I'm pretty certain that it was originally his gun, too. I've searched through the 1920 federal census. There were thirteen George H. Estes and twelve were either farmers, laborers or clerks, which makes it unlikely that they had the discretionary income for this gun. If I broaden the search to ignore the middle initial and eliminate the children, my potential population expands to 64. But again, all but three are falling outside the farming/laborer/clerk/or REALLY old occupations. And from further research using different sources,two of those have something other than "H" as a middle initial. Which leaves BG George H. Estes.

I love a good research project, particularly when the pieces fall together.....