Make: Colt
Model: 1903, Type IV Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 472958
Year of Manufacture: 1928
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 square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut with silver-colored Colt medallions. The grips have light handling wear with a few light marks. There are some compressed checkers around the medallion on the right panel. The checkering is otherwise well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
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 92% of its metal finish. The right of the frame has "WAS / -1929-" hand-scribed above the trigger. The finish is thinning lightly at all edges. The most notable finish wear is at the bottom of the grip safety. There are some scattered minor nicks, scratches, and spots of minor oxidation. 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 Very Good-plus 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 two-tone 8-round Colt magazine and a Boyt zipper case.
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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 1928. This pistol is Very Good-plus condition with 92% of its original blue finish remaining. A previous owner, possibly the original purchaser, has hand-scribed their initials and the year 1929 on the right of the frame above the trigger. The pistol has a decent bore and strong mechanics and will display well in an early Colt Automatic collection. It should also still prove to be a fun shooter. Good luck and happy bidding!
