Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1
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Description
Smith & Wesson American Revolver Holster Rig
Lot # 76 (Sale Order: 76 of 568)
This very attractive holster rig bears no maker's marks but was very clearly made for a discerning customer. The Mexican loop pattern holster will accommodate a S&W No. 3 American revolver with an 8 inch barrel. Holster rigs are a rare American model accessory. The number "944" is marked on one of the loops. The body of the holster and the skirt are adorn with well executed pearl borders as well as a simple floral pattern on the holster. It is paired with a similarly colored cartridge belt with one row of .44 caliber cartridge loops and a nickel plated buckle. The cartridge/money belt has a floral tooled border. There is a money pocket located on the end at the buckle. The belt is 3 inches wide and measures approximately 38 1/2 inches long including the billet.
Class: Other
Fine showing some typical age cracking, 60% original nickel remaining on the buckle, and overall tight stitching. A great holster rig to accommodate your S&W No. 3 American revolver!
Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection
Box of Winchester Repeating Arms Co. .44 S&W American Ammunition
Lot # 77 (Sale Order: 77 of 568)
The green label on the top of the box has a illustration of a .44 S&W American cartridge and notes the fifty count of rounds. The labels on the side read, "Especially Adapted to Smith &/Wesson Revolvers" as well as ".44 S.&W./AMERICAN/Center Fire/Winchester Make" over the Winchester red "W" trademark. Another side label provides the Winchester guarantee. Fifty cartridges are included.
Class: Other
Fine with some edge separation and labels with distinct markings and illustration. This seldom seen box of ammunition displays nicely and will definitely compliment your S&W No. 3 American revolver!
Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection
Remington Model 1875 Single Action Revolver in .44-40 W.C.F.
Lot # 78 (Sale Order: 78 of 568)
While limited in production to only approximately 25,000 revolvers in 1875-1889, many of these "Improved Army" or "Frontier Army" revolvers saw hard use in the hands of Native Americans, settlers, and lawmen in the West making high condition examples like this one very scarce. The Model 1875 was Remington's answer to the Colt Single Action Army and is a solid firearm with fewer main components than Colt's revolver, but it simply suffered in the famous "Peacemaker's" shadow. The left grip is marked "44" near the butt, and "1312" is stamped and another non-matching number are written in pencil on the inside of each grip. The bottom of the grips have "4" (left) and "K" (right) hand cut at the heel. The left side of the grip frame is marked "14227" and "142." "142" is on the back of the cylinder, and "22" is visible on the loading gate arm. The barrel has the standard one-line address.
Class: Antique
Very fine with 85% plus original nickel plating, minor scratches and dings, mild wear at the muzzle and raised edges, and some flaking on the back strap. The grips are very good and have minor marks and scratches, a couple of small chips, and mild edge wear. The hammer will drop from the half-cock notch if the trigger is pulled stoutly, but it otherwise mechanically functions fine.
Engraved Merwin Hulbert & Co. Pocket Army Single Action Revolver
Lot # 79 (Sale Order: 79 of 568)
These classic revolvers were manufactured circa 1876 into the 1880s by the Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co. This factory engraved revolver has the classic floral engraving associated with the factory along with a round reposed stag panel scene on the left side plate. It features a round barrel, fluted cylinder, and bird's head butt. The left side of the frame under the cylinder is marked "CALIBRE/WINCHESTER" followed by "1873," and the right side of the frame is marked "MERWIN, HULBERT & CO. N.Y./POCKET ARMY". The left side of the barrel has the two-line Hopkins & Allen address and patent date marking. The serial number is stamped on the right of the grip frame ahead of the lanyard hole. The left of the grip frame, rear face of the cylinder, back of the barrel lug, and the cylinder pin have the assembly number "7702". It is fitted with a pair of smooth period fitted replacement walnut grips.
Class: Antique
Very fine with crisp engraving, 75% plus original nickel plating, some flaking on the cylinder, strong original niter blue finish on the hammer, flashes of original case colors on the hammer, smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, some spots of isolated pitting, and minor overall wear. The grips are also very fine and have minor handling and storage marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a very attractive example of Merwin, Hulbert & Co.'s classic "Pocket Army" revolver. Many of these revolvers were used out West making high condition factory engraved examples particularly desirable.
