Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Vest Pocket
Serial Number: 179125
Year of Manufacture: 1918
Caliber: .25 ACP (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. The groove has fine serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" banners and rampant colts. The grips have even minor handling wear with a few light marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Controls
Finish Originality: Original, slides were not serial-marked in this range.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is some scattered minor erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in the frame flats, the sides of the grip safety and trigger. Other surfaces show some scattered finish with most areas showing wear. There is some light surface oxidation. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Good 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 six round two-tone magazine and an H. H. Heiser leather holster.
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 in Good condition with about 40% of its original metal finish remaining. While the pistol shows finish wear consistent with more than a century of carry, it also appears to have seen limited and responsible use. The bore is in good shape, showing less erosion than is common for these pistols in our experience, and the mechanics are strong. 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!
