Lot #702
Lot #704

Lot 703: Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol 32 ACP

Unique Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pocket Semi-Automatic Pistol with Long Barrel and Target Sights with Documentation

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2015

Lot 703: Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol 32 ACP

Unique Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pocket Semi-Automatic Pistol with Long Barrel and Target Sights with Documentation

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: September 11, 2015

Estimated Price: $1,400 - $2,250

Unique Colt Model 1903 Hammerless Pocket Semi-Automatic Pistol with Long Barrel and Target Sights with Documentation

Manufacturer: Colt
Model: 1903 Pocket Hammerless
Type: Pistol
Gauge: 32 ACP
Barrel: 6 3/4 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip: hard rubber
Stock:
Item Views: 9257
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 219
Class: Curio & Relic Handgun
Description:

This pistol was manufactured in 1914 and subsequently was extensively customized. It features a two-line/two-block patent and address markings on the left side of the slide, the serial number on the left side of the frame, the "VP" proof on the trigger guard, and "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" on the right side of the slide. It has the late style hard rubber grips. It is fitted with a custom long barrel and somewhat crude notch rear and brass blade front sights. As discussed in the included article "The Light Side-Arm" by M. DuMond, the included correspondence between collectors, and the discussions on page 21-23 and 223 of "The Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols" by John W. Brunner, the history of these rarely seen long barreled Model 1903s is complicated. Colt may have experimented with this design given the unfinished example pictured on page 23 of Brunner's work, but all of the other known examples are believed to have been altered outside of the factory such as the others pictured in Brunner's book and DuMond's personally customized example pictured at the top of the article. DuMond is also believe to have been the originator of at least some of the other "target" alterations and this example was likely inspired by his work. In the article, he notes that the longer barrel and improved sights made his .32 ACP a more reliable camp gun, and he used it for taking small game.

Rating Definition:

Very good as period customized. The pistol has seen moderate use and displays a mixture of brown and gray patina along with about half of the original blue finish. There is some light spotting and spots of faint pitting. The grips are very good and only have mild handling type wear. It is mechanically fine and has crisp markings.



Customer Product Questions

There are currently no customer product questions on this lot