Make: Colt

Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 341451

Year of Manufacture: 1920

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 even light handling wear with a few small scratches and light nicks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Chrome

Finish Originality: Refinished, the slide is serial-matching.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. There are evenly scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. Some areas are slightly cloudy. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are generally clear, some inspection marks are worn or incomplete. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as refinished.

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 chromed 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 1920. The pistol has been refinished in chrome, so it looks good for its age and intended purpose. It retains about 95% of its new finish with a decent bore and strong mechanics. The chrome not only gives it a distinctive appearance, but should prove to be quite resistant to corrosion and wear. 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!