Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Type III .380 ACP, mfd 1921, 3.75-in Barrel, Blued Finish
This Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Type III is a true early-20th-century carry pistol, manufactured in 1921 and chambered for the then-new .380 ACP cartridge. Designed by John Browning, it combines a compact steel frame, dual-safety system, and smooth internal-hammer profile that made it a favorite for discreet defense and plain-clothes duty. With only about 129,000 .380 variants produced from 1908–1945—far fewer than the .32 version—this mid-era Type III example is a sought-after collectible.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This pistol shows visible handling wear, scattered scratches and blemishes, and areas of finish loss with light surface rust.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless Type III pistol
- One 7-round factory steel single-stack magazine
Colt introduced the Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless in .380 ACP as one of the earliest American pistols chambered for this cartridge. This Type III variant, produced from 1910–1926, features the integral barrel bushing and lacks the later magazine safety, preserving the clean original Browning design.
The micro-sized carbon-steel frame wears its original blued finish, complemented by checkered black hard-rubber grips bearing the Colt logo. Vertical rear slide serrations provide a positive grasp without interrupting the pistol’s slim profile.
Safety was paramount in Browning’s design. The combination of grip safety and manual thumb safety delivers a dual-layer system that was advanced for its time and remains intuitive today.
Fixed sights consist of a half-moon front blade and an integral rear notch, typical of the era and suited to the pistol’s close-range defensive role. An internal hammer streamlines the slide exterior, reducing the chance of snagging during draw.
Serial number 57182, carrying the “K” inspection mark, places this piece firmly in the 1921 production run, making it an appealing acquisition for collectors focused on interwar Colts and early .380 ACP developments.