Colt Model M 1908 Pocket Hammerless U.S. Property Marked Type V, Blue 3 ¾” Semi-Automatic Magazine Fed Pistol, MFD 1945 C&R
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LSB#: 160919JC10
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless U.S. Property Marked Type V
Serial Number: M137678
Year of Manufacture: The pistol was made in 1945, page 85 of John W. Brunner’s The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols, states that this pistol’s serial number range falls within the last order of 500, Factory Order 5079, shipped between 5/16/45 and 6/5/45 to Springfield Armory.
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, Removable Magazine Fed Pistol
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 sharp Rampant Colt logo, the right is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS”, the underside of the slide and left side of the frame are marked “137678”, the rear underside flat of the slide is also marked “G / H”. The barrel is marked “COLT .380 AUTO”. The left side of the frame’s serial number is preceeded by an “M”, the rear, aft of the thumb safety, has a partial crossed canon Springfield Armory mark as photographed; the left side of the trigger guard bow is marked “VP” in triangle and “4” on the rear, the right side of the frame is marked “U.S. PROPERTY”, the right of the trigger guard bow is marked “44”.
Barrel Length: 3 ¾”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a low profile rear-serrated rounded blade, found on later production items. The rear sight is a square notched base that is correct for later production as well, the base is dovetailed onto the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt logo medallions. The stocks have a few lightly compressed checkers, the wood is slightly darkened from age and handling. There are no cracks or chip losses. The grips rate in about Fine Plus to Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is deep and sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 90% of its metal finish. The slide shows a notable scrape mark, along with thin scratch marks and some thinning on the edges. The top of the slide has some spots of dark patina and a small patch of pin prick erosion forward of the front sight. The The frame has infrequent spots of pin prick erosion and light surface etching. There are some wavy marks under the finish, however we believe the finish to be original given the crisp definition to most of the markings, please see our pictures. The grip screw head slot is sharp. The markings are crisp and raised but for the Springfield Armory arsenal stamp and the last two letters of “SMOKELESS” on the right of th slide, looking to have been lightly struck. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide sits tight to the frame, the trigger pull is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is one two-tone blue and ‘in the white’ 7-round magazine; the base plate is marked “M / CAL. 380 COLT”; the surfaces have some darkening spots of pin prick erosion and patina, the spring is strong and the feed lips are unmarred, rating in about Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Colt 1908 is U.S. Property and Springfield Armory marked, falling within the serial number range of the last factory order, sent to Springfield near the end of WWII. The bore is bright with deep, sharp rifling and no erosion. The stocks are beautiful checkered walnut with no major damages and about 90% of the blue finish remains. This pistol’s high condition and beautiful markings will warrant attention from serious Colt collectors. Included is one correctly marked “M” two tone blue magazine. Please see our pictures and good luck.
