Colt 1903
Pocket hammerless
.32 ACP Serial Number 200452
World War I Belgian Contract
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.