Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP (1919) — Custom Bright Silver-Tone Plated, Engraved, Fluted-Muzzle Micro Semi-Auto
Built in 1919, this Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket (.25 ACP) is a micro-size, Browning-designed pocket auto customized with bright silver-tone plating and extensive foliate scroll and border engraving, including a starburst at the frontstrap toe. A non-standard fluted-muzzle barrel and an FN-marked magazine add distinctive touches to this compact, early 20th-century Colt.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are minimal markings from previous handling and use. The firearm presents in excellent condition for its age. The bore is bright and clean with moderate signs of wear from use and cleaning. Refer to pictures.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket pistol
- 1x 6-round FN-marked steel magazine with the FN oval stamped on the magazine body near the bottom (baseplate unmarked), as shown in photos
Also known as the Pocket Model, Hammerless (Model N), this 1908 Vest Pocket reflects John M. Browning’s compact blowback design in a micro .25 ACP format with a 6+1 capacity and 2 in barrel. It was made in the USA and retains the model’s hallmark features with period-correct markings.
The pistol is customized with a bright silver-tone plated finish on the slide and frame, paired with extensive foliate scroll and border engraving. A starburst engraving at the toe of the frontstrap adds a distinctive detail. Checkered black hard-rubber COLT-banner grips feature the Rampant Colt emblem.
A non-standard fluted-muzzle barrel is a notable custom element. The slide wears vertical rear serrations and fixed sights for a clean, snag-resistant profile.
Mechanically, it is a striker-fired, single-action blowback design with a comprehensive safety suite: manual safety, grip safety, and a magazine disconnect. Colt’s rotating-barrel takedown system is present, supporting straightforward field-stripping.
Factory-style markings include the right-side slide legend "COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE 25," a Rampant Colt emblem panel at the left rear of the slide, and the Colt "VP" proof on the left trigger guard bow. A non-Colt FN-stamped magazine is included with the pistol.