
Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1916 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1225
LSB#: 211210RO05
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 28132
Year of Manufacture: 1916 (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 “28132” and the bottom of the slide is marked “63374”. 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”.
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. There is a crack on the left panel from the screw to the rear. There is also a thinner crack on the right panel in the same area. The grips have nicks and scratches on the smooth borders. The checkering is well defined where not interrupted. There are no chips. Overall, the grips are in about Fair-Good condition and would rate higher if not for the cracks.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at leading edges, notably on the slide. There are several scattered nicks, dings, and scratches with most in the grip areas. There is a notable ding in the metal at the front of the slide on the left and at the rear behind the serrations. The grip straps have very faint oxidation. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is slightly disfigured with a usable slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has no 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 marked “CAL.380 / COLT” on the floorplate.
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 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 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1916. It is in about Very Good condition with about 80% of its blued finish remaining. The bore is decent 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!
