Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Nickel Semi-Auto Pistol 1926 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1125
LSB#: 211016KS03
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 82157
Year of Manufacture: 1926 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 A.C.P.
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 and bottom of the slide are marked “82157”. 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 “R”.
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 smooth white horn panels and are not original to the pistol. There is some crazing in the finish at the bottom and top of each panel. There are light draglines and minor handling marks throughout. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dim and the rifling is worn yet visible. There is scattered erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 83% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at leading edges with light pitting as well. There are several scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches with most in the grip areas which show minor handling wear. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has minor play to the frame. It has a grip safety and a manual safety. 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 7-round magazine marked “CAL.380 / COLT” on the floorplate.
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 interwar years. This particular example sports a nickel finish and white horn grip panels. It is in about Very Good condition with about 83% of its blued finish remaining. The grips show minor handling wear and the mechanics are strong. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!
