Colt M1903 WWII US Property British Lend-Lease

This 1942 Colt Military M1903 chambered in .32ACP with a 3.75-inch barrel and factory parkerized finish. This WWII M1903 is a US Property British lend-lease Colt Pistol. In 1941 the U.S. Government passed the lease-lend act, that allowed the United States to supply any nations that were deemed critical to the defense of the United States with Munitions and war-related supplies. This allowed the U.S.A. to remain neutral to the conflict until its involvement after Pearl harbor. This Colt M1903 carries the variety of British proof marks in a few common locations. It’s offered with the military kraft box numbered to the gun. 

The parkerized finish shows a consistent texture throughout. The faces of the slide show minimal handling. There are no deep finish penetration scratches, only factory dried grease primarily noted on the right side of the pistol. Overall, this Colt M1903 has sharp leadings edges, checkered walnut grips, and is a war-time survivor. 

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. “96” on the right trigger guard bow. The top of the slide shows the matching Crown and BNP above the extractor and the barrel hood. Also, on the barrel hood “.32 .675 I2 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 frame shows the serial ”562683” above the trigger and a light cross cannon behind the safety. The Rampant colt stamped behind the slide serrations and the trigger bow shows ”VP” in triangle.  

The leading edges of this M1903 Pocket Auto are sharp and straight. The rounded front sight has a ramped back side. The muzzle shows some surface discoloration, with some minor handling marks and silvering noted in the near areas. The bore shows bright and shiny, displaying strong lands and grooves. Leading to a clean chamber area.  The rear sight is a square notch and set by dovetail in the slide. 

Colts’ flush type medallions sit at the top of the checkered walnut grips and are bright in display. The grips themselves show sharp checkering with no chips or marks noted on either side. The grip screw heads show some light tool marks. The grip safety shows off as smooth, and the front strap shows light brown and smooth. 

Included in the sale of this Colt M1903 British Lend Lease is the military kraft box numbered match, and a single magazine. The magazine is blue in color, marked “CAL 32 COLT”. This is a very nice and complete example that should enhance any World War II small arms or Unique Military Pistol