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LOT 45
Desirable U.S./Wells Fargo Smith & Wesson First Model Schofield Single Action Revolver with Wells Fargo
Badge - Serial no. 1879, 45 S&W cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. This revolver is one of 3,000
First Model Schofields purchased by the U.S. Government. They were used by the U.S. Army for only a few years
before being sold as surplus on the civilian market and used in the West by Wells Fargo express agents and many others. The U.S. military
markings include “L” and “P” stamped on the barrel and rear cylinder face, and “L” on the frame. Lacks a visible “US” marking on the butt which has a
faint serial number only. The revolver is in the standard Wells Fargo configuration with the barrel shortened to 5 inches as was common with 19th century
revolvers purchased by various express companies, nickel finish, and the Wells Fargo marking on the right side of the barrel (“W.F.&CO.EX. 1879”). “GWF” initials
are carved on each grip panel. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, right grip panel, and cylinder. Includes a Wells Fargo Services hat badge
CONDITION: Good, as a true survivor of the Indian Wars that saw military and civilian use out west with all the character of having spent a lifetime in a challenging environment. The period personalized grips show similar “working gun” character with the butt showing marks of being used as a
hammer during its time of service out west. Action functions although the cylinder does not lock properly. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 46
Rare, Documented, American Express Co. Factory Inscribed/Engraved Winchester Model 1887 Lever
Action Shotgun with 20 Inch Barrel and Factory Letter - Serial no. 54171, 12 gauge, 20 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The included factory letter confirms the
serial number, barrel length, receiver engraving, and October
10, 1893, date of shipment on order number 1078 as one of nine guns shipped. Features a documented 20 inch riot length barrel without sights, 2 3/4 inch chamber, cylinder choke, standard “WRACO” monogram on the left side of the receiver, attached (not documented in letter but looks factory) saddle ring and bar on the left side of the receiver, and three-line address and patent marking
on the lower tang. The right side of the receiver is engraved “Am. Ex. Co./44”. With a two piece slab forearm and pistol grip stock with checkered iron buttplate. The left side of the stock has been marked “Robertson E.C.” along the comb. Length of pull is 11 1/2 inches.
CONDITION: Very good. The barrel is mostly bright with numerous dark dings and scratches and some visible pitting. The receiver, hammer, and lever have a mostly dark gray/brown patina with some spotting. The sling bar has a pronounced dent in the center. The wood is also very good with numerous dents throughout, dark patina on the buttplate, and chip absent at the toe. A real piece of Old West history!
Estimate: 7,500 - 11,000
LOT 47
Historic Wells Fargo & Co. Express Inscribed Presentation Cane Dated 1882 with Gilt Grip - Beginning in approximately
popular among the upper echelons of society, reaching
centuries. They became far more than just an accessory to assist with mobility, and more of a symbol of ones status and wealth. The gilt L-shaped handle on this example has been inscribed on both side, the right side marked “B.J. Hull/Entered Employ/Wells Fargo & Co’s Express/1856”, and the left is marked “from/DRIVERS”, a Wells Fargo Wagon, and “CHRISTMAS/1882”. There is a “BJH” monogram on the butt of the grip. The remainder of the grip has floral motifs throughout. The shaft is of smooth ebonized hardwood and is tipped with German silver/iron. It measures 34 inches overall.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, the gilt grip showing bright with minimal wear and crisp engraving. The shaft is also very fine with some scattered light handling marks and some light wear on the tip. A highly desirable Wells Fargo & Co. presentation piece!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
the 16th century, canes gradually became more its pinnacle around the late-19th to early-20th
LOT 48
Rare and Desirable Early Wells Fargo & Co. Strongbox with Lock - Wells Fargo & Co. was started in 1852 by Henry Wells and William G. Fargo to provide shipping and banking services to the ever growing gold based economy of the California frontier before railway services became available. They quickly established themselves as the main service for transporting gold and mining supplies in the American Southwest as well. Boxes like this example were used by Wells Fargo & Co. as the safest and most secure form of gold transportation in the heyday of the Wild West era as a further protection against any number of highwaymen and train robbers looking to make their fortune through ill-gotten gains. When in transportation, strongboxes like this would have been stored under the seat of the agent assigned to it. This specific strongbox is the early style green painted variety with arched “WELLS FARGO” over “& CO.” and iron mountings used circa 1870. These boxes would eventually be retired
in favor of all steel models which added an extra level protection on top of being fireproof. The left side of this example retains a faded partial railway express agent label with some legible text remaining. The side
mounted grip straps are absent, and felt corner protectors have been added to the
bottom of the metal corner bolsters. Included with the box is a “WF. CO. EX” marked lock
with shackle marked “2881” and a segment of chain attached.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining much of the original green paint with vivid coloration,
corner wear, a crack in the lid, some separation in the corners, and wear on the bottom
leading edge. The iron fittings show some remaining black paint, a few absent nails, and
moderate surface oxidation. This rare early strongbox would be the ultimate addition to
any old west or Wells Fargo & Co. collection!
Estimate: 8.500 - 10,000
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