Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket .25 ACP Semi Automatic Pistol, Manufactured 1911 C&R
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $504.00
Designed by John Moses Browning, the Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket became one of the most recognizable American pocket pistols of the early twentieth century. Chambered in .25 ACP, the compact striker fired pistol combined simple operation with a remarkably small frame intended for discreet personal carry. Manufactured in 1911, this early production example features a 2 inch barrel, original blue finish, and checkered hard rubber Colt grips. Retaining approximately 80 percent of its original metal finish, it remains in Very Good condition and is accompanied by a six round magazine.
Identification
MMA#: 260513BE001
Make: Colt
Model: Model 1908 Vest Pocket Hammerless
Serial Number: 47474
Year of Manufacture: 1911
Caliber: .25 ACP
Action Type: Striker Fired Semi Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 2 Inches
Safety: Grip Safety
Classification: Curio & Relic
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a small fixed blade.
The rear sight is a square notch milled directly into the rear of the slide.
This simple, low profile sight arrangement is characteristic of the Model 1908’s compact pocket pistol design.
Grip Configuration & Condition
The grips are two piece checkered hard rubber panels featuring “COLT” lettering along the upper portion and the Rampant Colt emblem.
The panels are mismatched.
The right grip has a rounded upper profile with a stylized “C” in the center.
The left grip has a square upper profile without the stylized “C.”
Both panels remain in approximately Fine condition, although they do not form a matching original set.
Overall grip condition: Fine as mismatched.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
This pistol retains approximately 80 percent of its original metal finish.
The remaining finish exhibits wear consistent with handling, storage, and use.
The original catalog description does not identify specific areas of finish loss or surface damage beyond this general wear.
Overall condition: Very Good.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: The bore exhibits wear consistent with previous use. In the original evaluator’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly during mechanical evaluation.
The pistol was not test fired.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included is one six round detachable magazine.
Our Assessment
The Colt Model 1908 Vest Pocket represents one of John Moses Browning’s most successful contributions to the development of compact semi automatic handguns. Based on a design also manufactured by Fabrique Nationale as the Model 1906, the Colt version entered production in 1908 and quickly established itself as a practical alternative to the small revolvers commonly carried for personal protection during the early twentieth century.
Chambered in .25 ACP, the Model 1908 employed a simple blowback operating system, striker fired mechanism, and compact six round magazine. Its small dimensions allowed it to be carried in a vest or coat pocket, while the grip safety provided an additional safety feature within the pistol’s streamlined design. Despite its modest size, the Model 1908 was manufactured with the fit and finish associated with Colt’s commercial handguns of the period.
This particular example was manufactured in 1911, placing it among the earlier years of the model’s lengthy production history. It retains approximately 80 percent of its original blue finish and remains in Very Good overall condition. The bore rates 7 out of 10, reflecting previous use, while the action functions correctly during mechanical evaluation.
One distinguishing detail is its mismatched Colt hard rubber grips. Although both panels feature Colt markings and the Rampant Colt emblem, they represent different grip configurations, with the right panel incorporating a rounded top and stylized “C” while the left has a square top without that marking. This distinction is relevant when evaluating the pistol’s originality.
For collectors of early Colt automatics and Browning designed firearms, this 1911 Model 1908 offers an interesting example of the compact handgun designs that became increasingly popular before World War I. Its early manufacture, surviving original blue finish, and recognizable Colt styling preserve the character of one of America’s classic pocket pistols.
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