Nimschke Engraved S&W 1st Model .38 Single Action Baby Russian
Lot # 80 (Sale Order: 80 of 568)
Offered here is a highly attractive L.D. Nimschke engraved, presentation S&W Baby Russian Revolver with rare 4 inch barrel (3 ½ inch was standard). Only a very small number of the Baby Russian models were engraved, this writer knows of only one other engraved 4 inch example, with the present revolver being far and away the better and more significant. The near full coverage engraving consists mostly of Nimschke’s signature American broad floral scrollwork on punch dot backgrounds along with tight zig-zag line flourishes on the barrel and a large floral blossom behind the hammer. The revolver features a presentation inscription: “From Gardners Squad L.R.W.” inside a double line and dot panel on the back strap, “To Lieut. C.T. Watkins” on the front strap, and “Sept. 6th 1877” on the butt. Research reveals a Lt. C.T. Watkins referenced in several late 1870s to early 1880s editions of the Buffalo, New York, based Buffalo "Morning Express" and "Illustrated Buffalo Express" newspapers as having participated in target shooting matches. In several of these matches he finished in the top three, further detailed research is definitely warranted. The cylinder is plated in gold, and the remaining surfaces are plated in nickel. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with the rare 4 inch barrel, blue finish and checkered black hard rubber grips when it was shipped on July 26, 1877, to M.W. Robinson of New York City, S&W’s largest distributor. This shipment was for 25 units at a price of $9.25 each.
Class: Antique
Excellent, retaining 98% plus of the period retailer applied nickel plating and 95% of the period retailer applied gold plating. The engraving and inscription are crisp. The grips are also excellent with limited handling marks and highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Nimschke engraved, presentation S&W Baby Russian Revolver that will be a welcome addition to any S&W collection.
Presentation Cased Smith & Wesson Model No. 2 Army Revolver
Lot # 81 (Sale Order: 81 of 568)
Manufactured prior to 1865. The revolver features profuse New York engraving consisting of broad floral scrollwork, rope, cross hatching and entwining line motifs. The barrel and frame are silver plated, and the remaining surfaces are plated in gold. Matching assembly marks on the grip frame, barrel and cylinder. Comes with a period partitioned case.
Class: Antique
Fine as period New York engraved, retains 85% silver and 70% gold plating with the balance a smooth dark patina. The grips are very fine with a hairline crack (right panel), minimal handling marks and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. The case is very fine with minor handing/storage marks and typical high spot wear on the lining.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz collection; Property of a Gentleman
Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Lot # 82 (Sale Order: 82 of 568)
.32-20 WCF was a very popular caliber in the first generation SAA line. As author Dan Brown put it, "The .32-20 WCF cartridge had good range and accuracy. It is very easy to shoot, as it does not make the revolver buck as the larger calibers do. It also was used as a companion to the Winchester rifle of the .32-20 WCF caliber" ("The 36 Calibers of the Colt Single Action Army," page 190). This .32-20 WCF Peacemaker was manufactured in 1891. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped to Hartley & Graham of New York City on December 2, 1891 with a 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber, blue finish, and type of stocks not listed. This was a five gun shipment. The barrel has the one-line Colt Hartford address on top and "32 W.C.F." on the left side. The frame has the two-line patent dates marking followed by an encircled Rampant Colt. The loading gate has the assembly number "234." The matching serial number appears on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. Both grip panels have been renumbered to the gun. Included is an extremely rare period correct Colt SAA picture box. The end label confirms the 7 1/2 inch barrel in .32-20 caliber. The picture label on the lid features the side profile illustration of a black powder Colt SAA along with the period warning label reading, "The within revolver is not adapted for smokeless powder." The bottom of the box has a very faint serial number which matches the serial number on the gun ("142574"). The box is original to the gun. The interior of the lid has an Ideal Reloading Implements label. A cleaning rod and "Special Instructions" are also included.
Class: Antique
Very fine. The barrel and ejector rod housing retain 80% original blue finish, the cylinder retains 85% original blue finish, and the grip straps retain 60% original blue finish with smooth brown patina and holster type wear on the balance. The frame 50% original case colors, and the hammer retains patterns of the muted original case colors. The replacement grips are fine with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very good with some glue repairs and a faded but legible picture label. These picture boxes are extremely rare and missing from even the most advanced Colt SAA collections. Don't miss your opportunity to acquire an exceptional black powder Colt SAA with its original picture box!
