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The very first factory engraved and gold
inlaid Colt Model M .32 ACP, blued finish with Type I
slide markings, six gold inlays and gold monogrammed grip
safety with the initials "D.H.P.". This gun was
shipped to Browning Brothers in Ogden, Utah in
December, 1903. This is also the first Model M produced
with mother-of-pearl grips. The engraving, inlay and
monogrammed grip safety were masterfully performed by Colt
engraver, Cuno Helfricht. Perhaps the most unique
aspect of engraving on this pistol is that when the work was
performed, no pre-defined styles of engraving existed for
the Model M. Just 17 of the Model Ms (in both .32 and .380
calibers) are noted as having any type of gold inlay work.
Click here to read the recently discovered history of this
Colt pistol
An early factory engraved and
factory inscribed Colt Model M caliber .380 blued finish
with Type II mother-of-pearl grips. Note the presence of
factory monogram below. Factory letter confirms all
features of this one gun shipment on March 19, 1912 to
J.R. Beno.
A factory inscribed Colt Model 1903 Pocket
Hammerless in .32 ACP. This pistol has the inscription "Presented
to Tom Word, Jr. Portland, OR. By H.W.H. M.D. 1913" The
serial number, 143661, was relocated and engraved just above
the left grip in order to make room for the inscription.
This gun is fitted with factory smooth
walnut grips. For more information on Herbert W. Hegele,
MD and Tom Word please see the Coltautos.com Gun of the
Month listings for
June 2001
and July 2001.
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32 ACP
serial number 217890 inscribed to "M.H. Stedman" on left
side of the frame. Inscription is believe to be factory
from both the style and the fact that Morgan Stedman was a
Colt employee. Pistol is parkerized and was presumably
refinished at the factory in the 1940s. Barrel is stamped
with the serial number 217890 in front of the lugs. Thumb
safety is blued as is the extractor. Feed ramp on frame is
polished bright.
Close-up of inscription "M.H. Stedman" on
left front frame.
A factory inscribed Model M in .32 ACP.
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.
Close-up of the factory inscription.
Right side showing relocated serial number.
Close-up of relocated serial number.
Model M .32 ACP factory inscribed to 1st
LT. A.W. Norrie of the Windsor Guard on January 15,
1920. This gun was a one gun shipment on February 16, 1920.
This is one of five Model Ms known to have had factory
markings relocated in order to accommodate an inscription
and one of two known to have had the roll marks on the slide
relocated. For the other, see
General
George Marshall's Model M .380.
Right side of 1st LT. A.W. Norrie
pistol. Since the inscription was located on the left side
of the slide, the standard left side slide markings were
relocated to the right side. The slight discoloration on
the gun is oil.
A Model M in .32 ACP factory inscribed to
R.H. ALLIS on left side of frame. Gun was delivered
to Harry Stevens (inventor of the Stevens Sight)
in 1924 at the Colt Factory for presentation to Allis. This
pistol is fitted with the earliest variation of machine
checkered walnut grips with forward facing flush
medallions. (i.e. the horse on each of the grip medallions
faces the front of the gun.)
Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless .32
serial number 491314 – Factory engraved "A", and factory
inscribed "K-C" on left side of frame, blued finish, mother
of pearl grips. Shipped 1927. |
