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LOT 111
Engraved Texas Ranger Colt Bisley Model Single Action Revolver with Carved Pearl Grips and Documentation - Serial no. 259707, 44-40 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. This Colt Single Action Bisley Model “Frontier Six Shooter” was manufactured in 1904. The back strap is inscribed: “Gene Powell. Texas Ranger Co. D.” A notarized statement included with the revolver dated 1977 and signed “Gene Powell, Texas Ranger” states: “I used this Colt Beasley in performance of my official duties as Texas Ranger assigned to Co. D. under the Command of Ranger Captain Woods. I have now given this pistol to my dear friend Manuel Amaya, Jr., he and I traded pistols when I first met Duval County Commissioner Manuel Amaya, Jr.” A second notarized document dated December 14, 2015, and signed by “Roberto D. Garza Jr.,/Retired Texas Ranger, Company “D”/Corpus Christi, Texas” states: “I certify that I currently own this Colt Bisley, in caliber 44-40, serial number # 259707. This Colt Bisley was at once owned by my one time Texas Ranger Captain, Texas Ranger George Eugene “Gene” Powell, whom I worked for in Company “E” as a Texas Ranger stationed in Del Rio, Texas.” The statement also notes that Ranger Powell served as a Texas Ranger from 1962-2001. Roberto Garza served as a Texas Ranger with 33 years of service. The revolver has a full nickel- plated finish and is engraved with the equivalent of Colt “B” engraving. The engraving closely resembles the work of the Cuno A. Helfricht shop. The revolver is fitted with two-piece pearl grips relief-carved with open scroll work on a dot background. Silver Mexican eagle and serpent national crests are attached to the top of each grip. The top of the barrel is roll-engraved with the two-line Hartford address. “BISLEY MODEL/COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER” is roll-stamped on the left side of the barrel in two lines surrounded by scroll and punch-dot engraving.
LOT 112
Desirable Texas Rangers Company D Marked Mexican 8 Reales Coin Badge - The Texas Rangers have a proud, nearly 200 year history, of being the elite of Texas law enforcement. As America’s oldest state law enforcement agency, the Rangers have taken part in some of the most notable Old West criminal cases, played a role in some of the most critical moments in Texas history and have been the subject of countless books ranging from non-fiction to pulp fiction. There are few items more closely linked to the rangers or more iconic in law enforcement than the Texas Ranger badge. Much debate surrounds the ranger badge, from when they were adopted, to how they are made, to how they are marked, with very little concrete evidence to be had. A few things about the badges are certain however, many of which appear to ring true throughout the history of the rangers. Many of the badges were made from Mexican coins with high silver content and that the designs often matched the uniqueness and independence of the rangers themselves. A prime example of this is stories of rangers having their own badges made from Mexican coins during the early 1960s when an attempt was made to standardize the badge which featured a blue enamel background that was widely unpopular. The example offered here shows many similarities with badges made during the 1960s, a fairly basic design that has carried on through much of the organization’s history, the ringed five-pointed star. This specific example is made from a Mexican 8 reales (1 peso) coin that is dated 1897 and bears markings for the Mexico City mint. Mexican coins from this era were favored for making badges well into the 20th century due to their 90% silver content. This badge is marked “TEXAS/RANGER” on the ring and has “Co./D” at the center of the star. There are small hand engraved five pointed stars on the ring, to the left and right of the star in the center. The standard obverse markings of the Mexican coin are present including the Phrygian cap, starburst, and part of the word “LIBERTAD”, as well as the date, mint, and silver content markings. A simple spring pin is mounted on the back for attaching the badge to clothing. CONDITION: Very good, showing an attractively aged patina overall, some light wear and handling evidence, and both the Texas Rangers markings and original coin markings remaining crisp. Badges such as this remain incredibly collectible and are an amazing addition to any Texas law enforcement or frontier firearm collection! Provenance: The Greg Lampe Collection. Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500