Make: Colt
Model: 1908 Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 96685
Year of Manufacture: Shipped March 24, 1927
Caliber: .380 ACP
Action Type: Single-Action, Blowback-Operated Semi-Automatic Pistol with Detachable Magazine
Markings: The pistol features Colt factory Level 3 engraving, consisting of intricate scrollwork that remains crisp and well-executed. The left side of the slide is marked "COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS" with the Rampant Colt logo. The right side of the slide and frame bear matching engravings, blending seamlessly into the deep blue finish. The serial number 96685 is located on the frame and the inside of the slide.
Barrel Length: 3.75”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed round blade. The rear sight is a notch integral to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The pistol is fitted with factory pearl grips featuring Colt medallions. The grips remain in Excellent condition with no cracks or significant wear.
Type of Finish: Blued with Factory Engraving
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with strong rifling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its original factory blue finish. The engraved scrollwork is pristine, demonstrating the exceptional craftsmanship of Colt’s master engravers. There are only minor handling marks, consistent with careful preservation. The screw heads remain sharp, and the markings and engravings are crisp and deeply struck. Overall, this pistol is in Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes a Colt hinge-lid cardboard box with model-matching label, factory letter, and period Colt brochures. There is no legible factory serial marking on the bottom of the box, but the pistol's information has been hand-written since leaving the factory.
Our Assessment: This Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless is an exceptionally rare, factory-engraved pistol that left the factory on March 24, 1927. According to the Colt factory letter, only two guns in this shipment were sent to Murta Appleton & Company in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an esteemed Colt distributor.
The factory Level 3 engraving on this pistol is unmatched by today’s standards, displaying the detailed craftsmanship of Colt’s master engravers. The deep blue finish remains tremendous, highlighting the sharp scrollwork. The factory pearl grips with Colt medallions add to its desirability, giving it an elegant and distinguished appearance.
This pistol is in exceptional collector-grade condition, retaining 98% of its original finish with only minor handling marks. It comes complete with a factory box, period brochures, and a Colt factory letter confirming its provenance.
For Colt collectors, firearms historians, or those seeking one of the finest examples of a factory-engraved 1908 Pocket Hammerless, this pistol represents a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition. The combination of rarity, factory engraving, historical provenance, and condition makes this an extraordinary investment piece worthy of any high-end collection.