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LOT 85
Antique Black Powder
Frame Colt Single Action
Army Revolver with
Relief Carved Steer Head and
Initialed Grips and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 161940, 38 WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round
bbl., blue/casehardened finish, antique ivory
grips. Manufactured in 1895, this is a solid
example of a Colt black powder frame Single
Action Army revolver that has the look of having seen the western frontier
while it remained wild. The included factory letter confirms the current
configuration, with the grips not listed, as well as shipment to Simmons
Hardware Co. in St. Louis on 1 July 1895. Simmons Hardware Co. was a staging
point for many Single Action Army revolvers that made their way farther west
to the frontier. It has the standard two-line address on top of the barrel and
the caliber marking on the left. The left side of the frame has the standard
two-line patents dates followed by the Rampant Colt. The matching serial number is marked on the
bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The loading gate has the assembly number “909”. It is
fitted with blade and frame top groove sights, as well as a pair of period relief carved antique ivory grips
featuring a steer’s head on the right and the initials “RB” on the left surrounded by vine scroll.
CONDITION: Very good, with traces of the original blue finish and case color patterns in sheltered areas
with the balance a smooth grey patina and a few scattered small patches of light pitting. The grips are also
very good with an attractively aged tone, some hairline age lines in the butts, and crisp carving overall.
Mechanically excellent. A revolver that truly has the look of having spent time in the American West!
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 84
Fine Documented J.G. Dow of Bozeman, Montana Territory, Shipped Sharps Bridgeport Model 1874 Business
Rifle in .45-70 with Factory Letter - Serial no. 161462, 45-70 Government cal., 28 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. This
Sharps Model 1874 Business rifle has an accompanying factory letter that lists it as invoiced from the Sharps Bridgeport factory on July 22, 1878,
to J.G. Dow of Bozeman, Montana Territory, in .45 caliber. The factory letter further states, “Dow was the cashier of the Bozeman branch of the Helena
Bank and was acting on behalf of Walter Cooper, gun dealer of Bozeman, who, at the time, was immersed in bankruptcy proceedings. The Helena bank
subsequently failed and everybody, including Sharps presumably, was out a lot of money.” Manufactured between 1876-1880 at the Sharps factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut, this is
one of approximately 900 Business models made in .45 caliber. The Sharps Model 1874 was among the most popular firearms on the American frontier in the late 19th century, especially
among professional hunters in the bison industry who valued them for their power and accuracy. Those same traits however, along with their inherent reliability, endeared them to settlers,
lawmen, Native Americans, outlaws, and gold prospectors as well. Though they couldn’t provide the rapid firepower of the contemporary Winchester repeaters, their simplicity and trusted
design kept them a popular and “Old Reliable” option well into the repeating era. The top of the barrel on this example has the “Old Reliable” marking followed by the Sharps Bridgeport
address, both in front of the rear sight, with “BUSINESS 45” on top of the breech and “2 1/10” on the right. Dovetail mounted silver blade front sight, Lawrence patent folding ladder rear
sight, modern replacement tang mounted ladder peep sight, and double set triggers. It is mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight buttstock. Matching serial number “161462”
marked on the bottom of the barrel and top of the receiver, with “1462” on the underside of the buttplate. The rear surface of the buttstock, hidden beneath the buttplate, is stamped with
“CHAS P. WERMES/MILWAUKEE, WIS.” as well as the consignor’s name stamped above it, both likely being collection stamps.
CONDITION: Fine as Montana shipped with a fresh appearance, retains 70% original blue finish on the barrel with areas thinning to smooth brown patina on the balance, strong traces of original case colors visible in protected
areas with naturally aged smooth gray and brown patina on the balance, scattered spotting/freckling on the metal overall with defined markings and edges. Artificially aged modern replacement tang sight. The front sight is seated
loosely in the dovetail. Wood is very good, with scattered light scratches and dents, the forearm with a slightly lightened appearance, a few characteristic scuffs visible on the right of the buttstock, two period carved notches at the
front tip of the stock comb, and otherwise defined edges. Mechanically fine. This fine Montana shipped Sharps Business rifle would make a very nice addition to any western arms collection!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 86
Rare William Wellman, White Sulfur Springs, Montana Tooled
Leather “Mexican Loop” Holster and Tooled Cartridge/
Money Belt - Manufactured c. 1880s to early 1900s, this very
attractive tooled holster is attributed to William Wellman of White
Sulfur Springs, Montana. A similar example of Wellman’s work is
pictured on p. 93 of “Cowboy Culture: The Last Frontier of American
Antiques” by Friedman. Examples of holsters by Wellman are very
rare, making even a well-worn example such as this one incredibly
desirable. The holster has well-executed wavy line border tooling
and is in the classic “Mexican Loop” configuration with a single
retention loop. The maker’s mark is on the body of the holster
within an oval, with the maker’s first name worn away, but the
remainder easily visible. It has an open toe, recurved throat, and
will accommodate a Colt Single Action Army Revolver with a 4 3/4
inch barrel. The holster is in standard draw configuration for a right
handed shooter. Includes a cartridge/money belt which bears no
maker’s mark and has floral tooling. It has a single row of cartridge
loops for .44 or .45 caliber cartridges and a money pocket opening
near the clipped corner, nickeled buckle. It measures 2 7/8 inches
wide and 41 1/2 inches long including the billet.
CONDITION: Fine, the holster shows moderate wear and some areas
of minor age-related cracking. The belt is also fine with similar wear
and cracking. A rare example of a Wellman made Montana holster
rig!
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500 109