Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, MFD 1928 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1450.56
LSB#: 210304JR01
Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Type IV Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 486921
Year of Manufacture: 1928 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm 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./ PATENTED APR.20, 1897. DEC.22, 1903” and with a rampant colt logo behind the serrations. The left side of the frame is marked “486921”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “1”, the right front with “91”. The bottom of the slide is marked “486921”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded bladed fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver Colt medallions at their tops. The grips have only a few scattered light marks. The checkering is generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches, most notable on the right slide flat. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide is tight to the frame. It has a grip safety, a manual safety and a magazine disconnect. The safety can be used to lock the slide back. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single two-tone 7 round magazine marked “CAL .32 / COLT” on the floorplate. The magazine has minor operational wear, intact feed lips and a strong spring, in about Fine-plus condition.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 1st of the Colt concealed hammer models, followed by the M1908 in .380 ACP. 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 1903 Type IV Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1928. This pistol is in about Fine-plus condition with 96% of its blued finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. This will make a fine addition to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!