Provenance: The TTT Collection
Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 Frontier Target Revolver
Lot # 83 (Sale Order: 83 of 568)
This revolver is one of 2,072 originally chambered in .44-40 WCF. Many of these revolvers were converted by S&W to .44 Russian, a more popular cartridge for New Model No. 3s at the time to be able to sell the Frontier Model to a wider audience. A total of 786 converted Frontier Models in .44 Russian were shipped to the Japanese government. This revolver is highly desirable among today's collectors and remains in well above average condition. The revolver is pictured and identified in Supica and Nahas' "Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 4th Edition" on page 121 and David Chicoine's "Smith & Wesson Sixguns of the Old West" on pages 145 and 146. Chicoine notes the revolver is fitted with factory target sights, "an unusual option for the Frontier Models." Besides the target sights, the revolver has a correct 1 9/16 inch cylinder, two-line address/patent dates legend on the barrel rib, unnumbered barrel latch, and matching two digit serial number "38" on the butt, right grip panel, cylinder, and barrel latch. The Frontier Model was issued in its own serial number range 1-2072.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine, retaining 90% frosted original nickel plating. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer. The trigger guard has faded to a gray. The grips are fine with minimal handling marks and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A highly sought after non-converted S&W New Model No. 3 Frontier revolver with rare target sights.
Inscribed Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Revolver
Lot # 84 (Sale Order: 84 of 568)
The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver with a 6 1/2 inch barrel, nickel finish and smooth walnut grips when shipped on August 5, 1877, and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New York City. The left side of the ejector housing is engraved "Col D. B. Case/4th Pa." A period retailer or jeweler performed the inscription. As a member of the 4th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Colonel David Brainard Case was among several thousand state militia soldiers called on by the Pennsylvania governor to restore law and order to a violent labor dispute in Homestead in 1892. Known as the Homestead Steel Strike as well as the "Homestead Massacre" and "Battle of Homestead", the labor dispute was a defining moment in U.S. labor history as the incident dealt a major blow in the movement to unionize steel works. Colonel Case went on to fight in the Puerto Rico campaign during the Spanish-American War (1898). The barrel rib legend ends with "RUSSIAN MODEL." The barrel, cylinder and barrel latch feature the mismatched serial number "38303."
Class: Antique
Good as assembled (see above), retaining 60% original nickel plating with a smooth dark patina on the balance. The grips are also good with a series of dings on the bottom. Mechanically excellent.
Smith & Wesson .44 Double Action First Model Revolver
Lot # 85 (Sale Order: 85 of 568)
All frames of the .44 Double Action First Model Revolver were manufactured between 1881 and 1898, but this model was listed in the company catalogs and sold up until 1913. This is a high condition example marked "44 S&W CTC" on the left side of the barrel. The caliber designation is a rare marking on this model. The revolver also has the two-line S&W legend on the rib, S&W logo on the right side of the frame, gold S&W medallion pearl grips, 1 9/16 inch cylinder, and matching serial numbers on the butt, cylinder, barrel, and barrel latch.
Class: Antique
Excellent, retaining 95% plus original nickel plating, 70% original blue on the trigger guard, and 80% original case colors on the hammer and trigger. The grips are also excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent. A S&W .44 DA First Model Revolver that displays very nicely.
European Copy of a Smith & Wesson No. 3 Russian Revolver
Lot # 86 (Sale Order: 86 of 568)
Patterned after the No. 3 Russian 1st Model revolver, this European built sidearm has a barrel rib marked "SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT. JULY 10 60. JAN 17 FEB 17 JULY 11 65 & AUG 24 69 RUSSIAN MODEL" and a frame marked "44 CAL" on the left side. "93" is marked on the cylinder, trigger guard and barrel latch, "26" is marked on the grip frame, and the serial number is marked on the butt. A lanyard ring is mounted on the butt.
Class: Antique
Fine, retaining 70% original nickel finish with the balance a smooth gray patina mixed with limited minor pitting. The grips are fine showing high edge wear and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Non-Engraved E. Remington & Sons Rider Magazine Pistol
Lot # 87 (Sale Order: 87 of 568)
Manufactured c. 1871-1888, this design by Joseph Rider with its tube magazine was one of the more unusual designs seen amongst a plethora of late 19th century pocket pistol designs. The vast majority of these pistols were factory engraved, making a non-engraved example like this one relatively scarce. The standard two-line Remington address and patent date are on the top of the barrel. It is fitted with blade front sight, peep rear sight through the breech block, and a pair of smooth rosewood grips. Accompanying the pistol is the extremely rare pasteboard box. This orange box features the correct label on the bottom with the finish of the gun identified as nickel: "Rider Repeater./Full Pate." The interior of the lid has the directions. The pistol and the box are pictured and identified in Eberhart and Wilson's "The Deringer in America, Volume II" on page 200. The rarity of the box is cited in the photo caption: "Only three Rider magazine pistol pasteboard boxes have been located by the authors."
