Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025.00
LSB#: WY241010CF014
Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 447889
Year of Manufacture: 1925 (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 “447889”. 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 “R”, the right front with “34”. The bottom of the slide is marked “447889”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade 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 hard rubber with Colt banners at their tops and rampant colts at the bottom. There are a few small nicks and minor scuffs. The grips have smoothed over the years and lost some of the definition to the embossed marking. The right panel has a small spot chipped at the bottom border. Otherwise, the checkering is defined. There are no notable chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine 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. There is light fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5 /10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There is ruff handling wear on the front strap. Notably the front strap has a one inch section of finish missing; Possibly from a ring worn by a previous owner. The grip safety has some spots of finish missing and minor oxidation. There are a few other spots of faint oxidation and minor marks. There are scattered scratches throughout, mostly atop the slide. There is oxidation on the floorplate. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is tool-marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol 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 and a leather holster
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 Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1925. This pistol is in about Fine condition with 95% 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 or a fun little 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.
