OLD COLT: WE PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN ONLINE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE FOR OLD COLT GUNS.
This Colt 1903 Pocket Hammerless SN 1819 was hand delivered on October 6th, 1903 directly William C. Skinner who would later serve as the President of Colt and Chairman of the board.
This particular pistol is especially interesting due to the factory engraving on the backstrap, which reads "Grace Loines Hall". The engraving is also indicated on the factory letter, factory engraved examples being exceedingly rare.
Grace Loines Hall was the daughter of John Henry Hall. John Henry Hall was the President of Colt who commissioned John M. Browning to develop the pocket hammerless pistol. Unfortunately, John Hall had passed away on June 25th, 1902 before the pistol was released to the public. Grace Loines Hall wedding day was the 7th of October. It is presumed that this pistol was presented as a wedding gift / momento of her father’s accomplishment on her wedding day.
William C. Skinner served as President of the Colt company from 1909-1911 and then as chairmain of the board from 1911 to 1916. Col. Skinner then served again as President of Colt from 1916 to 1921.
With the exception of the inscription on the backstrap, this pistol is a typical example of a first year, 4” barreled 1903 Colt Pocket Hammerless.
Note the High polish blue finish, fire blue small parts, 4" Barrel, Barrel Bushing, "Browning's Patent" roll mark and Type I hard rubber grips.
