Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol, 1928 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,430.00

LSB#: LSB251205MB020

Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 87821

Year of Manufacture: 1928 ()

Caliber: .380 ACP (9mm Kurz)

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

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 checkered black hard rubber with “COLT” in banner across their tops and a rampant colt logo toward their bottoms. The grips have minor handling wear. There are some light nicks and minor scuffs. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original. The slide appears to be serial-matching, but the 8s are poorly struck.

Bore Condition: The grooves are gray, the lands are semi-bright. The rifling is sharp. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6-7/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. The most notable finish wear is in the grip safety which is going to a light patina. There scattered light nicks and scratches. There are a few more notable marks at the front-right edge of the slide. The action shows light operational wear. The grip screw is sharp and the markings are generally clear. As noted above, the serial marking on the interior of the slide appears to be serial-matching, but the 8s are poorly struck. Overall, this handgun rates in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has light play to the frame. It has a grip safety and manual safety, but no magazine disconnect (Standard Type III configuration). 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 a single seven round magazine, floorplate is marked “CAL. 380 / COLT”.

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 1928. It is in Very Good overall condition with 85% of its original blue 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. It should also prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!

-Bud