Class: Antique
Excellent, retaining 98% plus original untouched nickel plating with a few minor scratches. The grips are also excellent with minimal handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The box is fine with a couple of glue repaired tears. A true rarity in early cartridge pocket pistol collection, this exceptional non-engraved Remington-Rider magazine pistol with original box will be a crown jewel to any derringer or Remington collection no matter how advanced.
Provenance: The Herb Glass, Jr. Collection; The Greg Lampe Collection
Chicago Protector Palm Pistol with Pearl Grip Panels
Lot # 88 (Sale Order: 88 of 568)
Rebated barrel with a band of floral engraving with the right side of the frame having a similar pattern around the edge and featuring "THE PROTECTOR PAT.MCH.6.83.AUG.29.93" in a circle inside the side plate. The left side plate is checkered around the border with "CHICAGO FIRE ARMS CO. CHICAGO, ILL" in a circle at the center. The left side plate twists off to reveal the magazine which is numbered to match the side plate and gun. The pistol has pearl grip panels, and the rear "grip" is fitted with a checkered hard rubber panel.
Class: Antique
Excellent. The pistol retains 98% original nickel finish with limited wear from cycling the action. The pearl is near excellent with a barely detectable hairline crack on the right panel. The hard rubber grip pad is also excellent with crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Gateway Collection
Pat Garrett Presentation Engraved Colt 1877 Thunderer Revolver
Lot # 89 (Sale Order: 89 of 568)
This historic Colt Model 1877 Thunderer Revolver was presented to legendary lawman Patrick F. Garrett c. 1902 "from his El Paso friends" after he was appointed United States Collector of Customs by President Theodore Roosevelt. By that period, Pat Garrett had made a name for himself as a lawman in the American West and had become a living legend for tracking down and killing the notorious outlaw Bill the Kid in the summer of 1881. See the description for the historic gold badge presented to Garrett by A.J. Fountain in 1881 in Lot 90 for more details on the death of Billy the Kid, and also see the lots featuring documents signed by or directly relating to Garrett, including a photograph in Lot 91 of Garrett in El Paso in 1902. Like many well-known gunfighters, his fame came with a heavy price as there were plenty of men who wanted him dead. Ultimately, Garrett both lived and died by the gun and was killed in the desert on February 29, 1908.This historic revolver is engraved in classic American scroll engraving with beaded backgrounds and wavy line and dot accents and features a gold plated/washed finish overall. The 4 ½ inch rounded barrel is stamped with the two-line address "COLTS PT F.A. MFG. Co/HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A." on top and "COLT. D.A. 41" on the left side in an oval panel. The matching serial number "138671" is marked on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. The three-line, three patent dates marking is on the left side of the frame. The back strap is inscribed: "PAT F. GARRETT" followed by "FROM HIS/EL PASO FRIENDS". The unusual solid German silver grips are inscribed "CUSTOMS/COLLECTOR" on the right and "Lincoln", "Dona Ana", and "El Paso" with scroll accents on the left. The fine balance of weight and proportion of the revolver is readily apparent as it must have been to Pat Garrett when he first held it over 120 years ago. He may have recalled that it was a Colt Model 1877 Lightning that had been used by his former foe, Billy the Kid two decades earlier. The factory letter indicates the revolver was one of three Model 1877 Thunderer's with 4 1/2 inch barrels, "soft" finish, and the stocks not listed when shipped to M. Hartley Company in New York City on October 29, 1902, and the remarks state: "The word 'soft' which appears with the finish indicates that subject revolver was shipped without finial finish for engraving outside our factory." The revolvers may have shipped with either standard grips or without grips given many of the “soft” revolvers sent to the major New York dealer were fitted with deluxe grips of varying types.One of the most important pieces of historical documentation regarding the revolver is a previously published affidavit made on April 23, 1933, by Ed Warren, an employee of the Coney Island Saloon in El Paso (not included). He stated: "Two separate times, Mr. Garrett came into the Coney Island and left guns for Mr. Powers [owner of the saloon] to display in his collection. The first time, about 1906, Mr. Garrett brought in two guns; these guns were a gold plated .41 Colt and a .44 Winchester rifle. I have examined the guns in the Powers estate and can attest, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they are the ones bearing the numbers 138671 on the Colt and 47629 on the Winchester….The golden Colt .41 was given to Mr. Garrett by some friends of the Customs House in 1902. This