British SOE French Shanghai Police Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Pistol & Letter
Our Assessment: Colt's Pocket Hammerless pistols were some of the finest automatics of the early 20th century, seeing use in America by civilians, police, and by the military as General Officer's pistols. They also saw use abroad, and this one of the more notable examples. Colt shipped a total of 4185 pistols to the Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP) from 1928 to 1938. The pistols were modified from the standard commercial M1908 in several ways: The grips were relieved for access to a staple shaped lanyard ring at the left bottom rear of the grip, a screw was added on the left side of the frame to prevent the safety from being inadvertently engaged, the magazine disconnect was removed and some had a key shaped leaf spring was added on the left side of the slide. This pistol was originally made for the French Shanghai Police and has a factory lanyard loop, thumb safety block (screw hole above safety) and special Shanghai Municipal Police magazine (with holes in front and rear). Once they were redirected to the BPC, these pistols were intended for use by the SOe. There are no British BNP proofs on this pistol, it was issued and not later sold as surplus. The slide is serial matching.
Make: Colt
Model: British SOE French Shanghai Police 1908 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 134512
Year of Manufacture: 1942
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Semi Auto Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: This pistol has standard Colt 1903 markings plus markings for the French Shanghai Police. The right side of the frame reads "CONCESSION FRANCAISESHANGHAI" (overstamped), "No 577" and "73" on the trigger guard which is found on other French Shanghai guns. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a "W" in a crown. Because of WWII, this order was canceled and the right side frame inscription was obliterated by over-stamping it with an upside-down Colt .25 caliber slide roll die (from the top line slide inscription on the left side of the .25 slide).
Barrel Length: 3 3/4"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the slide above the muzzle. The rear sight is a square notch dovetailed to the top rear of the slide.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut featuring silver-colored Colt medallions. The checkered walnut grips have some scattered light wear and strong checkering. The grips are in Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well-defined. There is some persistent fouling and light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal refinish. There are some scattered scuffs and marks through the finish. There are some nicks and scratches. There are some marks under the finish. There are some areas of erosion, some under the finish. The screw head is lightly tooled. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun is in 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 handgun comes with a factory letter states that this pistol was one of 200 sent to the British Purchasing Commission and one (1) 7-round magazine with intact feed lips and strong follower spring.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
HANDGUNS/PISTOLS