Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type IV .32 ACP, Nickel, 3.75-inch Barrel (1928)
This 1928 Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type IV, also known as the Colt Model M, is a U.S.-made .32 ACP pistol finished in nickel with a 3.75-inch barrel and 8+1 capacity. Designed by John M. Browning, the Type IV configuration adds the magazine disconnect safety while retaining the manual safety that doubles as a slide hold-open. A small "K" stamp appears on the right front of the frame, adding a distinct detail to this example.
The pistol features steel construction with an internal hammer, fixed sights, and black checkered hard-rubber grips bearing the Colt banner and Rampant Colt. Rear vertical cocking serrations, an integral rear sight notch, a half-moon front blade, a top-of-slide ejection port, and an integral barrel bushing round out its period-correct features. Its compact, micro-size profile underscores why this model remains a sought-after classic among Colt collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive 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: The nickel finish shows spot peeling on the frame and slide. There are corrosion spots in the slide serrations and on the frame. The left grip panel is cracked, and a portion of that panel is missing.
What’s Included
- Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type IV pistol
- 1x 8-round single-column steel magazine with witness holes and a small toe on the baseplate
Type IV configuration is a key milestone for the Model 1903 line, introducing the magazine disconnect safety while keeping the manual thumb safety that also functions as a slide hold-open. This pistol retains the classic blowback, single-action operation with an internal hammer.
The compact frame and 3.75-inch barrel pair with fixed sights: a small half-moon front blade and an integral rear notch. Rear vertical cocking serrations assist in slide manipulation, and the top-of-slide ejection port and integral barrel bushing are correct to the design.
Steel construction with a nickel finish on both slide and frame gives this example a period look. The grips are black checkered hard rubber with the "COLT" banner and Rampant Colt emblem; for 1928 production, factory stocks were checkered walnut with inset Colt medallions, so these panels are not factory-correct for this year.
Manufactured in 1928 in the United States and designed by John M. Browning, this Colt Model 1903 (Model M) is a collectible Type IV variant. A "K" stamp on the right front of the frame adds a noteworthy marking for documentation.