Your internet resource for information on pre-war Colt Automatic Pistols.

Search for Colt Pistol Photos & Information

Collector's Information

Disassembly Instructions

Parts Identification

Production Information

Model 1903/08 Hammerless Instruction Sheet PDF (1.3MB)
password to open: coltautos.com


Colt Model M "Western Australia Police"

Colt Model 1908 .380 ACP serial number 134689.  One of approximately 200 pistols in the 134000 serial number range inscribed on the right side of the frame "W.A.P." over "No 43".  This pistol was shipped in a 100 gun shipment on January 14, 1942 to the British Purchasing Commission, 15 Broad Street, New York, NY.  These pistols were presumably ordered for the Western Australia Police but the order was cancelled and the pistols were redirected to the British Purchasing Commission in January 1942. 

The W.A.P. contract pistols also had the following installed features:

  • a staple shaped lanyard loop on the lower left side of the frame.  The grips were also notched to accommodate the presence of the lanyard loop. (See the Commercial .380 with Lanyard Loop)
  • a screw to block the thumb safety from being engaged (the screw has been removed, leaving an empty screw hole)

Unlike the SMP marked Colt Model M .380 pistols, this W.A.P. example retains the original blue and original grips  The magazine safety disconnector is still functional.

Left side of W.A.P. Model M .380 ACP showing factory lanyard loop and hole above thumb safety for the thumb safety retaining screw.

This pistol bears a "W" in a Crown stamped on the upper left flat of the trigger guard.

Close-up of factory lanyard loop.
Coltautos.com Recommended Reading from Amazon.com

The Government Models -- Click here to order!


The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols - Click Here to Order!
 Collector's Guide to Colt .45 Service Pistols -- Click Here to Order! Colt .45 Government Models - Click Here to Order!  

 


Click here for more Colt firearms titles!


Home | Wants | Gun of the Month | Historical Info | Instruction Sheets 
Online Bookstore | Books & Publications | Classifieds
User's Guide | Colt Care | FAQ | Links

Questions / Comments? Contact Us!
 

Coltautos.com © 1996 - 2010 by Sam Lisker. 
All rights reserved.

The Coltautos.com logos and all proprietary artwork and photos are the property of the Coltautos.com and may not be reproduced or distributed without expressed written permission.