Colt Model 1908 .380 Hammerless Pocket Automatic Pistol. The pistol has Colt's high-polish blue finish and is engraved in a scroll and punch pattern. The monogram "WBW" is elaborately inlaid in gold in a circular panel on the right side of the receiver between the edge of the stock and the slide. The factory letter that accompanies the pistol states that it was shipped from Colt to E.L. Bensen at Stauffer Eshleman & Company, New Orleans, Louisiana on February 9, 1911. The pistol is factory engraved by Master Engraver, Cuno Helfricht with the initials "WBW" inlaid in gold on the receiver. Former historian R.L. Wilson notes on page 423 of THE BOOK OF COLT FIREARMS that only 45 Model 1908 Hammerless pistols were inscribed or monogrammed. Of these 45 pistols, ONLY TWO are gold inlaid. The pistol is fitted with mother-of-pearl stocks. The right stock is carved with a relief Eagle and Shield. The right side of the slide is marked: "AUTOMATIC COLT/CALIBRE 380 HAMMERLESS" in two lines below the ejection port. The left side of the slide is marked: "PATENTED/APR.20.1897 DEC. 22. 1903" in a two-line block followed by: "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO./HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." in another two-line block. The encircled rampant Colt is located behind the grip serrations. Colt's "VP/Triangle" proof mark is located on the left side of the trigger guard bow. The magazine has a dull blue finish and polished floor plate. The bottom of the floor plate is marked: "CALIBRE .380" in one line.

Excellent, totally original, overall. The pistol shows light to moderate handling wear and retains approximately 97% of the bright original factory, high-polish blue finish. A minor spot of surface pitting is on the slide above and to the left of the serial number (see photo). There is moderate handling wear on the top and sides of the frame and on the grip safety. There is some minor rust texturing on the left side of the slide between the patent markings and address and on the front of the trigger guard bow. Approximately 95% of the niter blue finish is present on the slide safety lever, sights and trigger. The engraving is deep and sharp. The pearl stocks are excellent plus and free from cracks or discoloration. The bore appears to be excellent. This exceptionally rare, nearly unique, engraved and gold inlaid Colt Model 1908 Hammerless Pocket Pistol is fully documented as one of only two pistols of this model with gold-inlaid monograms (The Book of Colt Firearms, page 423) that can be documented impeccably by Colt Factory Records. Writer is unaware of the other example at time of writing and am sure it would be near impossible to replace