Just picked up two of these from a friend. Minty in there boxes with all the paperwork.Boxes are numbered to the guns.one is a 1915 and the other a 1919. Thought I would share a couple pictures.
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Colt 1903 model m's
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Faulkner
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Wow, very nice indeed. They are becoming more and more difficult to find them at that nice of condition these days, especially with the boxes.
I was fortunate enough to purchase several a few years ago before the prices really started to esculate on these nice guns. I have a couple in the rich Colt blue finish and a couple more parkerized. All of mine are from the early 1920's.
I was fortunate enough to purchase several a few years ago before the prices really started to esculate on these nice guns. I have a couple in the rich Colt blue finish and a couple more parkerized. All of mine are from the early 1920's.
Texas Star
US Veteran
Wow, very nice indeed. They are becoming more and more difficult to find them at that nice of condition these days, especially with the boxes.
I was fortunate enough to purchase several a few years ago before the prices really started to esculate on these nice guns. I have a couple in the rich Colt blue finish and a couple more parkerized. All of mine are from the early 1920's.
Why are1920's guns Parkerized? Were they refinished?
The only Park'd ones I've seen were USGI from WW II when they were issued to generals and doctors. Many also went to the British, who issued them to spies and to Resistance movements in occupied countries. I read a book by a Norwegian operative who had one. ("We Die Alone", by David Howarth)
A number of ex-British guns were being sold in Denver shops in the mid-1960's, as well as some of their .45 autos. I bought one of the .45's, all of which I saw having somewhat higher fixed sights that I've seen on no other guns.
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Faulkner
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Yes, both of the parkerized ones were refinished. I bought them at bargain prices and they were both very serviceable with no scratches or pitting, but the finish was just about gone. Once I had them refinished I've used them for range and occasionally as carry guns, mainly under my vest while riding my motorcycle.
The Colt's Model M Pocket Pistols were the original "officers model" issued to general officers when they acquired their first star. Before WWII they were given the choice of .32 ACP or .380 ACP, but most of the wartime issues were .380.
This is a closer shot of one I had parkerized.
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Yes they are beautiful - boxes & all!
I have three and they are in excellent shape but not quite as nice as yours. I also lack the boxes but since I bought them to shoot I am not bent out of shape about that. They are also amazingly accurate despite their crude sights and they never malfunction.
Chief38
I have three and they are in excellent shape but not quite as nice as yours. I also lack the boxes but since I bought them to shoot I am not bent out of shape about that. They are also amazingly accurate despite their crude sights and they never malfunction.
Chief38
Texas Star
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Do both or either of you have both .32's and .380's? I've read that the .380 is less reliable, although the factory could often tweak the extractor to remedy that.
At which time were these first issued to general officers? Did Navy or Marine equivalent personnel also get them?
Eisenhower had a Colt Detective Spcl. with sq. butt, which he turned in on retirement. Patton had both and other guns. Some were his and a couple may have been issued. Were generals offered either the Model M autos or the DS?
Generals in combat zones in photos I've seen usually had .45's, although they may well have had concealed Model M's, too.
Bell Charter Oak Holsters
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I have owned several, in .32 and .380 calibers. One was engraved at Colt, and foolishly given to a young relative Marine officer who subsequently killed himself with alcohol. I imagine the gun was pawned or sold for booze, during the Viet Nam aftermath, from which he never psychologically recovered. Sadly, I do not have a photo. It was a .32 cal with scrimshawed ivory stocks. The Model M is still one of the best hideout guns ever made, so flat and comfortable in the waistband. Mine is 4 serial numbers and mint in .380. Sorry guy's, I misplaced the photos transferring data files to a new computer. I'm pissed not being able to show it and a 1911 Colt and a 1911 A-1 Ithaca....welcome to the "golden years".
Cheers;
Lefty
Cheers;
Lefty
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billwill
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Those are great guns. I have a blue .32 and a nickel .380, love to shoot them and they carry like a dream. Don't make 'em like that anymore. If you have never held one...CAUTION...do not do this ...cause you will loose a bunch of $$ out of your pocket.
Enjoy those two. How about scanning that manual and sending me a copy?
Enjoy those two. How about scanning that manual and sending me a copy?
mjr
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I've heard they were also issued to company clerks. Can anyone confirm this?
Bell Charter Oak Holsters
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I'm no expert on the Colt Model M's, but I'd find it hard to believe they were parkerized by Colt ever or ever routinely issued to enlisted US servicemen. Maybe I'm dead wrong, but the work horse revolvers and autos built in large quantity were the 1911-A1's and Victory revolvers. I'm sure many 1917's were still floating around then too. The Colt M's to enlisted personnel.....well I won't say never but I will say an exception (s) is possible. I'd rather have a .45 though.....just sayin'.
Cheers;
Lefty
Cheers;
Lefty
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Yes there were parkerized military 1903's. Stamped u.s. property, serial number range 554,447-572,214
Thuer
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It is late at night overhere. I do own the book U.S.Handguns of World War II. There is a lot of information about the Colt Model M in WW II.
