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LOT 3110
Rare, Documented, American Express Co. Factory Inscribed/Engraved
Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action Saddle Ring Shotgun with Factory
Letter - Serial no. 45188, 12 gauge, 19 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. The accompanying factory letter lists this rare, historically significant
shotgun with a 20 inch barrel in 12 gauge, carbine sling rings and factory inscribed
“American Express Co. #1” (likely a factory error as “2” is the number actually marked
on the receiver) when received in the warehouse on May25, 1892 and shipped
on the same day. The shotgun was shipped with two other American Express Co.
marked Model 1887s. 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 1887 shotguns were cutting edge technology in 1892 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 barrel to this shotgun has been slightly shortened from its original length of 20
inches to 19 1/4 inches during its period of use. It was common with 19th century
arms purchased by various express companies to shorten barrels. This Model 1887,
as all the authentic look and feel of an American Express Co. shotgun that has seen
it all! The barrel lacks sights. The receiver has the standard “WRACO” monogram and
factory saddle ring and bar on the left side and the original factory inscription “Am.
Ex. Co. 2” on the right side. The lower tang has the four-line address/patent dates
marking. The pistol grip stock is fitted with a checkered steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Good overall as an authentic American Express Co. survivor showing a
dark mottled patina associated with a lifetime spent in a challenging environment.
The forearm and buttstock show similar “frontier issue” character with absent chips
and slivers. Mechanically fine. A real piece of Old West history rarely encountered!
Provenance: The John Fox Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3111
Desirable
Documented
American
Express Co.
Marked Colt
Model 1877 Lightning
Double Action Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 117055, 38 Long
Colt cal., 4 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips.
Manufactured in 1900, 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 of Boston to be forwarded to superintendent C.E. Seaton
in Chicago on 17 February 1900. 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 side of the
frame. The back strap is marked “Am. Exp. Co. 522”. 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: Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish and traces of
original case colors in sheltered areas with the balance having thinned to mostly
a smooth grey patina. The heavily worn grips are good with significant handling
wear and a few minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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