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LOT 3105
U.S./American Express Company Marked Smith & Wesson Second
Model Schofield Single Action Revolver with Holster and Factory
Letter - Serial no. 3257, 45 S&W cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish,
walnut grips. Originally manufactured for the U.S. military in 1876/77. The
barrel was shortened during its period of use as was common with 19th
century revolvers purchased by the various express companies.
The U.S. military markings include “US” on the butt and “W” and
“P” on the barrel and rear cylinder face. An American Express Company marking is on the back
strap: “AM. EX. CO.” Matching serial numbers are on the butt, right grip panel, and cylinder. The
accompanying factory letter states the revolver was originally shipped on October 12, 1876. and delivered
to the National Armory, Springfield, MA with 7 inch barrel, blue finish, and smooth walnut grip. This was a 3,000 gun
shipment. Includes an open top/open toe leather holster marked “146A/6” on the belt loop.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 70% period nickel finish with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The grips are very good
with a couple chips near the bottom, series of dings on the bottom and minor handling marks overall. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3106
Desirable Documented American Express Co. Marked Colt Model 1877 Lightning Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 123715, 38 Long Colt cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1901, this is a solid documented
example of Colt’s Model 1877 “Lightning” double action revolver which was ordered by the American Express Co. The
included factory letter confirms the configuration, grips not listed, as well as the American Express Company
engraving and shipment to the William Read & Sons to be forwarded to superintendent C.E. Seaton in Chicago
on 14 February 1901. Initially founded in New York in 1850 by Henry Wells, William G. Fargo, and John Warren
Butterfield, American Express Co. quickly became a leader in freight forwarding, particularly on the East Coast.
After a disagreement with Butterfield over expanding their freight network to California, Wells and Fargo would
branch off to form another legendary freight company, Wells Fargo & Co. It is believed that the American Express
Co. purchased around 1,200 of these Model 1877 revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-
line address while the caliber marking is on the left. The three-line patent date marking and circled Rampant Colt
are on the left the of the frame. The back strap is marked “Am. Exp. Co. 676”, which is followed by a large deep stamping of the serial number. Matching serial
numbers are marked on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap. It has standard features including a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with
Rampant Colts at the tops.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% plus of the original blue finish and strong traces of the original case colors in sheltered areas with the balance having thinned to
mostly a smooth grey patina, mostly in the form of holster/handling wear. The replacement grips are good with some mild handling wear and scattered light
handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3104
Rare and Historic
Documented Factory
Inscribed American Express
Company Winchester Model 1873 Lever
Action Saddle Ring 44-40 Carbine with Factory Letter
- Serial no. 451882B, 44 WCF cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue
finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1893 as a third model
with the integral dust cover guide rail and dust cover with
serrated grasping grooves on the tail. The accompanying factory letter lists
this carbine as chambered in .44 caliber and “engraved ‘American Express Company’, #12 to #23” when received in
the warehouse on March 13, 1893, and shipped the next day with 10 other Model 1873s. The engraving listed in the letter
references the American Express Co. inscription “Am. Ex. Co./22.” on the left side of the frame. Initially founded in New York in
1850 by Henry Wells, William G. Fargo, and John Warren Butterfield, American Express Co. quickly became a leader in freight forwarding, particularly on the East Coast.
After a disagreement with Butterfield over expanding their freight network to California, Wells and Fargo would branch off to form another legendary freight company,
Wells Fargo & Co. These Model 1873 carbines were cutting edge technology in 1893 and would have been highly valued by freight companies looking to arm their
employees, particularly in areas where train and stagecoach robberies were not uncommon. The rifle is fitted with carbine sight, a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver,
and carbine stock with trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and “44
WCF” at the breech. “44 CAL” is marked on the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873.” The lower tang has the serial number.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 40% original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown. Traces of original nitre blue remain on the loading gate. Some patterns of original case
colors remain on the hammer. The replacement wood is good with scattered dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. We rarely catalog authentic express company arms. Here is your chance to acquire
“the real McCoy,” a documented factory inscribed American Express Company Winchester Model 1873 saddle ring carbine.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000