Colt 38 Rimless Smokeless

[cbunix23]

A friend at work sent me a photo of her Colt 1903 Pocket Hammer (edit with correct model name) sh e inherited:

I can't believe how nice the bluing still is on it. I think those are ivory grips too. Markings:

Right side :
AUTOMATIC COLT
CALIBRE 38 RIMLESS SMOKELESS

Left side :
PATENTED APR 20, 1897 / SEPT 9 1902
COLT'S PT.F.A.MFG.Co.
HARTFORD CT U.S.A

Serial number 421XX

I believe we determined before that is was manufactured in the 1920s (by looking at the serial numbers on the colt website), but I can't remember for sure.

Her father wrote a note with it that says "Believe it was purchased by Ensign ******** in England in 1918"

The right side doesn't show the same wear (at the end of the slide).

What is the value of this pistol? I'm thinking at least $2500. Higher? Most likely she will keep it as a family heirloom.

Thanks

 

[s&wchad]

That's a 1903 Pocket Hammer and the grips are fabulous. Yes, they're ivory. With those grips, you're probably close on the value. I'd get a letter.

I wish mine had ivories. Ask if she wants to trade grips!

 

[cbunix23]

She said:

"Thanks. I actually have a box of cartridges – box of 50 with maybe 12 missing. I found the box more interesting than the gun, myself. I have no idea of the barrel condition – but I doubt it ever saw much use. Maybe fired 12 times… "

 

[gunfish]

It's a beater but I like it.

 

[lawandorder]

Neat gun, beautiful ivory grips, definitely worth a factory letter.

 

[bobsdad]

According to my copy of "Colt's Dates of Manufacture" by R.L. Wilson, that 1903 hammerless s/n was manufactured in 1907.

 

[bobsdad]

Check that... I'm in error. That, of course, is not a 1903 hammerless. If it is a M1903 hammer pocket pistol, the date of manuf. would be 1920. Sorry. I wasn't very observant when glancing at the photo.