Custom Engraved Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket Pistol .25 ACP Semi-Auto 1909

SOLD FOR: $2,526

WOA#: WY240318RU019

Make: Colt

Model: 1908 Vest Pocket

Serial Number: 4434

Year of Manufacture: 1909 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .25 ACP

Action Type: Striker-Fired Semi-Auto Pistol with Removable Magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT. U S A. / PAT’D AUG.25,1896. APR.20,1897. DEC.22,1903”. The right side of the slide is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .25”. The left side of the frame is marked “4434”, found again on the bottom of the slide. Under the right grip panel is marked “ENGRAVED BY BRIAN GOUSE 2020”.  The bottom of the magazine well is marked “ENG. BRIAN GOUSE 2020”. The bottom of the magazine is marked “CAL. 25 / COLT”.

Barrel Length: 2”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tiny blade that sits in the front of the “U” groove that runs the length of the slide. The rear sight is a tiny square notch in the back of the groove.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece pearl grips. The grips show light lines and marks throughout, which is not uncommon for pearl. There are no chips or cracks present. There is a small stain on the right panel. Overall the grips are in Very Good to Excellent Condition.

Type of Finish: Fine Custom Engraved, with gold inlay.

Finish Originality: Refinished with the fine custom engraving.

Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is well defined. There is mild erosion throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains none of its original finish, however the pistol has been elegantly engraved and inlaid by Brian Gouse of Hinsdale, Montana in 2020. The engraving is beautiful and expertly done. Overall this pistol is in Excellent Condition. Please see our high quality photos to truly appreciate this pistol.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has very little play to the frame. This pistol has a slide locking safety, heel magazine release, and a grip safety. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes one original Colt 6 round .25 Cal magazine, reproduction owner’s pamphlet, instruction pamphlet, business card from Brian Gouse, and reproduction Colt automatic pistol box. The magazine in particular is a gorgeous, original, and early “two tone” example that retains a great amount of the original bluing.

Our Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket, also known simply as the Colt Vest Pocket, is a compact and lightweight semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning and produced by Colt’s Manufacturing Company. Introduced in 1908, it was specifically designed to be small enough to fit comfortably in a vest pocket, hence its name. Chambered in .25 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket was intended for use as a concealed carry or backup weapon. The .25 ACP cartridge, while not particularly powerful, was sufficient for close-range self-defense situations and offered manageable recoil, making it suitable for a pistol of this size. The design of the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket features a simple blowback action, where the force of the cartridge’s discharge pushes the slide rearward to eject the spent casing and chamber a new round from the magazine. It lacks an external hammer, contributing to its smooth and snag-free profile. The pistol has a six-round magazine capacity and was constructed with a steel frame and slide, ensuring durability despite its small size. Throughout its production run, which lasted until 1946, the Colt 1908 Vest Pocket underwent several variations and improvements. These included changes to the grip design, sights, and markings, as well as occasional modifications to internal components for enhanced reliability. This particular pistol has been fitted with pearl grips and intricately engraved by Brian Gouse, and is absolutely beautiful! Please see our photos and best of luck with your bidding!!! -R.L.