Colt pocket hammerless

[easy]

Anyone knowledgeable on Colt pocket hammerless pistols? Recently acquired a '32 rimless'. 469xxx serial range. Bluing looks factory as all rollmarks are crisp and clear. No mag(s), all else seems to be matching. Is not marked as a 1903 or M1903.

 

[Fr Mulcahy]

Anyone knowledgeable on Colt pocket hammerless pistols? Recently acquired a '32 rimless'. 469xxx serial range. Bluing looks factory as all rollmarks are crisp and clear. No mag(s), all else seems to be matching. Is not marked as a 1903 or M1903.

Yes, I have several. Can you post a few photos? Specifically, the left side.

The 32 rimless is the 32 ACP.

 

[easy]

Ooops. 406 not 469, even earlier.

 

[sushi & pistols]

What is your question? Its a model M1903 in .32 acp looks like made in
1922.

Here is some info from Gun Digest Pricing Guide

Model 1903 Hammerless, .32 Pocket Pistol (Model M)​

Second pocket automatic Colt manufactured. Another of John Browning's designs, it developed into one of Colt's most successful pistols. Chambered for .32 ACP cartridge. Initially barrel length was 4", then shortened to 3.75". Detachable magazine holds 8 rounds. Standard finish blue, with quite a few nickel plated. Early model grips are checkered hard rubber, with "Rampant Colt" molded into them. Many of the nickel plated pistols had pearl grips. In 1924 grips were changed to checkered walnut, with Colt medallions. Name of this model can be misleading as it is not a true hammerless, but a concealed hammer design. Features a slide stop and grip safety. Manufactured 572,215 civilian versions of this pistol and approximately 200,000 more for military contracts. Manufactured between 1903 and 1945. NOTE: Add 40 percent for Early Model 1897 patent date; $100 for nickel-plated with pearl grips; 20 percent for 4" barrel to #72,000.

Pricing as follows:

NIB 3200.00 Exc: 2000.000 V.G. 1500.00 Good 1000.00 Fair 750.00 Poor 400.00

 

[p238shooter]

It also was also produced in .380 ACP along about the same time frame with similar markings.

 

[sushi & pistols]

What is your question? Its a model M1903 in .32 acp looks like made in
1922

It also was also produced in .380 ACP along about the same time frame with similar markings.

I believe that was Colt M1908

 

[p238shooter]

Not to derail this thread, but in reply to the sushi & pistols post above. Yes the 1930 .380 I am familiar with was called "Colt Model 1908 Hammerless Pocket Automatic Pistol" according to "official" Colt research paperwork which does not depict it direct as M1908 nor is that stamped anywhere on the pistol. It does have the same markings as above OP has with his .32 except as a .380 including the stampings of patents in 1897/1903. I can easily see how this would be commonly called a M1908 . Thanks for your input and formation.

 

[Fr Mulcahy]

Not to derail this thread, but in reply to the sushi & pistols post above. Yes the 1930 .380 I am familiar with was called "Colt Model 1908 Hammerless Pocket Automatic Pistol" according to "official" Colt research paperwork which does not depict it direct as M1908 nor is that stamped anywhere on the pistol. It does have the same markings as above OP has with his .32 except as a .380 including the stampings of patents in 1897/1903. I can easily see how this would be commonly called a M1908 . Thanks for your input and formation.

I have the 1903 hammerless in 32 ACP and 380. My 1908 is in 25 ACP. I am still looking for a 1903 hammer model in 38 ACP (I have the ammo but not the pistol).

It's interesting to see the development of the 1911 in these earlier models, and they are fun to shoot while being reasonably accurate.