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Colt 1903 Pocket Model 38

WildBill
I have a 1903 Pocket Model Colt 38 with all the correct markings , correct barrel length and finsh that looks commensurate with its age. SN 45XXX.

What is strange is that it is Nickel Plated. All my reference books claim only blued finish. All edges are sharp , lettering doesnt appear sanded. Cannot find any traces of blue anywhere.

I know that the Model 1902 had option for Nickel Plating but no mention under 1903 specs.

Expert help and or comments would sure be appreciated.

Cavanaughkid
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • WildBill
    I understand it may have been Nickel Plated after buying but guesses that would be highly improbable. Wanting to know if ity ever was an option. Thanks
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  • rhmc24
    In the Colt book by Sutherland and Wilson, it says the 1903 Hammer Pocket Model cal 38 was blued but nickel was available on special order.
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  • WildBill
    Hey RHMC; What do you drink ? Thanks much.


    Wildbill
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  • Lazarus40
    Douglas Sheldon's book COLT'S 38 AUTOMATIC PISTOLS records only SEVEN 1903 38 Pocket Hammer Automatic's as having been factory noted to have a nickel finish. He implies all were intended for south-of-the-border sale. The last three pistols noted in the factory ledger book as having been nickel plated were in fact ordered as a consecutive serial numbered set...# 44127, 44128, and 44129. Interestingly, these three guns, along with two MORE nicleled guns #44079 and 44099 were all shipped to Momsen, Dunnegan, Ryan Company of Los Angeles on January 27th of 1921. That is FIVE of the total of SEVEN nickeled guns the factory ledger lists for Model 1903 38 Pocket Hammer guns!
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  • WildBill
    Lazarus 40; Hey man , a really neat piece of Info. I have looked for that particular book several places, assuming its out of print havent had any luck.

    The only dilema I have now ,is my gun one of the last 2 . Im a novice of course but the only thing I can see wrong about it, is that the Rampent Colt Logo on the left side just under the hammer is not present. I compared a blued speciman to my gun.

    Other than that, I would have no idea about how to tell a original from a after market Nickel.

    Thanks guys.
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  • Lazarus40
    Wild Bill

    I have seen Doug Sheldon's book for sale a number of places....eBay ...Amazon....used booksellers....here at GUNBROKER in the books area. If I see a copy for a fair price, I'll drop you a line.

    If the Rampant Colt is not present on the left side by the rear of the slide, my first thought would be...refinish. Sorry but Colt seldom failed to place their TRADEMARK on their guns in those days.

    The 1903 Pocket Hammer 38 Automatic pistols are highly under-rated pistols. The original John Browning/Colt automatic pistol, good pieces are easily available for much less than the far more common 1911. The one I posess has two magazines and evidently was in Mexico at one time as, when I disassembeled it after purchase, it had a 1910 500 Peso banknote tucked under the left grip. The man I bought it from had owned it for at least 25 years and had never taken the grips off of it!
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  • IncarcerationFacilitator
    you can get a letter from Colt with all the info on your pistol (specs, finish, where shipped to, when, etc.) That, I beleive, will give you a certain answer if you have an original finsh gun. I hope you do! Take care.
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  • WildBill
    Smiles, thank you for the Colt information. I went there and this is answer I received ; Sorry, we cannot furnish anything in less than 100 days and the cost will be $ 70.00. Of course, if you really need the info and have $ 175.00 we can get it for you in 14 days. Whilikers, not that $ 70.00 would bend me but waiting 100 days is a little beyond my time frame. AS far as spending $ 175.00, thats a little far out for me. Apparently there are only 2 people working this Archive. Sounds like they could really use some more help.

    Again, I would like to tender my thanks to all who helped. I am in Western Wa. just North of Seattle. Anything I could help with would be my pleasure. E-Mail - Cavanaughkid@hotmail.com

    Wildbill
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  • Lazarus40
    I did a GOOGLE search for Douglas Sheldon's book COLT'S 38 AUTOMATIC PISTOLS and found any number of copies for sale at prices from $15 up. This book is a gem and I treasure my copy. If you have any interest in this the earliest Colt/Browning automatic pistol, (the 1900/1902 & 1903 38 autos) you should own a copy IMHO.
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  • v35
    Nickeling was often used as a refinish to improve a rough gun. Unless done at the factory or by an expert, repolishing rounds sharp edges & dishes out lettering and flat surfaces.
    The features of a factory nickel job should be just as sharp as on a blued gun.
    If you're missing markings your gun was likely refinished in nickel.
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