Engraved Colt Model M1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,685.00
LSB#: LSB251202KM009
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 141855
Year of Manufacture: 1912 / C&R (
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine and grip safety.
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.” and behind the slide serrations with a rampant colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “AUTOMATIC COLT / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “141855”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “R”.
Engraving: The gun is tastefully engraved with deep relief pin-dot scroll engraving, fully covering the slide and frame. The engraver left intact the original Colt address, serial number and rampant Colt markings and added a Rampant Colt engraving on the rear of the slide.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short semi-circle blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a u-notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are non-factory two-piece stag grips with gold Colt medallions. The grips show some signs of age with a few handling marks but no chips or cracks. The gun also comes with a set of black buffalo horn grips with gold Colt medallions. The buffalo horn grips also show minor signs of handling wear with a few scattered nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, both of the grip sets are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion present but there is minor fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The action shows relatively minor operational wear. There is some slight oxidation on the feed ramp in the action. The screw head is tool marked with a serviceable slot. The markings are crisp. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a grip safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol comes with one Colt 8rd .32 magazine in Very Good condition, the aforementioned extra set of grips and a plastic non-Colt case.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is one of the most iconic and enduring early American semi-automatic pistols. Designed by John Browning and introduced in 1903, the sleek and reliable .32 ACP became a favorite among military officers, law enforcement officials, and civilians seeking a refined and easily concealable defensive arm. Its internal hammer design, grip safety, and streamlined profile made it both innovative and practical. This 1912 production example represents the early commercial era of Colt’s highly successful pocket automatic line.
This pistol has been tastefully embellished with deep relief pin-dot scroll engraving that fully covers the slide and frame. The engraver carefully preserved the original Colt address, patent dates, serial number, and Rampant Colt logo while adding an additional engraved Rampant Colt motif at the rear of the slide. The engraving is well executed and visually striking, enhancing the pistol’s aesthetic appeal without obscuring its factory markings. The pistol has been refinished in blue and now retains approximately 98% of its current metal finish, with only minor operational wear visible. There is slight oxidation noted on the feed ramp within the action. The markings remain crisp, though the visible screw head shows tool marks with a serviceable slot.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion present, showing only minor fouling, and rates 9/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly and the grip safety operates as intended. The pistol is fitted with non-factory two-piece stag grips featuring gold Colt medallions, showing minor handling wear but no chips or cracks. An additional set of black buffalo horn grips with gold Colt medallions is included; these also display minor scattered nicks and scuffs without chips or cracks. Both grip sets rate in Fine condition overall.
Accompanied by one Colt 8-round .32 magazine in Very Good condition, the additional grip set, and a non-Colt plastic case, this engraved 1912 Colt Model 1903 presents as an attractive custom example of a classic early automatic pistol. With its period production date, full-coverage scroll engraving, strong bore, and excellent overall appearance, it offers both historical appeal and decorative refinement. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
BF