colt concealed hammer models, following the Model 1903. Despite the title ‘Hammerless’, the M1903 and M1908 pistols do have a hammer, which is covered and hidden from view under the rear of the slide. This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging. These pistols were popular civilian firearms for much of their life, and also 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 and it was a popular back-up/off-duty model with police officers in the United States. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger.
This is a Colt 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1925, during the inter-war years. It is in Excellent condition with little sign of use and an attractive set of pearl grips. The bore is in good shape and the mechanics are strong. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors, especially in its high condition. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
