Colt Mod 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,225.00
LSB#: WY241010CF006
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 30337
Year of Manufacture: 1916 (Colt Serial Lookup)
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi Auto Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a round blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top square 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 minor handling wear with only a few small marks. The checking is distinct. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright, the rifling is sharp. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves and light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 8/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current metal refinish. The balance of the finish shows very light use after the new finish was applied. There are some mottled dings most notably on the nose of the slide and at the rear left of the slide behind the cocking serrations. The screw head is lightly tooled. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes with a leather holster in fine condition. The holster is marked “HUNTER”. This handgun also comes with one (1) 6-round magazine with intact feed lips and strong follower spring.
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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 it was a popular backup/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 1916. It is in Fine Plus condition, retaining 98% of its refinish, a nice bore and strong mechanics. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors, but should also make for a fun shooter. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
