NYPD Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Semi Automatic Pistol & LetterOur Assessment: The Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is a semi-automatic pistol designed by John Browning, and was the 2nd of the Colt concealed hammer models, following the Model 1903. 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 This allowed the weapon to be carried in and withdrawn from a pocket quickly and smoothly without snagging.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. Gangsters also favored this pistol, including Bonnie Parker and John Dillinger.This a Colt 1908 Type III Pocket Hammerless semi-auto made in 1913. The pistol is one of 800 pistols procured by the New York Police Department between 1913 and 1914 to replace their New Police .32 revolvers. This example, numbered 94 by the NYPD, is one of the known examples and is listed on Coltautos.com. The pistol is in Very Good condition, having wear which could be considered light for a pistol that is not only 110 years old, but served with the NYPD. This model is highly collected and should be of interest to the Colt adherents, especially with its documented history.
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Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless, New York Police Department
Serial Number: 15954
Year of Manufacture: 1913
Caliber: .380 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 checkered black hard rubber with "COLT" in banner across the tops and rampant colt over a stylized "C" at the bottoms. The grips have scattered light marks and rub-wear. There are some patches of smoothing in otherwise well-defined checkering. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The lands are semi-bright, the grooves are light gray. The rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is fairly evenly scattered finish loss with some nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few spots of minor pitting and erosion. The screw head is sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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 two-tone magazine and a Colt Archives letter.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS