Lot 191

Factory Engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer Pistol

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Factory Engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer Pistol

Estimate: $14,000 - $22,500

Starting Bid: $12,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 21, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Attractive Factory Engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer Semi-Automatic Pistol with Ivory Grips Manufactured c. 1906, this is a highly attractive example of a factory engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer pistol. In "The Book of Colt Firearms" by Wilson, the authors indicate that approximately 15 Model 1903 Pocket Hammer pistols were factory engraved, making this example very scarce. An included copy of a letter from the Colt archives indicates that the records for this pistol were either lost or destroyed, but that it was manufactured c. 1906. Despite the lack of factory records, we feel that the pistol is factory engraved and appears to be the work of the shop of Colt's legendary engraver Cuno Helfricht, having one of his distinct kidney/fan shapes on the front left of the slide and a floral blossom on the bottom of the frame, both indicators of his work. The pistol itself shows masterfully executed scrollwork with beaded backgrounds on more than half of the surfaces, with the scrollwork itself being very typical of Helfricht's work. The left side of the slide has the two-line and two-block patent and address markings, with the Rampant Colt at the rear of the slide. The right side of the slide has the two-line caliber marking. The serial number is on the left of the frame and there is a "5" on the left of the trigger guard. It is fitted with the standard blade and notch sights, a checkered rounded hammer (standard until around serial number 22000), and a pair of very attractive smooth ivory grips.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: 1903 Pocket Hammer

BBL: 4 1/2 inch round

Gauge: 38 Colt Auto

Finish: blue

Grips: ivory

Serial Number18377

Class: Curio & Relic Handgun

  • Condition: Fine, retains 60% plus of the original blue finish, 40% of the original case colors on the hammer, and 50% of the original nitre blue on the trigger and screw heads with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina, a few scattered patches of light surface spotting, and crisp engraving overall. The grips are very fine with some scattered short age lines, some very light handling marks, and attractively aged tone. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to add a factory engraved Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammer pistol to your collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000