Make: Colt

Model: 1903, Type III Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 220744

Year of Manufacture: 1916

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 “U” notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Altamont two-piece smooth faux-ivory with gold-colored Colt medallions. The grips have a few minor scuffs and light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine-Excellent condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Gold

Finish Originality: Refinished, this pistol was produced before slides were serial-marked.

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright. The rifling is well defined. There is some light erosion and infrequent minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 7 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The finish is strong throughout with only light handling marks. There are infrequent spots of minor erosion under the finish. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine-Excellent condition as refinished.

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 8-round magazine, Plano plastic case, and a 2015 or later printed Colt manual.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 1st 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 1916. This pistol has been beautifully refinished with a deep blue on the slide and frame, gold trim, and Altamont faux-ivory grips installed. The result is a stunning example of the Pocket Hammerless, perfect for a BBQ gun or eye-catching display in a collection. Please see our photos and good luck!