Manufactured in 1942. The pistol has the Colt parkerized finish with checkered walnut stocks inlaid with silver Colt medallions. The right side of the frame is marked "U.S. PROPERTY" above the trigger. The left side of the frame has the serial number, "564414" located above the trigger and a small Ordnance Corps escutcheon stamped to the rear of the slide safety. The Colt "V/P" triangle proofmark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The left side of the slide is marked with the Colt Hartford address and 1897 and 1903 patent dates in two lines. The opposite side of the slide is marked: "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines below the ejection port. The magazine has a blue finish and is marked: "CAL 32/COLT" on the floor plate. British "Crown/BNP" export proofs are stamped on the right side of the frame, slide and barrel along with "12 TONS PER" on the chamber. The British proofs identify this pistol as one of the Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistols provided to the British Special Operations Executive (SOE) under Lend Lease for clandestine operations in Europe during WWII.
Excellent, approximately 95%, slightly thin, original parkerized finish. There is some overall minor thinning and holster wear with typical light scratches and nicks (mainly concentrated around the muzzle). The grips are in very good condition with no cracking, exhibiting only overall smoothing of the checkering. The small Ordnance Corp and one of the British proofs are light but still visible, having been partly struck or slightly smoothed over, but still able to be made out. Overall the markings are clear and the action is excellent.
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