Colt Model 1903 Pistol : Lieutenant General A J Boase, Australian Military Forces

The Colt M1903 is a blowback operated, semi-automatic pistol. The recoil spring is located under the barrel. The single action trigger unit has a concealed hammer. The pistol has a non-pivoting trigger. A manual safety switch is located at the left side of the frame, above the grip panel. When engaged, it locks the sear and the slide. It also locks the slide in the open position for disassembly. An additional automatic grip safety locks the sear unless the pistol is properly held in the palm. The barrel is locked to the frame by several radial ribs. To disassemble the pistol, the slide must be retracted and locked open with the safety and the barrel can then be rotated out of engagement with the frame and recoil spring. An automatic slide stop (hold open) device is incorporated with the visible lever located at the right side of the frame, above the triggerguard. A single row detachable magazine is inserted in the butt and locked by the lever at the heel of the grip. The pistol grips are made from plastic material and screwed to the frame and features the Colt trade mark of a mustang. The slide has factory cyphers engraved - Patented APR 20 1897 DEC 22 1903; COLT'S HT F A MFG CO, HARTFORD, CT USA on the left side of the slide. COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBRE .380 HAMMERLESS on the right side. The pistol has a high lustre blued finish with some wear on the frame and slide.

This Colt Model 1903 Pistol belonged to Lieutenant General Allan Joseph Boase who served with distinction with the Australian Army from 1911 to 1951. It was privately purchased by Allan Boase in London after his service revolver was appropriated by the hospital ship's doctor while being treated for wounds he received on Gallipoli.