Colt Model M1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1930 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,221.00
LSB#: LSB260422LK002
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 502023
Year of Manufacture: 1930 C&R (Colt Serial Number Lookup)
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
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 a Rampant Colt logo. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC” / “CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”.
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short semi-circular blade fixed to the slide. The rear sight is a round-top ‘U’ notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut inlaid with silver Rampant Colt medallions at the top. There is light handling and wear on the checkering, which remains crisp, but worn on some peaks. There is some verdigris around the escutcheons. 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 erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The finish is slightly thinning at some edges, as well as some loss at the ejection port. There are scattered scratches and handling wear throughout. There is some oxidation along the slide and frame. The action shows operational wear. The markings are legible. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play at the frame. This pistol has a 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: This pistol comes with one Colt 8-round .32 ACP magazine in Fine-Excellent condition, white cardboard box, and a red rag.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is one of John Moses Browning’s classic early semi-automatic pistol designs and became a highly successful compact defensive handgun for Colt. Despite the “Hammerless” name, the pistol uses an internal concealed hammer, giving it a sleek snag-free profile that made it popular for discreet carry, civilian defense, and later official and military-adjacent use. Chambered in .32 ACP, the Model 1903 combined elegant Colt commercial finish, simple handling, a grip safety, and excellent pocket-pistol ergonomics. This example was manufactured in 1930 and is C&R eligible.
This Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a .32 ACP single-action semi-automatic pistol with a 3 3/4″ barrel, fixed front sight, U-notch rear sight, original blue finish, and two-piece checkered walnut grips with silver Rampant Colt medallions. The pistol retains about 95% of its metal finish, with thinning at some edges, finish loss at the ejection port, scattered scratches and handling wear, oxidation along the slide and frame, and operational wear on the action. The grips rate in Fine condition, showing light handling wear, crisp checkering with some worn peaks, verdigris around the escutcheons, and no chips or cracks. The bore is bright with defined rifling, though erosion is present, and it rates 7/10 in this writer’s opinion. Mechanically, the action functions correctly, the slide has minor play to the frame, and the grip safety is present, though the pistol has not been test fired. Included are one Colt 8-round .32 ACP magazine in Fine-Excellent condition, a white cardboard box, and a red rag. Overall, this is a Very Good condition 1930 Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless with desirable prewar Colt appeal, strong original finish, attractive walnut medallion grips, and a functional classic pocket-pistol configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY