Skip to main content
Rock Island Auction Company
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout us
Log InCreate Account
Rock Island Auction CompanyRock Island Auction Company
Contact us
1-309-797-15001-800-238-8022[email protected]
Locations
Bedford, TX
3600 Harwood RoadBedford, Texas 76021, USA
Rock Island, IL
7819 42nd Street WestRock Island, Illinois 61201, USA
Hours
Monday - Friday8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Navigation
AuctionsConsignmentLatestFAQAbout usAccount
More Info
Terms & ConditionsPrivacy PolicyJob postings & CareersOrder a catalogContact
Social media
© 2025 Rock Island Auction Company. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Click here for more information.
Healthcare Transparency in Coverage.
Disconnected
Unable to connect to live update server, attempting reconnection. If this persists, please try refreshing your browser.
Disconnected state indicated by at top of page. If you cannot see this icon, you are connected.
Rock Island Auction Company
Hello.
Please Log In, or .

Home
Auctions
Consignment
Latest
FAQ
About us

  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3509

Lot 3509:Engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol

September 12th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
  • /Auctions...
  • /Catalog...
  • /Lot 3509

Lot 3509:Engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Pistol

September 12th, 2021|Rock Island, IL
Price Realized:
Login to viewLogin to view
Price obfuscated
Estimated Price$8,500 - $13,000
Log In to use Wishlists
Share

Attractive Engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol with Factory Letter and Matching Box with "Engraved" End Label

Manufactured at the end of 1916, this Colt Model 1903 was subsequently embellished on behalf of the factory with very attractive, near full coverage engraving. The left side of the slide is marked with the standard two-line, two-block patent dates and address, followed by the circled Rampant Colt behind the serrations. The right side of the slide has the standard two-line caliber marking. The serial number is in an engraved banner on the left of the frame and a "VP" proof is on the left of the trigger guard. The slide and frame are both profusely engraved with floral scroll on a punchdot background with some sunburst patterns scattered throughout. Interestingly the engraving on the top of the slide features a cockatrice fairly discreetly worked in amongst the scroll surrounding the ejector port. The finely figured grips are also ornately embellished, each featuring a checkered center with a scalloped border. Includes the original box which has a label marked "'ENGRAVED.'" on the end of the lid just above the standard Colt label. The included factory letter confirms the caliber and barrel length, lists the finish as "soft", noting that the soft finish the pistol was shipped unfinished for engraving outside the factory. The letter also lists shipment to W.E. Potter at Armory 125, Colt's Patent Firearms Mfg. Co. in Hartford, Connecticut. The identity of W.E. Potter is currently unknown, but period newspapers local to Hartford reveal a local businessman by that name. Obviously, the aforementioned individual had close association to Colt in order to receive this exceptional pistol, most likely a gift. Provenance: The Dr. Robert Azar Collection

ConditionVery fine, retains 85% plus of the blue finish with the balance a smooth grey patina, primarily on high spots and the grip straps, and some scattered light handling marks. The grips are excellent with some scattered light handling marks and crisp grip checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is good with some moderate wear, torn lid corners, and one long side of the lid absent.
Details
ManufacturerColt
Model1903 Pocket Hammerless
TypePistol
Serial number
ClassCurio & Relic Handgun
Caliber / Gauge32 ACP
Barrel3 3/4 inch round
Finishblue
Gripwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views6455
Catalog page266
Find MoreRelated Items
Lot 360Engraved Colt M1903 Pistol with Factory Letter and Pearl Grips
View Lot
Lot 454Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol
View Lot
Lot 135Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless Semi-Automatic Pistol
View Lot
Lot 1519Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Model 39 Pistol with Letter
View Lot
Show More