Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type III .32 ACP, 3.75 in Barrel, 1915 Production
This Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type III is a 1915-production .32 ACP compact with the 3.75 in barrel and the integral muzzle face characteristic of Type II and later production. Designed by John M. Browning and built in the United States, it features a bright metal finish, steel frame, and an 8+1 capacity. It includes one 8-round magazine.
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: There are light usage marks on the barrel. The bore is in good shape. There are blemishes on the slide and grip receiver. Pitting is present and has been refinished over. Refer to the photos.
What’s Included
- One 8-round single-column steel magazine for the Colt Model 1903 pattern (as shown in photos)
The 3.75 in barrel and elimination of the separate muzzle bushing, with the front of the slide acting as the integral bushing, were introduced with the earlier Type II and continued on the Type III. Type III identification is best made by serial number—approximately 105,051–468,096 (c. 1910–1926)—and the continued absence of a magazine disconnect. This example’s 1915 serial number 179238 falls within the Type III range. This iteration maintains the compact size that made the Model 1903 a popular pocket pistol.
The pistol operates on a single-action blowback system with an internal hammer despite its hammerless profile. Controls include a manual thumb safety, a grip safety, and a heel-type magazine release.
Sighting equipment is fixed, with a small half-moon front and an integral rear notch. The slide carries rear serrations and period-correct slide legends with the Colt Hartford address and caliber marking.
Original-style checkered hard rubber COLT banner grips are fitted. This type does not have a magazine disconnect. Total Model 1903 production was approximately 572,215 units from 1903 to 1945. A small "K" stamp is present at the right front of the slide/frame.