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LOT 3328
Historic Documented World War II Manila Constabulary, Philippine Islands, Shipped and Returned Colt Model
1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol with Original Box and Factory Letter - Serial no. 553612, 32
ACP cal., 3 7/8 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1941, the included factory letter confirms the
pistol’s current configuration with 3 3/4 inch barrel chambered for .32 caliber, blue finish, and grips not listed when sold
the Chief of Manila Constabulary and included in a shipment of 18 pistols intended for delivery to the Philippine Trading
Company of Manila, Philippine Islands, on December 1, 1941. This is a shipment that would likely not be completed, as
just six days later the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise attack on the U.S. pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii,
and the day after elements of the Imperial Japanese Navy and Army began a combined attack and invasion of Luzon in
the Philippines, the island on which Manila is located. Despite attempts to hold off the invaders, U.S. and local defenders
lead by Gen. Douglas MacArthur were rapidly pushed back, with Manila being declared an open city by December 26,
1941. A remark at the bottom of the factory letter notes that this pistol was returned to the factory on May 26, 1942,
and subsequently sold to the U.S. Government and included in a shipment of 12 pistols sent to the Base Police Officer,
Naval Operating Base, Norfolk, Virginia, (to the attention of Lt. Col. J.M. Bain) on July 1, 1942, with The Norfolk Naval
Shipyards being one of the most important mainland U.S. naval ports during the war. Features fixed blade front and
notch rear sights, blued barrel marked “COLT 32 AUTO” on the left side with polished chamber, standard two-line address
and patent dates on the left side of the slide with caliber marking on the right and matching serial number on the
interior, with “X” and “triangle/VP” marked on the left of the trigger guard and “73” on the right side. Fitted with a pair
of checkered walnut grips with silver Colt medallions and two-tone blued magazine with “CAL.32/COLT” marked on the
underside of the floor plate. Includes the original Colt maroon box, with matching serial number written on the underside in pencil and matching end label.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus original blue finish with some minor edge wear, some minor freckling/spotting on the grip straps, and limited minor handling marks otherwise. The grips are excellent with original finish
and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with cracked edges. A very scarce example of a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless with a traceable connection to the fall of the Philippines, and later duty at
Norfolk Naval Shipyard, which would be very difficult to find.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3327
Desirable First Year Production
Three-Digit Serial Number 425
Colt Model 1900 “Sight Safety” Semi-
Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter -
Serial no. 425, 38 ACP cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut grips. Manufactured in 1900, the first year of production for Colt’s first commercially
available semi-automatic pistol. The included factory letter confirms the configuration as well as
shipment to Simmons Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri on July 17, 1900 as part of a 10 gun
shipment. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block patent date and address,
with the circled Rampant Colt at the rear, and the right side of the slide has the standard two-line caliber marking.
The early serial number “425” is marked on the left of the frame and underside of the slide. The sight features the
early pattern plunge-milled slide serrations at the rear, seen on pistols only below approximately serial numbers
1400-1500. It is fitted with blade front and notch rear sight safety in the original configuration, smooth walnut grips which were standard until
approximately serial number 2449, and a correct early nickeled magazine with “PAT’D SEPT.9.1884” on the base.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% original high polish blue finish with smooth brown and gray patina on the balance with scattered freckling,
and defined markings overall. Grips are also very good with some scratches and dents. Mechanically functions fine, although sight safety
retention spring is weak. A desirable first year production three-digit serial number Colt Model 1900 in “sight safety” configuration that is missing
from many Colt auto collections!
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3326
Colt Model 1905 Semi-Automatic Pistol Slotted for
Shoulder Stock with Factory Letter - Serial no. 3942,
45 ACP cal., 5 inch round bbl., blue finish, checkered
walnut grips. Manufactured in 1909, with the back strap
having been factory cut for a shoulder stock. The included
factory letter states the pistol was shipped to Seattle
Hardware Company, Seattle, Washington, on August 26, 1909 with a 5 inch barrel in .45/c, blue finish and type of stocks
not listed as part of a two gun shipment. Special features state furnished with a combination shoulder stock and holster. A
popular feature on military-caliber European auto-pistols in the early 20th century like the Mauser, Luger and High Power,
Colt never embraced the idea; most stock options seen for Colt’s semi-autos are aftermarket additions, not factory work. Fixed
sights, with the right side of the slide marked “AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 45 RIMLESS SMOKELESS” ahead of the ejection port, the two line,
two block address and patent dates on the reverse and the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The left side of the trigger guard
is marked “VP” and “W”. Knurled casehardened spur hammer with half-cock notch. Fitted with checkered walnut grips, with the back strap
factory slotted for stock mounting.
CONDITION: Fine, with 50% of the bright original high polish blue finish, showing a mixed brown and gray patina on the rear of the slide and
on the grip straps, bright edge wear and scattered handling marks. Strong case colors are present on the hammer, especially the right side,
with 70% of the bright original niter blue on the trigger and extractor. The grips are very fine, with some mild dings and scuffs.
Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500