Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket 2” Blued .25 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1928 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,225.00

LSB#: LSB250602AB002

Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Vest Pocket

Serial Number: 369841

Year of Manufacture: 1928 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .25 A.C.P. (6.35mm Browning)

Action Type: Striker-Fired 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. / PAT’D AUG.25,1896. APR.20,1897. DEC.22,1903. JAN.25,1910. JULY 31. 1917” and behind the slide serrations with a rampant colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 25”. The left side of the frame is marked “369841”, found again on the bottom of the slide. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “1”, the right-front is marked “35”.

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tiny blade that sits in the front of the “U” groove that runs the length of the slide. The rear sight is a tiny square notch in the back of the groove. The groove has fine serrations for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Controls

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. 

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation. The action shows faint operational wear. The case color on the grip safety is slightly muted, otherwise the case color is still quite strong and bright. There are a few scattered minor marks. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has very little play to the frame. This pistol has a slide locking safety, a grip safety and the magazine disconnect added to this model after 1917. 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 two magazines in Very Good – Fine condition. 

Our Assessment: The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single action pistol. Manufactured by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company from 1908 to 1948, it was marketed as a small concealable firearm, which could be easily tucked into a gentleman’s vest pocket for unobtrusive carry. Created by famed firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1908 followed Browning’s earlier European version, the FN Model 1906. This example is in just about as good condition as we have seen. About 96% of its metal finish remains with some minor oxidation and vibrant case color in the controls. The bore is great and the mechanics are strong. This is a cute little pistol that can be carried just about anywhere, and is perfect for concealed carry or to round out an early Colt semi-automatic collection. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.