Colt Model 1903 Type IV Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol 1932 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1426
LSB#: 210113JR14
Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Type IV Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 511079
Year of Manufacture: 1932 (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 “511079”. 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 “75”. The bottom of the slide is marked “511079”.
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 no notable wear or damage, only light handling marks and some verdigris around the screw escutcheons. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about 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 marks with a light scratch at the rampant colt on the left of the slide and two more notable scratches on the bottom of the trigger guard. There is infrequent, very minor surface oxidation in the grip areas. 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 and a manual safety but does not have 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 in a black cardboard Colt box with the serial number hand-written on the bottom, model matching label on one end, an assortment of factory paperwork including manual and one 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. The box was originally one-piece with a hinged lid, but the lid portion has separated from the tray. The box has scattered light storage wear with fraying and losses at edges, in about Fair-plus overall 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 1932. 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. Not only is the gun in great condition, it also comes with its original box, which is getting more rare with every year. This will make a fine addition to a Colt collection. Please see our photos and good luck!