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U.S. Property Marked Colt Model 1908 380 Hammerless Pocket Pistol with Box

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:3,250.00 - 4,500.00 USD
U.S. Property Marked Colt Model 1908 380 Hammerless Pocket Pistol with Box
This Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Pistol was manufactured in 1942. The pistol has U.S. property and inspection marks and is one of the 3,128 .380 ACP pistols procured by the military from Colt during WWII. The pistol has the high polish commercial blue finish and is fitted with checkered walnut grips with silver-plated Colt Medallions. The slide has the earlier rounded top rear sight and lower profile blade front sight. The right side of the frame is marked "U.S. PROPERTY". The left side of the trigger guard bow is stamped with a punch-mark that indicates ordnance acceptance and the Colt "VP" proof, and the number "13" is on the right side. The left side of the frame is marked with the serial number above the trigger guard and the pistol is absent of the cannon Ordnance mark on the rear of the frame. The right side of the slide is marked: "COLT AUTOMATIC / CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS" and the left is marked with the two line address/1897 and 1903 patent dates with the Rampant Colt trade mark behind the slide serrations. The magazine is two tone and the floor plate is marked: "CAL.380 / COLT". Procured in far smaller numbers than the Model 1903 .32 ACP, the first Model 1908 .380 pistols were issued to U.S. Naval Intelligence and the O.S.S. with later production primarily issued to Army and Air Corps General Officers. Complete in an unmarked reproduction brown Kraft cardboard box, instructions and an original cleaning rod.
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 380 ACP
Finish: blue
Grips: walnut
Serial Number: 135808
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains 97% of the original high polished blue finish with some scattered very minor pitting, a few minor scratches and thinning on the rear of the slide. There is some mild spotting on the backstrap. The grips are excellent with the slightest handling marks and sharp checkering. Crisp clear markings. Mechanically excellent. The box is near mint.