Colt Model 1908 M1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, 1923 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1575
LSB#: 211001DC16
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 68241
Year of Manufacture: 1923 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)
Caliber: .380 A.C.P.
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 at the rear with a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked “68241”, the bottom of the slide is marked “68 / 241”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS”. The left front of the trigger guard is marked with a “VP” in a triangle and “R”, the right is marked “34”.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Type IV checkered hard rubber with “COLT” in banner across the tops and rampant colts at their bottoms. The grips show minor handling wear with only a few scattered light marks. The panels have slightly lightened in color with age. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, more so on the front half.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. There is light thinning at the leading edges. There is some oxidation with faint pitting at the front right side of the slide. There is also light oxidation on the front and back strap. There are scattered little nicks and dings that are most notable on the top of the slide along with a few light scratches. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is slightly disfigured with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has minor play to the frame. It has a grip safety and a manual safety. The safety can be used to lock the slide back. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with one 7-round magazine.
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 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 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 III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1923, during the interwar years. It is in about Very Good-Plus condition with about 87% of its blued finish remaining. The bore is decent, the grips show minor handling wear, and the mechanics are strong. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!