Summary
Colt Pocket Model 1903 automatic pistol, concealed hammer model, 3rd type, cal. .32 in., rifled round barrel 90 mm (3 3/4 in.) long without barrel bushing encased in slide, bladed front sight. This item includes the pistol's original cardboard box, with Colt trade label attached to inside lid and box bottom.
Made by Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co, Hartford, Connecticut, serial number 212513, 1917.
This pistol was retailed by the Melbourne gun dealership, Alcock & Pierce, Melbourne.
Physical Description
Eight shot magazine located in butt, chequered ebonite grips with Colt rampant horse logo and the word 'COLT' framed betwen two horizontal lines. Good original blueing retained on all metal components, with expected wear to front of slide.
Significance
The 1903 Pocket model was the first of Colt's concealed hammer, or hammerless, pistols. Several new features appeared on this model, including the automatic safety at the rear of the grip which prevented the trigger being depressed unless the safety is compressed. Likewise, the model featured a 'slide lock' on the L.H.side of the frame and slide, allowing the slide to be locked in place when the hammer was cocked. The model was produced in three sub-types, the first with a 4 in. barrel with bushings; the second with a reduced 3 3/4 in. barrel with bushing and third type - as per this item - with a 3 3/4 in barrel without bushings. The serial number range for this third type is 105,050 to 572,215 when the model ceased production in 1945.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from Victoria Police Force, 01 Mar 1963
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Manufacturer
Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing Co, Hartford, Connecticut, United States of America, 1917
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Retailer
Alcock & Pierce, Gunmakers & Importers, 318 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, circa 1917
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Inscriptions
Stamped on slide L.H.side: COLT'S PT.F.A. MFG CO/ HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A. Stamped on slide L.H.side: PATENTED/ APR. 20. 1897. DEC. 22. 1903 Stamped on slide R.H.side: COLT AUTOMATIC/ CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS Stamped on frame L.H.side below slide: 212513 Stamped on triggerguard L.H.side: 'VP' in triangle (Verified Proof); E Engraved in slide L.H.side ' ALCOCK & PIERCE, MELBOURNE'
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Model Name or Number
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
17 cm (Length), 2.6 cm (Width), 11.4 cm (Height)
Barrel length: 9.00cm (3 3/4 in.)
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Box Dimensions
19 (Length), 13.5 (Width), 3.3 (Height)
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Keywords