Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket Hammerless, Blue & Case Colored 2” SA Semi-Automatic Pistol & Box, MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD
LSB#: 160418HW03
Make: Colt
Model: Vest Pocket Model 1908 Hammerless
Serial Number: 402673
Year of Manufacture: 1936 (Proofhouse.com)
Caliber: .25 A.C.P. (6.35mm Browning)
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.” / PAT’D AUG.25.1896.APR.20,1897.DEC.22,1903.JAN.25,1910.JULY 21,1910,JULY31,1917” and at the rear with a Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 25”. The left side of the frame and the right flat on the underside rear of the slide are marked “402673”. The left flat on the underside rear of the slide is marked “0 /8”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “P”. The right front of the trigger guard is marked “75”. The grip panels have nickel plated Rampant Colt logo medallions.
Barrel Length: 2”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tiny blade that sits in the bottom of the “U” groove that runs the length of the slide. The rear sight is a tiny square notch in the back of the groove.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with a nickel plated Rampant Colt medallion at the top of each grip. The grips show light wear in the checkering without mars. The escutcheons have developed a natural verdigris which we have not removed. Overall, the grips are in about Fine to Excellent overall Condition.
Type of Finish: The slide and frame are blued. The trigger, safety and grip safety are case colored.
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharply defined. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The leading edges of the slide have some spots of thinning and patina, the left flank shows some spots of patina and a few extremely small spots of pin prick erosion. The underside of the trigger guard has a small mark and the back of the slide has some small dings, please see our pictures. The blue is still deep and the case coloring is vivid. The grip screw head is sharp, as are the slide serrations, magazine release serrations and checkering on the safety. The markings are crisp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame. This pistol has a slide locking safety, a grip safety and the magazine disconnect which was an added safety feature after 1917. 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: Included is a two tone 6-round blued magazine, the floorplate reads “CAL. 25 / COLT”; the magazine shows scattered light marks and the upper ‘in the white’ portions have faint patina, the spring is strong and the feed lips are unmarred, the magazine is in Excellent condition. Also included is a non-serialized but period correct Colt factory box with the end label reading “COLT AUTOMATIC PISTOL / RIMLESS .25 SMOKELESS”, the “RIMLESS / SMOKELESS” text is scuffed, the corners have some roughing but there are no major damages; the rear spine has some small losses of the outer burgundy finish; the interior has some scuffing but the grip medallion marketing text is fully legible; the box is in Very Good Plus to Fine condition.
Our Assessment: From Wikipedia: “The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single action pistol. Manufactured by the Colt’s Manufacturing Company from 1908 to 1948, it was marketed as a small concealable firearm which could be easily tucked into a gentleman’s vest pocket for unobtrusive carry. Created by famed firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1908 followed Browning’s earlier European version, the FN Model 1906”. This 1908 was made in 1936 and still has about 96% of its blue and case colored finishes; the case coloring is brilliantly preserved, the bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion and the action functions correctly. One 6-round magazine and a factory box are included as photographed. If you collect Colt automatics, this would be a superb addition to your safe. Please see our pictures and good luck.