fact is attested to by the fact that Mr. Garrett said this on numerous visits. These facts are known by many people now living and can be substantiated." Warren made this affidavit during a lawsuit brought by Pauline Garrett against the estate of Tom Powers by which she reclaimed the Colt Model 1873 revolver used to kill Billy the Kid. The gun collection inventory in the probate records for Power’s estate also lists number 138671 as follows: "Colt D.A. 41 gilt pistol -I.D. No. 138671. This gun was given to Pat Garrett by Customs workers. Got from Garrett in 1906." The gun later became part of the Robert McNellis Collection and then the Dr. Richard C. Marohn Collection and has since changed hands a couple more times.This historic revolver has naturally attracted a lot of attention over the years and has been featured in several publications. It is illustrated and discussed in the chapter "Pat Garrett: The Man Who Shot Billy the Kid" by Robert E. NcNellis in the book "Guns and the Gunfighters" from
more... Provenance: Pat Garrett; The Pauline Garrett Collection; The Jarvis Garrett Collection; The Robert McNellis Collection; The Dr. Richard C. Marohn Collection; The John Fielder Collection; The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Gold Lincoln County Sheriff's Badge Presented to Pat Garrett
Lot # 90 (Sale Order: 90 of 568)
This historic five-pointed star badge has foliate and extremely well executed border engraving on the front along with "LINCOLN" (top) and "COUNTY" inscribed in banners and raised white gold "SHERIFF" at the center, and the back of the badge is inscribed "To/Pat Garrett/with the best/Regards of/A.J. Fountain/1881". It weighs one ounce and is solid gold, of an undetermined karat. The badge comes in a black leather bound case with red and white satin lining. It was presented to famed Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett after he shot and killed Henry McCarty (1859-1881), aka William Bonney and better known as Billy the Kid. Also featured in the auction are multiple lots containing documents signed by Garrett as the sheriff as well as related documents.As the killer of Billy the Kid, Patrick Floyd Jarvis Garrett (1850-1908) became the most famous lawmen of the American West. He was born in Alabama and grew up in Louisiana. After the Civil War, his family was in dire financial straits, and he lost both of his parents within less than a year when he was still a teenager and had to move in with relatives. When he was 18 years old, he headed to the West. By 1879, he was married and living in Lincoln County, New Mexico Territory. The county was still in turmoil due to the Lincoln County War during which at least 23 men were killed and another 23 wounded in a series of murders and gun battles between competing factions led by James Dolan and his associates on one side and John Tunstall and John Chisum and their associates, including Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County Regulators.Garrett became a deputy sheriff and was then elected sheriff in 1880. This was a dangerous position. Lawmen fought on both sides of the conflict and had been shot, including Sheriff William Brady and Deputy George W. Hindman in 1878 in a shootout with Billy the Kid and the Regulators. Governor Lew Wallace was tasked with bringing peace to the territory and ending the conflict and issued a warrant for Billy the Kid’s arrest. He and some of his accomplices were arrested by Garrett's posse in December 1880 at Stinking Springs. Garrett and his men had to fend off a potential lynch mob en route to Sante Fe but got the prisoners there alive. Though he had committed many crimes, Billy the Kid was tried only for the murder of Sheriff Brady. During the trial, he was represented by attorney Albert Jennings Fountain (1838-1896), the man who presented the gold badge to Garrett. Billy the Kid was convicted and sentenced to hang. However, before he could be executed, the notorious outlaw killed deputies James Bell and Bob Olinger and escaped on the evening of April 28, 1881. Garrett was out of town at the time, and Billy the Kid reportedly killed Olinger with Garrett's own shotgun which he had stolen from Garrett's office after killing Bell. Already convicted of murdering a sheriff and having just slain two more lawmen during his escape, Billy the Kid now had a $500 bounty on his head, but he remained on the run for months.In July, Garrett and two of his deputies traveled from Lincoln to Fort Sumner in search of the outlaw and spoke with Pete Maxwell, son of wealthy land owner Lucien Maxwell. Garrett and Maxwell waited in the latter’s bedroom in the dark for Billy the Kid to return. When he arrived, Billy the Kid could not make out who awaited him in the dark and reportedly asked “Quien es?” Garrett fired his Colt twice, one shot striking the Kid near the heart. He traveled to Sante Fe to collect the award, but acting governor William G. Ritch refused to pay him. In response, the local citizenry raised