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LOT 1183
Documented Antique Colt Black Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver
Carried by Texas Lawman Jess Sweeten with Holster, Factory Letter and Signed Affidavit - Serial
no. 124507, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., chrome finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1890, this Colt Single Action Army revolver was carried by the legendary Texas lawman and exhibition shooter, Jess Sweeten. The 1975 dated affidavit signed by Jess Sweeten lists the
revolver by serial number as having stag grips at the time. It goes on
to state that this revolver was carried in a gunfight in 1931 when Sweeten would have still been a
sheriff’s deputy. The gunfight involved a burglar who was wanted in Navarro County. Sweeten states that only two shots were fired, one from the burglar and one from this revolver. Sweeten’s shot hit the
burglar high in the leg and he was captured and survived. The revolver has standard markings, some of which have been softened by years of carry and being period replated. The matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the assembly number “58” is marked inside the
loading gate. It is fitted with the standard blade front sight, groove rear sight, and a pair of pearl grips with a relief carved steer head
with gemstone eyes on the right panel. Includes a Bedell Rogers of Longview, Texas marked tooled leather holster. The included
factory letter lists the configuration of the revolver as well as shipment to Hartley & Graham in New York on 26 February 1890.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 90% plus of the replated chrome with a few scattered patches of light pitting visible beneath the finish, the barrel
markings softened, and some scattered light handling marks throughout. The slightly undersized period replacement grips are very fine with minimal handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
JESS SWEETEN AGE 70 GIVING A SHOOTING EXHIBITION
LOT 1184
Documented Texas Shipped Colt Officer’s
Model Target Double Action Revolver Used
by Iconic Texas Lawman Jess Sweeten for Shooting Exhibitions with Factory
Letter and Signed Affidavit - Serial no. 567242, 38 Special cal., 6 inch round bbl., blue
finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1931, this Colt Officer’s Model Target revolver belonged to
the legendary Texas sheriff, Jess Sweeten. The included affidavit signed by Sweeten lists the revolver by
serial number and states that writers throughout the country had estimated that Sweeten fired 300,000
rounds through it, and goes on to state that it is the third barrel fitted to it, second cylinder, and second
trigger, all fitted by Colt. Sweeten states that he performed shooting exhibitions for 44 years, and used this gun
throughout his shooting career. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed), as
well as shipment to Potchernick’s in San Antonio, Texas on 1 April 1931 in a two gun shipment. The top of the barrel
is marked with the standard two-line address and patent dates, while the model and caliber marking are on the left.
The left rear of the frame has the Rampant Colt and a verified proof is near the trigger guard. The matching serial number is
on the frame and crane. It is fitted with an adjustable blade front sight, adjustable notch rear sight, and a period replacement pair of target style checkered hard rubber grips with a thumb rest on the left.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 90% plus of the period refurbished blue finish on the frame with a few
patches of light pitting visible under the finish. It retains 80% plus of the original blue finish on the
factory replaced barrel and cylinder with some edge/muzzle wear showing a smooth grey patina. The
period replacement grips are also very good with a few light handling marks and crisp checkering.
Mechanically excellent. A rare unique opportunity to own the preferred revolver of a legendary
exhibition shooter and also a Texas lawman!
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
LOT 1185
“Guns of Jess Sweeten” Texas Law Enforcement Collection Style Sign -
Offered here is a fantastic sign to enhance the display of the guns of the legendary Texas lawman, Jess Sweeten. Many of Sweetens guns have been offered in this auction, and this sign would truly enhance their display. The sign is made of wood and hand painted with “GUNS of JESS SWEETEN/TEXAS LAWMAN” with a sheriff’s badge and a Texas Ranger’s badge to either side. The sign is nicely framed with hanging wire on the back and shows an attractively aged and weathered look overall. It measures 14 x 56 inches overall. CONDITION: Very fine, showing an attractive artificially aged and weathered look overall with some scattered light handling/storage marks. This piece is a must have for the display of the iconic guns of the legendary
Texas sheriff, Jess Sweeten! 154 Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500