Colt Model 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless, Blue 3 3/4″ SA Semi-Automatic Pistol, MFD 1936 C&R
SOLD
LSB#: 160418HW01
Title: .380 ACP (9mm Kurz)
Make: Colt
Model: Model 1908 Type IV Pocket Hammerless (http://www.coltautos.com/mmpd.htm)
Serial Number: 124948
Year of Manufacture: 1936
Caliber: .380 A.C.P. (9mm Kurz)
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. / PATENTED APR.20, 1897. DEC.22. 1903”, and at the rear with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked “124948”, with the “8” having been struck over another number, possibly a “7”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 380 HAMMERLESS”. 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”.
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 square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with nickel plated Rampant Colt medallions at their tops. The checkering in the left grip shows light to moderate wear in the checkering without mars. The right grip shows moderate wear with two marred areas of heavy wear below the medallion and heavy wear along the bottom edge of the grip. The left grip is in about Fine condition and the right grip in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. There are tiny spots of pinprick surface erosion sprinkled over the top and right side of the slide. There is surface loss on the edges of the slide and thinning on the edges of the frame, the top of the slide and at the bottom of the grip safety. There are scratches on the right side of the slide, and light marks in the front strap, the sides of the frame and the left side of the slide with light marks and scratches in the grip safety. The slide serrations and the safety checkering are sharp. The grip screw is sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame. It has a grip safety and a manual safety but does not have the barrel bushing of the Type II nor the magazine disconnect that was supposedly added on the Type IV. 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 one blued seven round magazine. The floorplate is marked “CAL. 380 / COLT” and the top ½” of the magazine was left “In The White”. The body of the magazine shows thinning. The floorplate shows surface loss on its edges and a few scratches. The magazine is in about Very Good plus condition.
Our Assessment: From Wikipedia: “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 Model1903. 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 IV Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1936. It is in about Very Good Plus condition with about 80% of its original blued finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and either this pistol didn’t get the magazine disconnect that was one of the identifying features of the Type IV pistol, or else it was disabled. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. If they don’t show enough interest, it will make someone a very nice carry pistol. We like the idea of having the magazine disconnect disabled – no one ever wants to get caught in the middle of a tactical reload without being able to fire the pistol as long as there is a round in the chamber.
