Colt Automatic Caliber 25 1908 Hammerless .25 ACP 2.25” Pistol & 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,105.00
LSB#: LSB260301RW045
Make: Colt
Model: Automatic Caliber 25 1908 Hammerless
Serial Number: 352116
Year of Manufacture: 1925 / C&R
Caliber: .25 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked, “COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBER 25”. The left side is marked with the Colt 1917 patent date followed by a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number, “352116”. The trigger guard has a few small proofs. The slide is serial matched to the frame.
Barrel Length: 2 1/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short blade and the rear sight is a shallow square notch, both integral to the rib.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece rounded top pearl panels screw-set to the frame. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is some light fouling down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8.5/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scattered scratches throughout along with a few spots of frosting at the rear of the slide. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot and the pins are undamaged. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about 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 requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: 1x 6rd .25 ACP Magazine.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 “Vest Pocket” Hammerless is one of the most recognizable pocket pistols of the early 20th century, designed by John Browning and produced by Colt as a compact, easily carried defensive arm. Despite the “hammerless” designation, the pistol utilizes an internal hammer system, contributing to its streamlined profile. Introduced in 1908, the design quickly became popular for personal defense due to its small size and reliable operation. Chambered in .25 ACP, a cartridge introduced in 1905 and developed specifically for compact semi-automatic pistols, the platform offered mild recoil and dependable feeding in a very compact package. By 1925, production reflected Colt’s refined manufacturing standards during a period of strong commercial demand. This 1925 example presents in excellent overall condition, retaining approximately 98 percent of its original nickel finish with only light scattered scratches and minor frosting at the rear of the slide. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and only light fouling present, supporting solid performance. The pearl grips remain in excellent condition with minimal handling wear, maintaining a clean and well-fitted appearance. The pistol retains matching slide and frame numbers, and the markings remain clear and legible. The small integral sights provide a simple sight picture consistent with the pistol’s intended role. The included magazine completes the pistol’s functional configuration.
The Model 1908 Hammerless stands as a classic example of early 20th century pocket pistol design, combining compact dimensions with Colt’s quality manufacturing. This example reflects the durability and refinement that have made these pistols enduringly popular among collectors and enthusiasts. With its high condition, original finish, and period-correct features, it remains a representative piece of Colt’s early automatic pistol production. -R.E.