Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless Nickel .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1926 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,100.00
WOA#: WY240526BJ060
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 80133
Year of Manufacture: 1926 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left 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 serrations with a rampant colt. The right of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS”. The serial number is marked on the left of the frame and the bottom of the slide. The trigger guard is marked with a verified proof and inspector/assembly marks.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded bladed fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece scrimshaw panels carved with hunting dog and fowl scenes, signed “Selvidge”. The grips show some discoloration from age and handling. There is minor grain-line cracking, most notable on the right panel. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are several scattered light nicks and scratches, mostly not through the finish. There is infrequent minor oxidation, mostly in the slide serrations. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. It has a grip safety and a manual safety, but does not have a magazine disconnect. The safety can be used to lock the slide back. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round magazine.
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 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 Colt 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1926, during the inter-war years. It is a neat little gun with factory nickel finish and an attractive set of scrimshaw grips. The bore is in good shape and the mechanics are strong. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. It will also make for a classy carry gun for special occasions. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
