Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP 3.75” Semi Auto Pistol & Box, MFD 2016
SOLD FOR: $1,575.00
LSB#: LSB250604CM068
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: GOP0739
Year of Manufacture: 1903
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi Auto, Mag Fed
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.” at the end of the slide is the rampart logo. The left side of the frame is marked “GOP0739”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALABER 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The right side of the frame is marked “U.S.PROPERTY”.
Barrel Length: 3.75”.
Sights / Optics: This pistol has an integral half moon front blade sight. The rear sight is a dovetail U-notch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a two piece checkered wood set. The grips have the Colt rampart brass medallion on both sides. The checkering has sharp peaks. There are no cracks or chips. The grip is in Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: Gray Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion both bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are a few scratching on contact points like the trigger and the safety/slide hold switch. The screws are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The action is sticky. Overall, this handgun is in Excellent Condition
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: One 8rd Magazine, moisture absorbent paper, trigger lock and key, owners manual/paperwork, and factory box (serial matching).
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is one of the most elegantly executed early semi-automatic pistols ever made—blending John Browning’s mechanical genius with Colt’s precision manufacturing. Introduced the same year this pistol was made, the 1903 quickly became the sidearm of choice for military officers, government agents, and discerning civilians. Chambered in .32 ACP and featuring a concealed hammer with single-action trigger, the slim, snag-free design was ideal for concealed carry. This example bears “U.S. PROPERTY” markings, indicating it was part of a government contract—likely issued to military officers or administrative personnel in the early 20th century. While most military examples saw heavy use, this one appears to have been exceptionally well-preserved.
Retaining 99% of its original gray parkerized finish, this pistol is in Excellent condition overall, with only faint wear on contact points like the trigger and safety switch. The checkered wood grips with Colt medallions are clean and undamaged, and the bore remains bright with sharp rifling. Mechanically, the action is fully functional, though a thorough cleaning may be needed to smooth out some stickiness. This early production 1903—with its factory box, magazine, and accessories—represents an exceptional example of Colt’s storied Pocket Automatic. It’s a compelling addition for collectors of U.S. military sidearms, early Colt autos, or Browning’s seminal designs. Please look at our photos of this handgun and good luck on your bid! -N.P.
