November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Manufactured 1916. During World War I, Colt supplied the Belgian government with a large number of .32 caliber Model 1903 pistols. These were marked with an "A" in a diamond on left side of frame to the rear of the serial number. According to the book "Colt Pocket Hammerless Automatic Pistols II" by Brunner, page 111, these were shipped on November 24th, 1916 in a shipment of 2,200 pistols from serial No. 203100 to No. 232160. A total of 24,002 pistols were shipped to Belgium; not all stamped with the "A". The last shipment was sent on February 27th, 1917. A picture of the "A" stamp can be found on page 112 with example of proper font. The majority of these saw very heavy use and very few all original pistols are found in any condition. Left side of slide has the Type E factory stamps in block lettering with no serifs (page 16). Has the early "VP", verified proof, that started in 1905; Type C Colt pony at left rear of slide (pony is not standing in demand which began in 1916); diamond checkered safety; Type E slide arrow on right side that started at serial No. 122350 (no feathers); "COLT AUTOMATIC" on right side of slide (1914); last style Colt hard rubber grips referred to as Type D starting at serial No. 170000; two-tone tempered magazine with seven view holes and crimp base, third type; second type rounded rear sight with U-shape notch. Slide is not numbered. Fine bore. Frame retains approximately 90% original factory blue with high edge wear, thinning on backstrap and 80% on front grip strap. Slide retains 75-80% original blue, thinning a bit more at left front muzzle. Very fine example of an original World War I Belgian military contract pistol.