Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type I
Serial Number: 10037
Year of Manufacture: 1904
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm Browning)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 4"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-topped "U" notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are Type I checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in a banner near the tops and a Rampant Colt logo in a circle in the bottom half of the grips. The grips show even light handling wear. There are a few minor nicks and scratches. The checkering is generally well defined with a patch of compressed checkers near the top of the left panel. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. Slides were not serial-marked during this period of production.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn, but visible. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 4/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 35% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is on the frame flats and the chin of the slide in front of the dust cover. Other areas show scattered wear, going to a light patina. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some scattered light oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. 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 firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This pistol comes a single 8-round two-tone Colt magazine.
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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 backup/off-duty model with police officers in the United States. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger.
This is a fairly early Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1904. It has a separate barrel bushing, a slightly longer 4" barrel, and a screw-secured safety lever, all features which would eventually be changed. This pistol rates in Good condition, retaining some original finish and nice early-style grips. This Type I Pocket Hammerless would make a nice addition to a collection missing one of the early variants. Good luck and happy bidding!
