3721

Excellent Documented U.S. Contract British Proofed Colt Model 1903 .32 Automatic Pistol with Factory

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:900.00 USD Estimated At:1,800.00 - 2,750.00 USD
Excellent Documented U.S. Contract British Proofed Colt Model 1903 .32 Automatic Pistol with Factory
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Colt Model 1903 Hammerless .32 Automatic Pistol manufactured in 1942 and shipped to Great Britain in 1944 for issue by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to European Resistance organizations. The pistol has the smooth Colt Parco-Lubrite finish with a blue barrel. The grips are checkered walnut with nickel silver Colt medallions. The magazine is blue. The pistol has the late style, square top rear sight and wide-ramp front sight. "U.S. PROPERTY" is roll-stamped on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard. The serial number, "566015" is located on the opposite side of the frame. A small Ordnance escutcheon acceptance mark is stamped behind the slide safety and the Colt "Triangle/VP" proof mark is stamped on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The right side of the slide is roll-stamped "COLT AUTOMATIC/CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS" in two lines below the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked with the Colt Hartford address and 1897 and 1903 patent dates in two lines. The Rampant Colt trademark is stamped on the left side of the slide behind the grip serrations. The magazine floor plate is marked "CAL 32/COLT" in two lines. Post war British proof and view marks are stamped on the barrel chamber and the right side of the slide and frame. The pistol is complete with a reproduction Kraft box. The pistol serial number, "566015" is written on the box lid in pencil. The box contains an instruction sheet and parkerized cleaning rod along with the original tan tissue wrapping paper.
BBL: 3 3/4 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 32 ACP
Finish: parkerized
Grips: walnut checkered
Serial Number: 566015
Condition: Excellent. The pistol retains 99% of the original Parco-Lubrite finish and has only very insignificant storage wear. The grips are in excellent condition, with only a shallow dent in the left grip below the medallion. The magazine has 98-99% of the original blue finish. The bore is mirror bright. All of the markings are extremely sharp. The box, instruction sheet and cleaning rod are all excellent. This is an excellent example of a U.S. Contract Colt Model 1903 Hammerless .32 Automatic Pistol supplied to the SOE for Clandestine Operations in Nazi-occupied Europe during WWII.