Colt Model 1903 M1903 Type IV Pocket Hammerless, Pre-WWII Blue 3 3/4” Semi-Automatic, Magazine Fed Pistol, MFD 1941 C&R
Sold For: $1,115.00
LSB#: 170306PT02
Make: Colt
Model: Model 1903 Type IV Pocket Hammerless (http://www.coltautos.com/mmpd.htm)
Serial Number: 554143
Year of Manufacture: Late 1941; the first recorded number of 1942 was 555000.
Caliber: .32 A.C.P. (.32 Auto)
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol with Removable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A. / PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC. 22, 1903″, with a Rampant Colt logo at the rear, the right is marked “COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS”, the underside is marked with serial number “554143”, found again on the left of the frame. The left of the trigger guard bow is marked with “VP” in triangle under “X”, the right is marked “61”. The barrel is marked “COLT 32 AUTO”. The grip panels have nickel plated Colt logo medallions.
Barrel Length: 3 3/4”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-moon rounded bladed fixed to the top of the slide. The rear sight is a rounded base with a square notch, dovetailed into the rear of the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with nickel plated Colt logo medallions, the medallions have natural tarnish, the escutcheons slightly stained the surrounding wood from verdigris growth. The checkers are generally sharp with light rubbing, there are no major or deep marks. The grips are in about Excellent overall Condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: All Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with highly formed rifling. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 93% of its metal finish. The top of the slide near the left has a concentration of surface etching and a few dark pits. The rear of the frame has a spot of etching through the metal. The front grip strap has spots of freckling and light frosting from hand rubbing. The other surfaces exhibit infrequent shallow scrapes and rubbing marks. The leading edges of the slide and frame have thinning. The slide serrations are sharply defined. The markings are deep and legible. The grip screw head is strait. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine Plus to Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly and the slide has no perceivable play to the frame. It has a grip safety, manual safety and magazine disconnect common with Type IV variants. The pistol has an integrated barrel bushing, the trigger pull and reset are crisp. 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 comes with an eight round full blue magazine that has its original finish, marked “CAL. .32 / COLT” on the base plate. There are some polishing blemishes under the finish, the blue has some wear through to bare metal but overall rates in about Fine to Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: The 1903 was Colt’s first hammerless pistol, small enough to carry concealed in most clothing, even during the summer time. This one was made around the same time America entered WWII, in late 1941. The absolutely flat flanks and beautiful curvature set this pistol apart from any other in its time. This one does not look to have seen much use, its bore is highly shootable and its overall condition is impressive. Some collectors spend their entire focus on this model and it is easy to see why; the 1903 and 1908 pistols served the General Officers staff of WWII and beyond, there will always be a soft spot for this timeless creation.
