NYPD New York Police Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Pistol, 1913 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,375.00
LSB#: LSB250424XX009.1
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless, New York Police Department
Serial Number: 15311
Year of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 3 3/4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top “U”-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black hard rubber with “COLT” in banner across the tops and rampant colt at the bottoms. The grips have scattered light marks and rub-wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6-7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 35% of its current metal finish. There is scattered remaining finish with most surfaces gone to a fairly uniform patina. There is some scattered light surface oxidation and minor erosion. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings range from clear to worn and incomplete. Overall, this handgun rates in Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 7-round two-tone 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 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 a Colt 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1913. The pistol is one of 800 pistols procured by the New York Police Department between 1913 and 1914 to replace their New Police .32 revolvers. The pistol is in Good condition as refinished, having wear consistent with its age and service. This model is desirable and should be of interest to the Colt collectors, especially with its history. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
