Make: Colt
Model: Type IV 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 561176
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .32 ACP (7.65mm)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine
Barrel Length: 3 3/4"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a short rounded blade fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a rounded-top 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 have minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined, slightly more worn on the right panel (outward facing when in holster). There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original, the slide is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor frosting in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end, and a little stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates about 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are a few light nicks, scuffs and small scratches. There is a little minor discoloration on the rear of the slide and on the grip safety. There is a little minor oxidation on the trigger. The action shows light operational wear. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine 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 one blued 8 round magazine and a brown leather reproduction General Officer's holster.
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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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. Gangsters favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger. They 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.
This example is one that was owned by the United States government, as is evident by its "U.S. PROPERTY" marking. It is a Type IV example of the Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1942, with parkerized finish and checkered walnut stocks. It includes a single magazine and a reproduction General Officer's holster. This pistol is in Fine condition, retaining the great majority of its original metal finish, a strong bore and good mechanics. This will make a nice addition to a Colt autoloader collection or a fun shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!
