Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type I .32 ACP, 4-Inch, 1904 Production, Blue Finish, Archive Documented
This early Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type I stands out as a 1904 production pistol with classic Type I features and documented provenance. It retains the 4-inch barrel, separate barrel bushing, and no magazine disconnect, with early Browning patent rollmarks and fire-blued small parts. A Colt Archive letter confirms shipment on August 1, 1904 to Norvell Shapleigh Hardware Company in St. Louis as part of a 10-pistol order.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are handling and use marks present. The bore is bright and clean. Refer to the photos for additional details.
What’s Included
- Colt Archive letter authenticating the Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless and confirming its August 1, 1904 shipment details
- 1x 8-round steel single-stack magazine with flush baseplate
The Type I configuration includes a separate barrel bushing, no magazine disconnect, and an external extractor with right-side ejection. Early rollmarks feature "BROWNING'S PATENT APR. 20, 1897 DEC. 22, 1903" on the slide and "AUTOMATIC COLT CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" on the right side. Small parts exhibit fire-blue finish, consistent with early production details.
Chambered in .32 ACP with an 8+1 capacity, this compact pistol uses a blowback, single-action system with an internal hammer. It incorporates both a manual safety and a grip safety. The heel-type magazine catch is located at the butt, as typical for this model and era.
Sighting is straightforward with a fixed half-moon front sight and a dovetailed U-notch rear sight. Rear slide serrations provide traction. The overall length is approximately 7 inches with a 4-inch barrel, offering the slim profile the Model 1903 is known for.
Construction is all steel with a blue finish. The grips are checkered hard rubber with the COLT banner and Rampant Colt medallion. This example has no lanyard loop, aligning with the listed Type I configuration.
Provenance is supported by a Colt Archive letter stating shipment on August 1, 1904 to Norvell Shapleigh Hardware Company, St. Louis, Missouri, in a lot of 10 pistols, with a blue finish and 4-inch barrel as recorded.