Colt Mod 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1936 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,588.00
LSB#: 240423SB001
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 120134
Year of Manufacture: 1936 (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi Auto Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The checkering is distinct. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves but no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 96% of its metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows some mottled dings and surface oxidation most notably on the grip frame. The screw head is lightly tooled. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes with a cardboard box with the serial number handwritten on the underside. Part of the box label has been lost. This handgun comes with one (1) 6-round magazine with intact feed lips and strong follower spring.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 2nd of the Colt concealed hammer models, following the Model 1903. 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 it was a popular backup/off-duty model with police officers in the United States. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger.
This is a Colt 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1936, during the interwar years. It is in Fine Plus condition, retaining 96% of its refinish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. The pistol comes in its original box and is in decent condition, especially for its age. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors, but should also make for a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck in your bidding!
-J. Ren
