Colt M1908 Hammerless, Box & Docs, 137383, FB01688

Description

Synopsis:

Scarce, high condition, World War II military contract Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless in .380 ACP with “M” prefix denoting Model M designation with US Property markings indicating government procurement for military personnel, OSS, or general officers during wartime service.

Description:

Standard configuration Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless Pistol (made 1944-1945) in .380 ACP with two line Colt address on left side of slide referencing manufacturer, location, and patent dates (1897 and 1903 patent dates). Rampant Colt trademark behind slide serrations. Left side of frame with “M” prefix followed by full serial number. Inspection markings on trigger guard web and ordnance wheel on left tang. Right side of slide marked “COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS”. “US Property” on frame; assembly number 13 on right upper trigger guard web. The “M” prefix stands for “Model M” – this was Colt’s internal factory designation for both the 1903 (.32 ACP) and 1908 (.380 ACP) Pocket Hammerless pistols. The Model 1903 was designated as “Model M” by the factory, and this designation carried over to the 1908 .380 ACP version. Fitted with checkered walnut grips each with Rampant Colt medallion. Original dual-tone magazine with fixed floorplate marked with “M” prefix followed by “CAL.380/COLT”. Sold with instruction booklet (likely preproduction) and cleaning rod in generic, unmarked cardboard box.

Condition:

Crisp 98% bright original brushed blue finish with sharp edge wear as carefully imaged, with spots of thinning at rear of slide and bottom of grip safety from contact with holster flap. Comparable condition grips and magazine. Bright bore with sharp rifling. Perfect manual mechanics. One of the scarcest and highly sought after Colt 1908s from WWII, particularly with the “M” prefix on the frame and magazine floorplate.