Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type III .32 ACP, 3.75 in Barrel, 1923 Production, Blued Steel, Hard Rubber Grips
This Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Type III in .32 ACP is a 1923-production example of John M. Browning’s enduring design. Built during the interwar period, it features the Type III configuration with an integral barrel bushing and no magazine disconnect. It retains its blued steel construction, hard rubber Colt grips, and classic fixed sights, with factory markings that match the model’s known rollmarks and iconography.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There are heavy scratches and handling marks across the frame and slide. The blued finish shows loss on high edges. Isolated areas of surface pitting are present.
What’s Included
- One 8-round single-stack steel magazine with witness holes (compatible with Colt Model 1903 .32 ACP)
Type III configuration details include the integral barrel bushing and the absence of a magazine disconnect, aligning with this variant’s known feature set. This example has no lanyard loop and uses a single-stack magazine with an approximate standard capacity of 8 rounds.
The slide shows correct marking patterns for the model: the right side is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC" over "CALIBRE .32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS," while the left side carries the Colt address and patent dates. A Rampant Colt appears behind the vertical rear slide serrations, and the serial number location is on the left frame above the trigger guard.
Mechanically, the platform is a simple blowback, single-action pistol with an internal hammer. Safety features include a manual thumb safety and a grip safety. Sighting equipment consists of fixed iron sights with a front blade and rear notch.
Made in the United States and also known as the Model M, the Model 1903 was produced from 1903 to 1945. With its micro size, blued carbon steel construction, and hard rubber checkered grips bearing the Colt banner and Rampant Colt, this 1923 example reflects a pattern widely used by civilians, police, and U.S. general officers.