Make: Colt

Model: Type IV 1903 Pocket Hammerless

Serial Number: 569158

Year of Manufacture: Late 1944- Early 1945 (shipped January 26, 1945)

Caliber: .32 ACP

Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Barrel Length: 3 3/4”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short, serrated, ramped blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed into the rear of the slide.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with silver-colored rampant colt medallions. The grips show minor handling wear with a little verdigris at the screw escutcheons. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Parkerized

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is light gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and minor pitting in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 6+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 87% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are a few small nicks and scratches with some scattered minor scuffs. There is infrequent minor oxidation, most notable at the right-rear of the frame below the slide. The action shows operational wear. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol rates in Very 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, and Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of three 8-round magazines and a Colt Archives letter. One magazine is two-tone, the others are full blue, each marked "CAL. 32 / COLT" on the floorplate. The letter indicates that this pistol shipped January 26, 1945 to the Transportation Officer, Springfield Armory as one of 1,000 guns of the same type in the shipment.

Our Assessment: In addition to its commercial popularity, the Colt 1903 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, it was used by the British SOE, and they were issued to various other intelligence and investigative personnel. This U.S. Property marked example is in Very Good condition with 87% of its original parkerized finish remaining, a decent bore, and strong mechanics. This would still make a fun shooter, but with this pistol’s history, it will also be of great interest to Colt and WWII collectors. Please see our photos and good luck!