Colt M1903 Pocket Hammerless 32 Rimless Smokeless (32 ACP) MFD 1905 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,300.00
WOA#: LSB250525TF038
Make: Colt
Model: M1903 Hammerless
Serial Number: 24559
Year of Manufacture: 1905 (https://www.colt.com/serial-lookup/)
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “BROWNING’S PATENT / APR. 20, 1897 DEC. 22, 1903 / COLT’S PAT. F.A. M’F’G. CO. / HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the frame is marked “24559”. The right side of the slide is marked “AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”.
Barrel Length: 4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade 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 a white checkered hard rubber. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1 magazine with a capacity of 8 rounds in Very Good condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright, and the rifling is well defined. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows moderate wear, with the finish thinning on all leading edges, and most of the finish on the slide turning to patina. There is scattered corrosion on the slide, and some scratches and dings scattered throughout the slide and frame. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. The pins are mostly unmarred. The markings are clear and legible. Overall, this pistol rates in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does both safeties. We did not fire this handgun, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with the magazine as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Colt M1903 Pocket Hammerless is one of John Browning’s most elegant and enduring semi-automatic pistol designs, blending sleek lines with reliable operation. Introduced in 1903, it quickly became a favorite among civilians, law enforcement, and military officers alike for its slim profile, ease of concealment, and smooth, snag-free hammerless design. This example, manufactured in 1905—just the second year of production—falls within the early serial range that helped establish the model’s reputation for dependability. Chambered in .32 ACP, it was well-suited to discreet carry in an era when pocket pistols were a preferred choice for personal defense.
This pistol retains about 65% of its original blue finish, showing honest wear from over a century of handling and use. The thinning blue and areas of patina across the slide and frame speak to its long service life, while the crisp, clear markings preserve its historical identity. The original white checkered hard rubber grips remain intact, showing only light wear with no cracks or chips. Mechanically, it functions properly, with both safeties operating as intended, and the bore—while showing some fouling—retains strong rifling and no erosion.
For collectors of early Colt semi-automatics, this 1905-produced M1903 offers both historical significance and mechanical integrity. Its early manufacture date, original configuration, and honest patina make it an appealing choice for anyone building a Colt or John Browning design collection, while its enduring functionality ensures it can still be appreciated as a working example of one of America’s classic pocket pistols. Please check out our high quality photos, and good luck on your bids! – J.D.
