Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1932 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,725.00
LSB#: LSB260430DB008
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 511079
Year of Manufacture: 1932 / C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .32 ACP, .32 Rimless Smokeless
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3.75”
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC 22, 1903” / “COLT’S PT. F.A. M’F’G CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number. There is a Verified Proof on the left front trigger bow. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC” / “CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a round-top square notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver Rampant Colt medallions. There is minor handling wear and scratches. The checkering remains defined, with light peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with defined rifling. There is a visible freckle of erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its original metal finish. There are scattered scratches and scuffs. There is finish loss and thinning on the leading edges of the slide. There is scattered oxidation freckling along the frame, slide, and barrel. The action shows operational wear. The markings are legible. Overall, this pistol rates in Good-Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. This pistol has a working grip safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: 1x 8-round magazine and factory Colt box with the matching serial number penciled on the bottom of the box.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is one of Colt’s most elegant and successful early semi-automatic pistols, designed by John Browning and introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the “Hammerless” name, the pistol uses an internal concealed hammer, giving it a smooth snag-resistant profile well suited for pocket, coat, or vest carry. Chambered in .32 ACP, also marked by Colt as .32 Rimless Smokeless, the Model 1903 became popular with civilians, professionals, law enforcement officers, and military officers who wanted a slim, reliable, and well-finished defensive pistol. Its excellent balance, grip safety, clean lines, and high-quality Colt blue finish made it one of the classic American pocket autos of the prewar era. Manufactured in 1932, this example falls into later prewar production and retains strong appeal as a C&R-eligible Colt automatic with factory-style markings, walnut medallion grips, and a Colt box numbered in pencil.
This Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a .32 ACP semi-automatic pistol with a 3.75” barrel, original blued finish, fixed sights, checkered walnut grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions, one 8-round magazine, and a factory Colt box with the serial number penciled on the bottom. The pistol retains about 96% of its original finish with scattered scratches and scuffs, slide-edge thinning, oxidation freckling on the frame, slide, and barrel, and operational wear. The grips rate Fine, the bore is bright with defined rifling and a visible freckle of erosion, rating 8 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, and the action functions correctly with a working grip safety. This pistol should appeal to Colt collectors, C&R handgun buyers, early pocket automatic enthusiasts, and buyers looking for a handsome prewar Colt 1903 with box and solid remaining finish. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY