Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol .32 ACP Semi-Auto, 1919 C&R Rare
SOLD FOR: $905
WYO#: 240219RM032
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 318157
Year of Manufacture: 1919
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 blade with a serrated, ramped rear face 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 replacement faux pearl with black trim. There is some discoloration from age and handling. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. Overall the grips are in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Nickel
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with semi-sharp rifling. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish as refinished. The finish is slightly thinning at some edges. There are a few minor nicks and scuffs. The action shows minor operational wear. The screw head is somewhat scuffed. The markings are smeared from the re-nickeling process. There are signs of previous pitting that has been nickeled over. Please see our photos. Overall, this pistol rates in Good-Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide has minor play to the frame. This pistol has a grip safety, a manual safety, and a magazine disconnect. 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 Colt 8 round magazine that’s marked “CAL. 32 / COLT” on the nickeled floor plate.
Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the first 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, but it’s 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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 Officer pistol in the 1970s. The Office of Strategic Services issued the Model 1903 to its operators during World War II, and it was a popular back-up/off-duty model with police officers in the United States.
This pistol in particular has been highly prized and heavily used over the years. Most of these re-nickeled guns were done in the 1970s, and I suspect this to be the case with this Colt. I particularly take a shine both to nickel and the Colt Model 1903, so this was a treat for me to examine and present for auction. Enjoy the bidding. Please see our photos.
K.F.
