Gun of the
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Coltautos.com Gun of the Month - August 2002
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP
Serial Number 338539, Factory Inscribed "H.G.W. From H.S.B. 1919"
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A rare factory inscribed Model M in .32 A.C.P. This pistol is inscribed "H.G.W. From H.S.B. 1919"
on the left side of the frame where the serial number is typically
located. The serial number was relocated to the right side of the
frame, above the trigger, to allow for the inscription. Colt factory
letter confirms these features and indicates that this pistol was a single
gun shipment to H.S. Bettes Hardware Company, Paris, Texas on February 2,
1920. Harry S. Bettes was born on March 18, 1858 and died on
June 23, 1939. He and his wife, Mary Elizabeth McBath Bettes are buried in
Evergreen in Paris, TX.
According to the 1920
census, H.S. Bettes was born in 1859 in Missouri and was age 61 in 1920.
He resided in Paris, Texas.
Close-up of the factory inscription.
Right side showing
relocated serial number.
Close-up or relocated
serial number.
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