Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Nickel .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1915 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,213.99
WOA#: WY240526BJ055
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 186056
Year of Manufacture: 1915 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left of the slide is marked “PATENTED / APR. 20. 1897. DEC. 22. 1903.”, “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. / HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.” and behind the serrations with a rampant colt. The right of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The serial number is marked on the left of the frame. The trigger guard is marked with a verified proof and inspector/assembly mark.
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 round-top “U” 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 darkened with age and handling, but have only a few minor marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.
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 scattered light nicks and scratches, mostly not through the finish. There is infrequent minor oxidation, mostly around the edges of the grips. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good-Fine 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 8-round magazine.
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 Colt 1903 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1915. This pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition with 96% of its original nickel finish remaining. The pistol retains strong mechanics and a shootable bore. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
