Make: Colt

Model: 1908, Type III Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 92490

Year of Manufacture: 1928

Caliber: .380 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. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-plus condition as likely not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Nickel

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

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are evenly scattered minor nicks, scuffs and scratches, mostly not through the finish. 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 Very Good-plus 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 7-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 2nd of the Colt concealed hammer models, following the Model 1903. 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 it was a popular backup/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 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1928, just before the Great Depression began. It is in Very Good-plus condition, retaining the majority of its original nickel finish and a serial-matching slide. The pistol now sports a set of pearl grips, giving it a distinctive appearance. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt collectors, but may also prove to be a fun shooter or BBQ gun. Please see our photos and good luck!