Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 Automatic 3 3/4″ Semi Auto Pistol 1927 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,585.00

LSB#: LSB251107RG002

Make: Colt

Model:  M1908 Hammerless 

Serial Number: 85453

Year of Manufacture: 1927/ C&R (

Caliber: .380 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic

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 “85453”. 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.

Barrel Length: 3 ¾ inches

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 checkered walnut grips with COLT medallions at the top.  The grips show handling wear with dulling of the checkering and scattered light marks. The panels have slightly darkened in color with age. The checkering is worn but visible . There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1 magazine with a capacity of 7 rounds in Good condition

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined. There is scattered light fouling in the bore.  This writer would rate the bore at 9/10.  

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is thinning at the leading edges, muzzle and backstrap. There are some spots of oxidation and patina forming on the backstrap, frame and slide. There are scattered little nicks and dings along with a few light scratches. The action shows operational wear. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly and the slide has minor play to the frame. It has a grip safety and 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: 1 magazine with a capacity of 7 rounds in Very Good condition. 

Our Assessment:  The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless stands as one of John Moses Browning’s most successful concealed-carry pistol designs, developed during a pivotal era in the evolution of semi-automatic handguns. Introduced in 1908 as the .380 ACP counterpart to the earlier Model 1903, the design emphasized concealability, reliability, and safe carry through its enclosed hammer system. Though labeled “hammerless,” the internal hammer was intentionally hidden beneath the slide to prevent snagging, making the pistol exceptionally well suited for pocket or discreet holster carry at a time when personal-defense pistols were becoming increasingly common.

The broader Colt Pocket Hammerless family earned an extensive service and cultural legacy. During World War II, closely related Colt pocket automatics, particularly the Model 1903, were issued by the Office of Strategic Services to its officers for clandestine and administrative roles. In civilian life, these pistols were widely favored as backup or off-duty sidearms by American police officers due to their slim profile and dependable operation. At the same time, the Colt pocket automatics became ingrained in American criminal folklore, with well-known outlaws such as Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger known to favor the platform, further cementing its place in early 20th-century history.

Manufactured in 1927, this Model 1908 reflects the design in its mature, proven form, chambered in .380 ACP and equipped with both grip and manual safeties. The pistol shows honest wear consistent with age and long-term use, retaining a substantial portion of its original blue finish with expected thinning and patina on high-contact areas. The bore remains strong with defined rifling, and the action functions correctly. As a representative interwar example, this Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless embodies both the technical innovation and the wide-ranging historical footprint that made Colt’s pocket automatics some of the most influential handguns of their era. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!

BF