|
|
Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP - World War One - Belgian Contract Examples
|
 1903
Colt Model M .32 Belgian Contract serial number 200,452
circa. 1916 - marked with the Diamond "A" proof
mark on the left side of the frame behind the serial number.
This pistol was part of a World War I contract between
Colt and the Belgian government to supply Belgium with
a large number of Colt Model M pistols in .32 caliber. A
notation in the Colt shipping books indicates that these
pistols were marked with an "A" in a diamond shaped box.
This pistol was one of 1200 shipped to the Government of
Belgium on March 8, 1916.
Colt Model M Tin
Shipping Box
Tin Shipping Box - In 1915, Colt's used a tin two
piece shipping box for some overseas (Belgian) and domestic
shipments. The boxes were painted maroon (to resemble the
standard cardboard hinged shipping box) and contained the
standard labels of the day. The end label extended under
the bottom of the box so that the serial number could be
hand written in the standard location. Between 4/22/15 and
12/20/15, a total of 3,582 caliber .32 pistols were listed
as having been shipped in "Tin Boxes." Most of them were
used for shipments to Belgium.
Belgian Contract
Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP
Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP serial number 188145
Belgian Contract with reblued finish and unique
checkered woods grips with an uncheckered diamond around the
grip screw. Pistol came with an FN Model 1922 holster.
This pistol was one of 1000 shipped to the Government of
Belgium on September 29, 1915.
Colt 1903 .32 serial number 188145 left side.
Colt 1903 .32 serial number 188145 left side close-up.
Notice traces of markings to the right of the serial number
on the frame and above the "1903" date on the slide.
Colt 1903 .32 serial number 188145 right side.
Another set of checkered wood grips, with uncheckered
triangular area around grip screw escutcheons. These grips
came from Belgium and were presumably created for use on the
WWI Belgian contract Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32
ACP pistols.
Rear view of Belgian made wood grips for the Belgian
contract Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP. |
|
|
