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LOT 80
Desirable George Wostenholm & Son Sheffield I-XL “The Hunters Companion” Bowie
Knife with Sheath - Manufactured in the mid-late 1800s by the George Wostenholm firm of
Sheffield, England. The Wostenholm company moved into their huge Washington Works facility,
perfectly positioning them to deal with the demands of the American market during the period of western expansion. Being one of the
most prolific maker’s during this period, Wostenholm Bowie knives are nearly as synonymous with the American frontier
as the Colt Single Action Army revolver and the Winchester lever action. This example measures 11 inches
overall, with a 6 5/8 inch clip point blade. The maker’s markings and trademarks are all on
the left side of the blade and ricasso, including the iconic “I*XL” trademark. It has
a German silver elliptical guard and is fitted with smooth antique ivory grips with
a German silver escutcheon on the left. The included sheath is black leather with gilt
accents and German silver fitting (tip fitting absent).
CONDITION: Very good, the blade is almost entirely polished bright with some scattered patches of light surface etching/pitting,
minimal wear, and crisp markings. The German silver shows attractive light aging. The grips have an
attractively aged tone with some light handling marks and a few short stress lines.
The sheath is good with some material loss at the tip and moderate wear. A very
attractive Bowie knife with the character of the frontier!
Estimate: 1,500 - 2,500
LOT 79
Antique Colt Black Powder Frame Single Action Army Revolver with Pearl Grips
and Factory Letter - Serial no. 125625, 45 Long Colt cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, pearl grips. Manufactured in 1888, this Colt “Peacemaker” has
the look of having seen the western frontier when it remained very much untamed.
The included factory letter confirms the configuration, apart from the grips which were
swapped for a set of smooth pearl scales during the period of use, as well as shipment to
E.C. Meacham Arms Company in St. Louis on 31 July 1888 in a shipment of 50 guns. Meacham
Arms Co. was one of a handful of arms and hardware firms in located in St. Louis which acted as a staging point for firearms and other goods which
were destined to head farther west into America’s frontier. The standard two-line address is marked on top of the barrel. The left side of the frame
is marked with the three-line patent dates, and the caliber marking is on the left of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is marked on the
frame, trigger guard, and back strap. The assembly number “270” is marked on the loading gate.
It has standard features and is fitted with a pair of smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Good, showing a mottled grey brown patina with some scattered patches of light
pitting, typical of a sidearm that spent time on the frontier. The replacement grips are very good
with a few light chips and scattered handling marks, and the right panel being undersized in
relation to the frame. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,000
LOT 81
Desirable Wyoming Retailed Collins &
Morrison Cartridge/Money Belt with
Tooled George Lawrence “Mexican
Loop” Holster - Manufactured c. late 1880s, this desirable cartridge/
money belt is paired with a quality George Lawrence holster. Brothers
Gilbert H. and John S. Collins first set up their saddle and leather
goods making and wholesaling business in Omaha, Nebraska in 1864,
but quickly discovered that many of their goods were more popular
further west. In 1880, Gilbert died, leading John to begin downsizing
the business, selling the Cheyenne shop in 1886. Not happy in his
retirement, John decided to open a shop in Omaha once again, this
time in partnership with John Morrison until 1890. The Collins & Morrison marking is on the billet of the belt with a Florence
Hardware of Douglas, Wyoming retailer marked under the end of the billet, which was moved during the period of use to
resize the belt. The belt is 3 1/2 inches wide, has a single row of .44/.45 caliber sized cartridge loops, a money pocket opening
near the buckle, and measures approximately 44 inches overall including the billet. The holster is configured for a right
handed shooter, will accommodate a 4 3/4 inch barrel Single Action Army Revolver, has light border tooling, and the faint
George Lawrence maker’s marked on the bottom of the apron under the body of the holster.
CONDITION: Both are fine showing some mild wear and light age cracking, all typical of period use, with almost all of the
stitching remaining tight. A fantastic gun belt rig marked for two of the West’s most well-known makers!
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 82
Rare “45 A” Marked Colt Patent Two-Cavity
Bullet Mold - This rare mold is marked “36
R” over “45 A” on the right side and “COLT’S/
PATENT” on the sprue cutter. It was originally
manufactured in the 1850s or 1860s as a
.36 caliber ball and conical bullet mold for a
percussion Colt and was re-cut for a .45 Colt
bullet for the Colt Single Action Army of western
frontier fame. One of these molds is shown
on page 190 of “Colt Cavalry and Artillery
Revolvers...a Continuing Study” and noted as
“One of two known styles of .45 Colt S.A.A. bullet
molds. These molds are believed to be for civilian
use and are patterned after the Colt percussion
era molds. This one was expressly manufactured
as a .45 Caliber, two cavity conical bullet mold
with two grease grooves in each bullet.”
CONDITION: Very fine with 80% original blue
finish and minor wear.
Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250