over $7,000 for Garrett as an award along with the gold badge. The territorial legislature also stepped in the following year to award Garrett $500 for killing Billy the Kid.Like Garrett's and Bonney's, A.J. Fountain's life was dramatic and violent, and he survived plenty of scrapes of his own before meeting his own death under mysterious circumstances after which Pat Garrett attempted to bring his killers to justice. A New Yorker by birth, Fountain spent much of his time in the West. During the Civil War, he fought in the 1st California Infantry as a sergeant and helped re-capture the New Mexico Territory from the Confederates and continued to serve during the Indian Wars in the Southwest, including being shot in the thigh and taking arrows to his arm and shoulder in a battle with the Apaches during the summer of 1865. After the war, he lived in El Paso, Texas, and held various public offices, including as a Republican state senator and was a key part of the effort to re-establish the Texas Rangers during Reconstruction. As a northern born R
more... Provenance: Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett; The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Framed Legendary Western Lawman Pat Garrett Letter and Portrait
Lot # 91 (Sale Order: 91 of 568)
The framed letter is written from Mobile, Texas, on July 1, 1891, to Garrett's uncle about the death of a man named Baxter and then "Make inquiry about Maxwell. See if you can find out where his people live and write to them. Ask Mr. Pruett, I think he knew Baxter before he came to Roswell." It is possible the Maxwell listed is Peter Maxwell. Garrett was speaking to Maxwell in his home in the middle of the night seeking out Billy the Kid when the outlaw walked in and was then shot and killed by Garrett. The bottom right of the letter is distinctly signed "P. F. Garrett". The letter is in a 22 5/8 by 36 inch frame. Also includes a framed 4 by 5 3/4 inch studio portrait of Garrett taken in 1902 by Feldman Studios in El Paso and has the photographer's stamp on the lower right. The portrait is noted as formerly in the Richard C. Marohn Collection and ties especially nicely with the revolver in Lot 89 presented to Garrett around that time by his friends in El Paso.
Class: Other
Very good with minor age and storage related wear mainly on the frames.
Provenance: The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Pat Garrett's Wallet, Telegram to His Wife, & Insurance Policy
Lot # 92 (Sale Order: 92 of 568)
The documents and wallet in this lot of are particularly relevant to the latter part of the Pat Garrett's life. The black leather wallet measures 3 7/8 by 5 3/4 inch es and has a gold "PG" emblem on the upper left. The included note says this was Garrett's last wallet and was then owned by Jarvis Garrett, his son, and then his grandson J.P. Garrett. The includes Postal Telegraph-Cable Company telegram is dated December 15, 1901, from Washington, D.C., to Mrs. P F Garrett, Las Cruces, NM., states, "Dont worry just left the president am collector of Elpaso. P F Garrett." The final documents are paper relating to Pat Garrett's New-York Life Insurance Company policy for $5,000 worth of coverage when he was 53, just a few years before he was shot and killed.
Class: Other
Fine overall with age and storage related wear on each, including some tears.
Provenance: The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Three Framed Documents Relating to Sheriff Pat Garrett
Lot # 93 (Sale Order: 93 of 568)
These three documents are contains with in a 25 by 25 inch frame. The document on the upper left is a subpoena from the Territory of New Mexico for James Lewis, William Baker, Lemuel Tanner, James Gould, Lee Green and Jacob Gould to testify in a case against James Gilliland and others in September 1898. The sheriff's return slip signed by Garrett lists $6.50 in expense. On the bottom left is a warrant dated March 13, 1899, for Gilliland's arrest for larceny of a calf. The notes to the left indicate there is a note on the other side reading "Non Est Garrett Sheriff." Gilliland was one of the suspects in the disappearance and presumed murders of Albert Jennings Fountain and his son Henry in 1896. Garrett as sheriff of Dona Ana County formed a posse to track down Gilliland and his presume accomplices, William McNew and Oliver Lee. When an arrest attempt was made on July 12, 1898, the suspects opened fire, mortally wounding one of Garrett's men after which a truce was arranged in an attempt to save Deputy Kent Kearney's life. The suspects later surrendered themselves elsewhere. Gilliland and Oliver Milton Lee were acquitted of being involved in the Fountain case and were not held responsible for killing one of Garrett's posse members during an attempted arrest. See Lot 90 for more details on Jennings and the case.
Class: Other
Very good with distinct writing, dots of adhesive, and general some tears on the return slip. The frame has absent glass and mild wear including mounting holes.
