Engraved Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,726
WOA#: WY240203LSB013
Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Vest Pocket
Serial Number: 210488
Year of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .25 ACP
Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Automatic Pistol
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A. / PAT’D AUG. 25, 1896. APR. 20, 1897. DEC. 22, 1903. JAN. 25, 1910.” and with the rampant colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 25”. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number “210488”. The underside slide flat is also marked with the serial number, “210488”. The left side of the trigger guard bow is marked with a VP within a triangle. The pistol has extensive scroll engraving.
Barrel Length: 2 1/8”
Sights/Optics: This pistol has a small square notch milled into the slide and a short blade front sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth pearl panels. The grips have some scattered minor nicks and scuffs. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued with case colored trigger, grip safety, and thumb safety.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is worn. There is light-moderate erosion scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10 for C&R.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 93% of its finish. There is some light thinning on the leading edges. The case color has been slightly muted on the trigger and thumb safety, but primarily on the grip safety which also shows some minor frosting. There are some scattered minor marks, mostly obscured by the engraving. The markings are clear and crisp though a bit shallow in some places. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. Overall, this pistol is in about Excellent condition for C&R refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. This example features all three safety features—the safety latch; the grip safety; the magazine safety disconnect. 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 includes a single six round magazine.
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 features all three safety features (please reference the Mechanics section above), the third of which was added after serial number 139000. The pistol has had its surfaces embellished with an extensive scroll engraving cut which, combined with its pearl grips, gives the gun a very distinctive appearance. This example will make a nice addition to a Colt collection and could still make a convenient and classy carry gun today. Good luck and happy bidding! – L.S.
