RAF Issued Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP Semi Automatic Pistol & LetterOur 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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, and 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 was shipped to London Armory in 1921. It now sports British proof marks, a broad-arrow as well as an "R.A.F." marking. The pistol is Very Good condition, having pretty light wear given that its more than 100 years old and appears to have seen military service. The guide rod is missing, but the pistol still appears to function properly. The rod should be replaced before firing. The pistol has a decent bore, retaining about 75% of its metal finish. It would be a good addition to an early Colt Automatic collection, especially with its British history and markings.
Make: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 384366
Year of Manufacture: 1921
Caliber: .32 ACP
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 3 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a round-top "U"-notch dovetailed to the rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in banner across their tops and rampant colts at the bottoms. The grips have light handling wear with some scattered light marks. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good-Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is sharp. There is some minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 or 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 75% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There are some spots of minor wear and infrequent minor oxidation, mostly in the backstrap. The guide rod is missing. The screw head is lightly tool marked with a strong slot. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however the guide rod is missing. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a single magazine and a Colt Archives letter.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS