Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Vest Pocket

Serial Number: 47345

Year of Manufacture: 1911

Caliber: .25 A.C.P. (6.35mm Browning)

Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tiny blade that sits in the front of the “U” groove that runs the length of the slide. The rear sight is a tiny square notch in the back of the groove.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber. Both have "COLT" on banner across their tops. The left panel has a rampant colt at the bottom and is more square at the top edge. The right panel has a rampant colt over a stylized "C" with a more rounded top. The grips have even light handling wear. The left panel has discoloration toward the bottom. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Good-Very Good condition as, at least partially, not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Controls

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 5-6/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are fairly evenly scattered small nicks, scuffs, scratches and spots of minor surface oxidation. Th grip areas show handling wear. There is some finish wear on the rear face of the slide and the frame below it. The controls show handling wear and muting in their case color. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good-plus condition.

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

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single 6-round magazine.

Our Assessment: The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol. Manufactured by the Colt's Manufacturing Company from 1908 to 1948, it was marketed as a small concealable firearm, which could be easily tucked into a gentleman’s vest pocket for unobtrusive carry. Created by famed firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1908 followed Browning’s earlier European version, the FN Model 1906. This example is from fairly early in production, 1911, and shows wear consistent with carry and use. This is a cute little pistol that can be carried just about anywhere, and is perfect for concealed carry or to round out an early Colt semi-automatic collection. Please see our photos and good luck!