Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Vest Pocket

Serial Number: 53869

Year of Manufacture: 1911

Caliber: .25 ACP

Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 2 1/8"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short blade set in a groove atop the slide. The rear sight is a square notch milled at the back of the slide. The top of the slide has a serrated groove that runs the length.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece panels made of hard black rubber checkered with the rampant colt insignia and "COLT" molded across the top. The grips have light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is generally crisp with only a few lightly worn peaks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 95% of its finish. There is light erosion under the new finish throughout the frame and slide. The engraving is crisp. There is some faint case color on the grip safety protected by the frame. The markings are clear and crisp. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. Overall, this pistol is in about Very Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. This example features its safety latch and grip safety. There is no magazine disconnect which was introduced in 1916. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of one magazine, a Colt branded leather holster in Good condition, and a blue felt lined wooden case.

Our Assessment: The Model 1908 Vest Pocket is a compact, striker-fired, semi-automatic single action pistol. Manufactured by the Colt 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. Designed by famed firearms designer John Moses Browning, the Model 1908—known as the Model N internally at Colt—was a refinement of Browning’s earlier European version, the FN Model 1906. This example will make a nice addition to a Colt collection and could still make a convenient and classy carry gun today.