Info Please-Not a Pistol Guy!

[Mike Haas]

I had a chance to examine a Colt Pistol today. Frankly I'm not a "handgunner" but this was caught my eye.

Colt Auto. 32 Rimless Smokeless
Pant Apl 20, 1897, Dec 22, 1903
Serial # 493796
Wood grips with blue finish

No indication of a refinish and shows no evidence of holster wear. Barrel appears pristine. Grips have some of the highest "high" spots on the checkering worn.

Any info will to help establish potential value since I might have an oppurtunity to buy it.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Jim K]

The pistol is commonly called the Colt Model 1903 hammerless* pocket model. It is a common pistol and fairly often found in excellent shape as they were favorite "bureau drawer" pistols. They were also a favorite in the movies and Humphrey Bogart, for example, apparently never left home without one. Yours was made in 1929.

Collectability aside, they are one of the most rugged and reliable pocket size auto pistols ever made. Because they are not rare, with some 572,000 made, and because a fairly high percentage are found in good shape, price in average good condition (90-95%) is in the $500-700 range. In as new condition, though, prices go to $1200 or so.

*The almost identical gun in .380 ACP is called the Model 1908. The term "hammerless" (actually a concealed hammer) has to be used for the M1903 to distinguish it from the hammer-type 1903 pocket pistol, a dual link pistol in .38 ACP. The .32 ACP cartridge is actually semi-rimmed, not rimless, in spite of the slide legend on the gun.

Jim

[LBB]

If it looks like this it is a 1903 .32ACP. This is a little earlier than yours. Yours probably does not have the bright blue safety lock and trigger. This one is about 98%

[Johnny Peppers]

The term Model 1903 was added by collectors. Colt advertised it as the Colt Pocket Hammerless in either .32 or .380.

[NyteOwl]

It's a nice little pistol. Too bad they're prohibited here

[Duane Hansen]

MikeHaas, You made no mention of it being U.S. Property marked. If it was, it would definately be worth much more. Some were issued to General Officers and many were issued to the OSS. You could add $1000 plus or minus to the above mentioned prices if it is OSS. If General Officer, even more yet. In the book I have, there is only one pistol in the 493,000 range that was issued to a General Officer.

[Mike Haas]

MikeHaas, You made no mention of it being U.S. Property marked. If it was, it would definately be worth much more. Some were issued to General Officers and many were issued to the OSS. You could add $1000 plus or minus to the above mentioned prices if it is OSS. If General Officer, even more yet. In the book I have, there is only one pistol in the 493,000 range that was issued to a General Officer.

Duane - Thanks for the info. I have to wait for the potential seller to come back home. I'll follow up shortly and maybe have pictures then. Meanwhile I'm reading this thread and several others and digging through books.