Provenance: The Thomas Minckler Collection of Western Americana; The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
November 1880 Expense Report Signed by Sheriff Pat F. Garrett
Lot # 94 (Sale Order: 94 of 568)
This is one of several very rare and historically significant documents signed by legendary western lawman Patrick F. Garrett featured in this auction. The document is dated "November 28th, 1880" and lists the expenses of "Pat F. Garrett for arresting & taking care off and committing Samuel Cook to the County Prison To Wit." The expenses include a $1 service fee, $30 for mileage, $86 for a guard, $15 for transportation, $8 for board, and $1 for committing to prison for a total of $141. The last section reads: "Thereby certify that the above is a true statement of the necessary expenses in arresting, careing [sic] for, and committing Samuel Cook to the County prison. [signed] Pat. F Garrett Sheriff Lincoln County." This would have been one of Garrett's first arrests after becoming Lincoln County Sheriff in 1880. The note below the document provides some context and explains that Samuel Cook was an outlaw busted for fraudulent selling of cattle or larceny along with Frank Wheeler. The document measures approximately 7 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches and is contained within a 24 by 20 wood frame. Be sure to see Lot 89 and Lot 90 for Garrett's presentation Colt Model 1877 and presentation Lincoln County Sheriff badge, as well as additional information on his life and career.
Class: Other
Very good with distinct writing and minimal age related wear. The frame is good with some minor scrapes and dings and holes from mounting screws.
Provenance: The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Framed Letter from Pat Garrett to His Wife
Lot # 95 (Sale Order: 95 of 568)
The letter is on Maple & Co. Real Estate letterhead and is dated August 2nd, 1907, less than a year before Garrett was killed. By this period, Garrett has been fired from his position as customs collector in El Paso (see Lot 89) and was struggling financially but had found work at H.M. Maple & Co. in El Paso. In the letter, Garrett writes, "My dear sweet wife, I wrote to you from Las Cruces this morning almost bout a load of grain, hay, and some few groceries such as I thought you would need. Also you will find in the load one sack of wheat for the chickens. I wanted to go from Cruces this morning to the ranch to see you, but was compelled to return to El Paso as Mr. Maple will go to Mexico this evening. He will be back in about a week then I will go and see my little wife and babies or may be I will write you to come to Las Cruces. You, Pauline, Oscar and Jarvis and I will meet you there and we will come to El Paso for a few days. I expect to have some money by that time and you can come here and get some things you need. I am on the right track to make some money and we will be all right in a short time. I never wanted to see you and tell you all about how I am doing and getting along so much in my life, believe me to be your true and Devoted Husband. [signed] P.F. Garrett" A transcription of the letter with a few errors is at the bottom portion of the 12 by 22 inch frame.
Class: Other
Very good with minor age related wear on the letter and mild wear on the frame, including three mounting holes.
Provenance: The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Framed Letter Signed by Peter Maxwell of Fort Sumner, New Mexico
Lot # 96 (Sale Order: 96 of 568)
This is a very rare letter signed by Peter Maxwell on June 1, 1884. The letter itself deals with the selling of wool. Maxwell was the son of western land baron Lucien Maxwell. At his home in Fort Sumner, he managed his family's ranch and was associated with Billy the Kid who hid out there after being sentenced to hang for his part in the Lincoln County War and killing to lawmen during his escape. The Kid may have been in a relationship with Maxwell's sister Paulita. Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett came to his home searching for the outlaw and was in the Peter Maxwell's room when Billy the Kid entered after midnight on July 14, 1881. Aside from Garrett himself, Maxwell was the only witness. The young outlaw had a knife and a revolver, and asked who was there in Spanish before Garrett shot twice from close range, one shot fatally hitting the outlaw near his heart. He was soon dead. Given the bounty, his past killings of lawmen, and the fact that he was armed, Garrett's shooting of Billy the Kid was quickly deemed justifiable homicide. The news spread like wildfire across the region and then the nation. Thus, Maxwell's name appeared in the papers around the country in late July 1881 in the reports of the end of the "career" of Billy the Kid. The document is secured in 21 1/2 by 15 3/4 inch frame and measures 5 by 7 3/4 inches.
Class: Other
Very good with distinct signature and writing, minor wear at the edges, round spots from mounting adhesive, and some scrapes and a pair of screw holes in the frame.
