Make: Colt

Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 244959

Year of Manufacture: 1917

Caliber: .32 ACP

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 & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" on banner across their tops and rampant colt at their bottoms. The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original, this pistol was produced before slides were serial-marked.

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There are a few more notable nicks in the left slide serrations above the safety. There are infrequent spots of faint oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round two-tone 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 1917. The pistol retains much of its original finish, a nice bore and strong mechanics, in quite good shape for its age. This would make a nice addition to a Colt automatic collection missing the 1903 and could still prove to be a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!