Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type IV .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1929 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2535
LSB#: 230804JT003
Make: Colt
Model: Type IV 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 491100
Year of Manufacture: 1929
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
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 only minor handling wear with a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. The slide is serial-matched to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are a few small marks and infrequent very minor surface oxidation. There is some handling wear and minor oxidation in the grip safety. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine 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 in a hinge-lid Colt box with model-matching label and the serial number hand-written on the bottom. Included is an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and a single two-tone 8-round magazine. The box shows moderate-heavy wear.
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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 1929. This pistol is in quite good condition, retaining the vast majority of its original metal finish, a great bore and strong mechanics. It comes with its original box and will make a great addition to a Colt autoloader collection. It’s also just a very nice example of one of the most successful early autoloaders. Good luck and happy bidding!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