Provenance: The Thomas Minckler Collection of Western Americana; The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
Framed Warrant and Subpoena Documents Relating to Pat Garrett
Lot # 97 (Sale Order: 97 of 568)
The two documents are set within 16 1/2 by 20 3/4 inch frames. The first is a warrant from the Lincoln County Sheriff's office for the arrest of Joshua Hubert dated August 30, 1881. Hubert was indicted for "Buying, Receiving and Driving Away Stolen Property." The note within the frame indicates the back of the document reads: "not found, Pat F. Garrett, Sheriff" and notes fees for mileage and return of $6.75. The second document is a U.S. District Court subpoena for Juan Jose Duran and Isadorio Baca commanding them to appear before the court for the case of Cleto Encina. The subpoena is dated August 29, 1881. The note within the frame indicates the back of the document reads: "I hereby certify that the within named witness was not found, Pat F. Garrett, Sheriff, by J.S. Lea, Deputy." These documents are from the month following Garrett's killing of Billy the Kid. See the other document lots as well as Lot 89 and Lot 90 for more information.
Class: Other
Both documents are very good with minor age and storage related wear, circular spots from the mounting adhesive, and mild wear on the frames, including screw mounting holes.
Provenance: The Thomas Minckler Collection of Western Americana; The Ruidoso River Museum Collection
2 Inch Colt 1877 DA Thunderer Sheriff's Model Revolver
Lot # 98 (Sale Order: 98 of 568)
This is a very fine example of a very scarce short "2 inch" barreled Colt Model 1877 DA Sheriff's model revolver. This rare revolver is accompanied by a Colt factory letter dated April 1980 that verifies the exact configuration of this pistol (short 2 inch barrel with nickel finish and rubber grips) and that it was shipped to Hartley & Graham May 23, 1882 in a lot of 25 revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked with: "COLT" and the left side has the standard etched panel marked "COLT D.A. 41". The left side of the frame has the standard Colt three line/three patent dates, and the rear upper left edge of the trigger guard is marked "41 CAL". It is fitted with the checkered Colt hard rubber grips with the Rampant Colt logo on the top. It has matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap with the "442" assembly number on the loading gate.
Class: Antique
Very fine with 60% of the untouched original nickel plated finish overall with wear and flaking on the side of the frame, the muzzle and front edges of the cylinder. The grips are fine with distinct checkering showing wear on the sides. Mechanically excellent. A very fine, scarce, documented 2 inch Colt 1877 DA Thunderer Sheriff model revolver.
Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver
Lot # 99 (Sale Order: 99 of 568)
This is a solid representative example of Colt Sheriff's Model 1877 DA revolver most commonly referred to as the Lightning. Accompanied by a factory letter confirming its configuration of: .38 Colt, nickel finish, the stocks were not listed. The letter further states that this revolver has shipped to Hartley & Graham of New York, New York on October 24, 1884 in a shipment of 25 revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address "COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. Co/ HARTFORD CT. U.S.A" , the left side is marked "COLT D.A. 38" in an etched panel. The left side of the frame is marked with the three line, three patent date marking and the left rear of the trigger guard is marked "38 CAL". The complete matching serial number is marked on the frame, trigger guard and back strap with a partial serial number "898" on the rear face of the cylinder. The assembly number "219" is marked on the rear of the loading gate. Blade front sight with rear notch sight. Nickel finish with fire blue trigger and hammer of which the sides are polished bright. The grips are checkered rosewood.
Class: Antique
Fine with 85% original nickel finish remaining on the barrel showing slight flaking around the muzzle with small patches of spotting down the length. The cylinder retains 80% original nickel plated finish with small patch of spotting and some very minor pin prick pitting. 90% original nickel finish remains on the frame exhibiting spotting and minor flaking on the high edges. The worn replacement grips are very good with a few slight age cracks. Mechanically excellent.
Mexican Loop Holster and Boise Saddlery Co. Marked Belt
Lot # 100 (Sale Order: 100 of 568)
Likely manufactured towards the end of the 19th century, this is a very attractive holster rig for a 4 3/4 inch barreled Colt Single Action Army revolver. The belt is marked for the Boise Saddlery Co. and is the only known piece of gunleather bearing such a marking, making it incredibly scarce, even among the already small crown of Idaho marked gunleather. The holster has light border tooling on the body, two retention loops, a recurved throat, and an open toe. The belt is marked "BOISE SADDLERY/CO/BOISE CITY.I." on the billet retainer loop. The belt itself is 3 5/8 inches wide and approximately 43 1/4 inches long including the billet, with a single row of cartridge loops for .44 or .45 caliber cartridges and a money pocket opening near the buckle. A strip of welting was added along the lower edge/seam of the belt during the period of use.
Class: Other
Very good, the holster shows some moderate wear typical of period use and some light age cracking. The belt is also fine with moderate wear and some scattered spot of moderate age cracking, including on the billet which is fragile. A rare Boise Idaho made gunbelt with a period holster that would make a great addition to a Single Action Army or gunleather collection!