Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP Type IV — Custom Engraved by J. Demunck (1984), Polished Blue
This Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless in .380 ACP is a Type IV variant professionally customized with extensive scroll engraving and gold inlays by J. Demunck in 1984. The polished blue steel finish, gold-inlaid monogram and serial cartouche, and signed work make it a standout collectible. It retains the Type IV’s safety suite and compact form while showcasing high-level craftsmanship throughout.
Condition
Overall Condition: Excellent condition, showing only faint signs of any prior use or handling.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This pistol has been carefully maintained and shows minimal evidence of handling or use.
What’s Included
- Wooden glass-top display case with red-lined interior
- One factory Colt .380 steel magazine (7-round), baseplate stamped "CAL .380 COLT"
J. Demunck’s 1984 engraving covers the slide, frame, frontstrap, trigger guard bow, and magazine well opening with uniform scrollwork. Double gold bands circle the muzzle, a gold-inlaid monogram is set into the top of the slide, and the serial number is gold-inlaid within an oval cartouche on the frame. The work is signed by the engraver, adding clear provenance to the customization.
As a Type IV, this Model 1908 includes the magazine disconnect safety in addition to the grip safety and manual thumb safety. It operates via single-action, simple blowback with an internal hammer, delivering the clean lines and pocketable profile that define the Pocket Hammerless design.
The pistol is chambered in .380 ACP with a 3.75-inch barrel and a 7+1 capacity. It features fixed sights with a small blade front and a driftable notch rear. Vertical rear slide serrations aid manipulation. The polished blue finish pairs with checkered walnut grips bearing Colt medallions, completing a classic and cohesive presentation.
Factory slide markings include "COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS" on the right and "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT.
U.S.A. — PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC. 22, 1903." on the left.
The included factory Colt .380 magazine has a baseplate stamped "CAL .380 COLT." Based on its serial, this example falls within the circa 1930–1931 era, and it was customized with the current engraving in 1984. Made in the United States.