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LOT 1519
Historic Retailer Engraved Smith & Wesson “Wolf & Klar” .44 Hand Ejector Third Model Double Action
Revolver with Attractive Relief Steer Head Carved Pearl Grips and S.D. Myers Holster
Attributed to Texas County Sheriff Killed in the Line of Duty - Serial no. 30764, 44 S&W special
cal., 4 inch round bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The
S&W .44 Hand Ejector Third Model revolver is also known as the
“Wolf & Klar Model” due to the famed Texas retailer requesting a shrouded extractor barrel to be reintroduced. This example shows the typical Wolf & Klar retailer engraving and modifications, fit for
a Texas lawman. This specific revolver includes documentation attributing it to a Texas county sheriff. An included signed affidavit states that the revolver and holster were purchased from Jack Sturman of
Tulia, Texas, the county seat of Swisher County. Sturman owned the J&G Department store in Tulia and stated that he had bought the gun and holster from the family of Swisher County Sheriff John C. Moseley.
Moseley was sheriff of Swisher County from 6 November 1928 until killed in the line of duty on 23 January 1933. The affidavit incorrectly
lists the serial number as “30674”, but includes pictures, which undoubtedly show this revolver and holster. Local newspapers from the
period are filled with articles covering the gunfight with three outlaws in which Sheriff Moseley was killed. Moseley had pursued the outlaws in a brief car chase to a filling station where a gunfight broke
out, ending with the sheriff being shot and killed at close range. The revolver shows the typical Wolf & Klar retailer pattern zig-zag line engraving which forms floral and geometric patterns encompassing
most of the surfaces. The left of the barrel has the manufacturer marking while the right has the caliber marking. The Smith & Wesson trademark is on the left of the frame while “MADE IN U.S.A.” is on the right. There is a registered patent mark on the rear surface of the hammer. Matching assembly numbers, “83817”, are on the frame and crane. The matching serial number is on the butt, rear of the cylinder, and in the ejector rod shroud. It is fitted with a blade front sight and frame top groove rear sight. It is also fitted with, likely by Wolf & Klar at the time of engraving, a pair of pearl grips with a relief carved steer head on the right panel which is fitted with red glass bead eyes. Includes an attractively floral tooled leather holster by S.D. Myres of El Paso, Texas, which is marked “44/4” on the back along with the maker’s mark.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 95% of the original nickel finish with some light holster type wear on the muzzle and high spots and some scattered light spotting on the cylinder. The grips are also excellent with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically functions fine, although the trigger return spring is weak. The holster is very good with some mild wear and age-related cracking. A chance to own a piece of Texas law enforcement history! Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1520
Documented Famed Texas Retailer Wolf & Klar Shipped and Engraved
Smith & Wesson .38 Military & Police Model of 1905 Fourth Change
Double Action Revolver with Relief Steer Head Carved Pearl Grips
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 467468, 38 S&W special cal., 4 inch round
bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. The accompanying factory letter states the revolver was shipped on November 19, 1923 to famed Forth Worth, Texas, retailer Wolf & Klar Co. with
a 4 inch barrel, nickel finish, and checkered non-monogrammed square butt grips. The revolver is decorated with characteristic Wolf & Klar zig-zag engraving in vine and leaf, bordering, floral blossoms, and even butterflies. The revolver is further enhanced with a set of pearl grips featuring a jewel eyed relief carved steer head on the right side. Matching serial numbers appear on the butt, cylinder, and barrel.
CONDITION: Extremely fine as an example Wolf & Klar artistry, retaining 95% plus original nickel plating with a small patch of pitting at the front sight and crisp engraving. The grips are also excellent with crisp carving and attractive colors. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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