Make: Colt

Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 461663

Year of Manufacture: 1925

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 smooth pearl panels. The grips have minor handling wear with a few small marks and minor discoloration around the edges. The right panel has a loss at the top edge. Overall, the grips are in Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

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

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

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance is primarily in oxidation and erosion under and around the edges of the grips on the frame. There are evenly scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, with a slight concentration on the right of the frame between the grip and slide. Some areas are slightly cloudy. 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, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 8-round 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 1925. The pistol shows honest wear consistent with its age and intended purpose. It retains about 85% of its original nickel finish with a decent bore and strong mechanics. It has also been equipped with a set of pearl grips which are quite attractive against the nickel finish. 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!