Colt M1903 WWII US Property British Lend-Lease No Reserve

This 1942 Colt Military M1903 is a British lend lease pistol is offered with the Kraft shipping box serial number matched to the Colt pistol and includes the original cleaning rod. This WWII M1903 is chambered in .32ACP and has a 3.75-inch barrel. Finished in the phosphate coating known as “Parkerized” it also wears a variety of proof and acceptance marks known to lend-lease pistols. 

The finish shows deep throughout most of the M1903. Areas showing light finish is the underside of the recoil spring housing, and some minimal high edge silvering. It’s common to see some oil residue from storage on lend lease pistols, some noted on the right side towards the front of the slide.

The markings on this Military Pocket Auto read legibly and show sharp. “COLT AUTOMATIC” “CALIBRE 32 RIMLESS SMOKELESS” on the right side of the slide “U.S. PROPERTY” The British proof marks “Crossed Sceptre” and the British Crown over “BNP” for Birmingham Nitro Proof stamp above the trigger.  The top of the slide shows the matching Crown and BNP above the extractor. On the hood of the barrel “.32 .675 12 TONS PER ” The left side show Colts patent and address in two lines ”COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO HARTFORD. CT. U.S.A” ”PATENTED APR. 20, 1897. DEC. 22, 1903.” The Rampant colt stamped behind the slide serrations. The frame shows the serial ”565304” above the trigger, the trigger bow shows ”VP” in triangle. A lightly stamped cross cannon can be seen behind the safety. 

The muzzle and leading edges of this military m1903 show mostly clean, and sharp edges despite some silvering. The finish shows no major handling marks, only light superficial marks scattered throughout. The walnut grips are in outstanding condition, showing sharp checkering throughout each grip panel. A colt medallion sits at the top of each grip panel  

Internally, the pistol shows some dried oil, but otherwise clean. The slide is serial number matched to the pistol. The bore shows clean, with strong lands and grooves. The magazine is marked on the floor plate “CAL32 COLT” is finished in blue and shows some light silvering on the floorplate corner.

The Kraft shipping box is in great condition, the serial number is marked on three sides likely at different points throughout the life of the pistol. In the box is the factory cleaning rod, the factory instruction guide, and an inventory or sales list print out likely added by one of the previous owners.

Overall, this would be an excellent addition to any World War II small arms collection, or those looking to expand their Lend-Lease collection.