One thing is for sure. I do love revolvers wich I do collect. I do have just one pistol in .32 automatic colt pistol. Guess wich one :)
There where about 7500 .32 model M shipped to the Britisch aswell under Lend-lease.
As I said. I look to it when I am awake again and after my breakfast.
One thing is for sure. I do love revolvers wich I do collect. I do have just one pistol in .32 automatic colt pistol. Guess wich one :)
There where about 7500 .32 model M shipped to the Britisch aswell under Lend-lease.
As I said. I look to it when I am awake again and after my breakfast.
fat tom
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Two more nice ones Mike! I don't know how you keep comin' up with 'em. I've got a few,but none in that condition. Here's one of the military parked ones,along with a 1911-A1.
And an engraved example from 1912.
f.t.
And an engraved example from 1912.
f.t.
Bell Charter Oak Holsters
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Well sir, if that is so, I stand corrected. I'd like to see a few and where you cite your references from. I'd appreciate it, thank you kindly.
Cheers;
Lefty
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Here is a couple pictures of a pre war 1908 .380 in a pre war Audley holster.The Audley holster was patented Oct 13 1914.The gun is held in by a spring loaded lock.You reach into the trigger guard with your index finger to release the gun.
Bell Charter Oak Holsters
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Collect them for 50 years, buy all the books, talk to every collector......and soon they figger out your a pre war revolver guy. I been found out, drug to the floor and hornswhaglled. Good thread. Well done!
Cheers;
Lefty
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Lefty,If you look at ft's post.I think you will see one of them there parkerized military 1903's
OP
Two more nice ones Mike! I don't know how you keep comin' up with 'em. I've got a few,but none in that condition. Here's one of the military parked ones,along with a 1911-A1.
And an engraved example from 1912.
f.t.
My God Bobby! Where did you find that engraved beauty.Factory?
fat tom
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Don't know if it's factory or not. Have had some say yes,some no. The pearls are definitely aftermarket. Bought it from the estate of an elderly gentleman a few years ago. Along with 17 others. :D All colts,with the exception of a Browning Renaissance and Centennial.
That Audley is the only one for a Colt auto that I don't have. Just can't make myself pay what they are bringing now. :o
f.t.
That Audley is the only one for a Colt auto that I don't have. Just can't make myself pay what they are bringing now. :o
f.t.
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OP
Pm me your name and mailing address and I'll send you a copy.
Texas Star
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Lefty-
I used to work at a public library where a co-worker mentioned carrying a Colt .32 while an Army courier. He was an enlisted man. I think he said he checked the gun out before each courier mission. Didn't retain it in his barracks.
Army Intelligence and CID agents also had small handguns. I've seen photos of them going through German documents, and snub Colt .38's were worn. Some were probably enlisted. But I agree that enlisted men usually had .45 autos or Victory Models, if any handguns at all. Of course, MP's, members of tank crews, radio men, crew-served weapons teams, etc. were armed with handguns. Don't know about enlisted aircrew, although I know of one B-17 gunner who shot down an ME-109 with an S&W .38! May have been his own gun. (His .50 cal. had run dry.)
I think Naval aircrewmen had pistols. Author Gene Gangarossa mentions having his own P-38 as a helicopter crewman much later than WW-II.
And one paratrooper who became an author mentions wearing a nickled .45 that his dad sent him. He also had a captured P-38, and those pistols were among his most treasured possessions. He was very concerned that they'd be taken from him when he was wounded and needed surgery. A sympathetic doctor had him unload them and hid them in his bed. I think he still has both. You've probably seen his books like, "The Road Past Arnhem."
Question for the experts out there: There is a fairly local shop (very reputable) that has a Colt 1908 in .380, nickel and with period ivory grips (with Colt medallions). SN is 997xx. They're asking $1,250. Overall condition is well into the 93-95% range. Thoughts?
John F.
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IMHO, that's a bit high on that Colt, although high-condition ones
in FACTORY nickel are not easy to find. Of course, values vary by
region. I would examine it carefully to ensure it's original nickel before I
bought it. If all original with an excellent bore, I'd see if they might accept an offer of $1100. Hope this helps!
John
in FACTORY nickel are not easy to find. Of course, values vary by
region. I would examine it carefully to ensure it's original nickel before I
bought it. If all original with an excellent bore, I'd see if they might accept an offer of $1100. Hope this helps!
John
John,
This is a great help, thank you! I'm guessing that part of the premium is the Colt ivory. I haven't looked at it in person, but they are billing it as having an excellent bore and mechanicals. I have bought from them before and they have a tendency to be pretty conservative in their ratings.
This is a great help, thank you! I'm guessing that part of the premium is the Colt ivory. I haven't looked at it in person, but they are billing it as having an excellent bore and mechanicals. I have bought from them before and they have a tendency to be pretty conservative in their ratings.
OP
Sounds like the price is in the ballpark with factory Ivory grips.
OP
F.T. picked this Audley up for 69.50 :)
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