WWII U.S. G2 Military Intelligence Colt 1903 .32 ACP Semi-Auto Pistol, C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,848
LSB#: 240129CG001
Make: Colt
Model: Type IV 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 571774
Year of Manufacture: 1945
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short blade with a serrated, ramped rear face fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver-colored rampant colt medallions. The grips have have a few scattered small nicks, most on the left panel. There is some discoloration from age and handling. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. There are a few minor nicks and scuffs. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear, there are a couple of spots of a previous white paint fill in the markings. Overall, this pistol rates in Fine-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. This pistol has a grip safety, a manual safety and a magazine disconnect. 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 a single blued 8 round magazine. Also included is a Colt letter confirming that this pistol shipped February 20, 1945 to Washington Quartermaster Depot in Cameron VA for the Property Officer G2/MISm Room 2-B 731 of the Pentagon as one of 504 guns of the same type in the shipment.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 1st of the Colt concealed hammer models, followed by the M1908 in .380 ACP. 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.
This example is quite interesting as it was purchased by the United States government and the Colt factory records indicate that it was addressed to the Military Intelligence Service. Established in 1941, MIS had two sections, one focused on Japan and the other on Germany. On both fronts, they were instrumental in deciphering intercepted communication, interrogation of prisoners, and in some cases even translating orders shouted during battle or shouting conflicting orders to confuse the enemy.
This pistol is also one of the very last Model 1903s made, model serials stopped at 572215, just over 400 after this pistol. This pistol’s history and high condition will make it a great addition to any Colt or US Military sidearm collection. Please see our photos and good luck!