Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 425988
Year of Manufacture: 1923
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol fed by Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top "U" notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece pearl panels. There are no indexing pins or blocks, the orientation of the panels is maintained by the grip screw. The panels have even light handling wear with some scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Original. The slide is serial-matched to the frame.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion, some minor pitting and stubborn copper fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. Most of the balance is flaking and light erosion at the front edges of the slide and the edges of the trigger guard with a little in the slide serrations and a few other edges. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and minor scratching. There is stubborn, dried grease on the internals. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This handgun comes with a single nickel 8-round Colt magazine.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the first 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger.
This is a Colt 1903 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1923. This pistol is about Very Good condition with 87% of its original nickel finish remaining. The pistol has a decent bore and strong mechanics and will display well in an early Colt Automatic collection with its desirable finish and aftermarket pearl grips. It should also still prove to be a fun shooter. Good luck and happy bidding!
