Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type IV .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1350
LSB#: 220107TW005
Make: Colt
Model: Type IV 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 474743
Year of Manufacture: 1928
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action 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. / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC. 22, 1903? and with a rampant colt behind the serrations. The right of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left of the frame is marked “474743”. The left of the trigger guard is marked “1” over “VP” in triangle. The right side of the trigger guard is marked “91”. The right-front of the slide has an arrow pointing to an indexing line for disassembly. The underside flat of the slide is marked with the serial number, “474743”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a rounded-top square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver-colored rampant colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light nicks and scuffs. There is some verdigris at the medallions and grip screw escutcheons and minor discoloration from age and oil. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered light erosion, mostly in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is some scattered minor surface oxidation and a few minor nicks, scratches and scuffs. There is a patch of surface erosion around the safety on the left of the frame. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. This pistol has a grip safety, a manual safety and a magazine disconnect. 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 blued 8 round magazine and a black plastic Doskocil case. The magazine has light operational wear and some oxidation, mostly on the floorplate, with intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 1st of the Colt concealed hammer models, followed by the M1908 in .380 ACP. Despite the title ‘Hammerless’, the M1903 and M1908 pistols do have a hammer, which is covered and hidden from view under the rear of the slide. This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging. These pistols were popular civilian firearms for much of their life, and also served as United States General Officer pistols from the 1940s until their replacement by the M15 General Officers pistol in the 1970s. The Office of Strategic Services issued the Model 1903 to its officers during World War II and it was a popular back-up/off-duty model with police officers in the United States. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger. This is a Type IV example of the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1928. This pistol is in Very Good condition and shows wear consistent with some handling and carry, but still retains the great majority of its blue finish. This will make a nice addition to a Colt autoloader collection or a fun shooter. Good luck and happy bidding!