Coltautos.com Gun of the Month - July 2002
Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless .380 ACP
Inscribed "Property of United Air Lines"
Model M .380 from 1929-30 period used by
United Air Lines.
Before W.W.II, there were shipments of Model Ms to various air lines. According to
one source, before W.W.II, there was a requirement for commercial air line pilots to be
armed. This gun is marked "Property of United Air Lines" on the
right side of the frame above the grip. These markings are not believed to be
factory. A second gun, also a .380 ACP and marked in the exact same manner, were
accompanied by "Hibbard" marked brown flap holsters. The backs of the
holsters have been modified and appear to have been configured in a way that allowed them
to be fastened to the plane either by snaps or by another type of fastener. They
have been converted back to a hip holster configuration.
Model M .380 from 1929-30 period used by
United Air Lines.
Before W.W.II, there were shipments of Model Ms to various air lines. According to
one source, before W.W.II, there was a requirement for commercial air line pilots to be
armed. This gun is marked "Property of United Air Lines" on the
right side of the frame above the grip. These markings are not believed to be
factory. A second gun, also a .380 ACP and marked in the exact same manner, were
accompanied by "Hibbard" marked brown flap holsters. The backs of the
holsters have been modified and appear to have been configured in a way that allowed them
to be fastened to the plane either by snaps or by another type of fastener. They
have been converted back to a hip holster configuration.
