Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Vest Pocket

Serial Number: 282498

Year of Manufacture: 1921

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. The groove has fine serrations for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels with "COLT" on banner across the top and a rampant at the bottom. The grips have no notable wear or damage, only a few small marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Case Color Controls

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

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, just a little minor fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at a few edges. There are a few scattered tiny marks and minor scuffs. There are a few spots of faint surface oxidation. The action shows faint operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-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 six round two-tone magazine, manual, and a hinge-lid cardboard Colt box with serial-matching label (no serial marking visible on the bottom).

Our Assessment: The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, hammerless, striker-fired, semi-automatic single action 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 Fine-plus condition with about 97% of its original finish remaining. The bore is in great shape and the mechanics are strong. Overall, this M1908 is in great shape compared to most we see. 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. It will be of special interest to collectors with the included box which, while not serial marked, is also scarcely found with these little pistols. Please see our photos and good luck!