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LOT 3168
Historic Pitkin Cavalry/Fred
Schafer Leadville Colorado
Inscribed Smith & Wesson .38
Double Action Second Model Revolver
with Pearl Grips and Factory Letter - Serial
no. 5322, 38 S&W cal., 3 1/4 inch solid rib bbl.,
nickel finish, pearl grips. The accompanying
factory letter states the revolver was shipped on
May 19, 1880 and delivered to M.W. Robinson of New
York City with a 3 1/4 inch barrel,
nickel finish, and checkered
black hard rubber grips. This
was a 50 unit shipment. The
back strap is inscribed “Fred.
Schafer Leadville, Co.,” and the
front strap is inscribed “Pitkin
Cavalry.” Fred Schafer is listed in
the Leadville City Directory as a
“miner, east Main street, bet, upper
Chestnut and Ditch.” The Pitkin Cavalry
was one of several military companies
commissioned and ordered by Colorado
Governor Frederick W. Pitkin to crush the
1880 Leadville Strike. Leadville was part
of the California Mining District with over
half of the population being miners. The
miners organized a strike in an effort to receive
better wages and an 8-hour work day. Soon violence erupted and the city officials of Leadville
requested Governor Pitkin to send in the militia and declare martial law. The militia, which included
the Pitkin Cavalry, successfully broke the strike. Additional history related to the provenance of this
revolver is explained by a previous owner in an included handwritten note: The revolver was once
owned by “a Mr. Harre, who was a federal agent assigned to the Denver Mint. He was killed in the
line of duty at Morrison, Co., & had purchased the S&W from a law enforcement officer.”
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaing 90% original nickel finish on the barrel, 85% original nickel
on the cylinder, and 90% original nickel on the frame with some scratches, holster type wear and
some light flaking. The hammer and trigger show strong and vibrant original case colors. The period
inscription is sharp and clear. A very interesting S&W .38 DA revolver with a story or two to tell.
Provenance: Fred Schafer; “Mr. Harre;” The William Horn Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,500
LOT 3169
Smith & Wesson .44 Double
Action First Model Revolver
with Box Formerly in the
Hank WIlliams Jr. Collection
- Serial no. 28743, 44 S&W
Russian cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue finish, hard rubber grips.
Introduced in 1886. Matching
serial numbers on the barrel
latch, barrel, cylinder, and
right grip panel. Pinned round
blade front sight with service
rear sight and correct 1 7/16
inch cylinder. This revolver is
formerly of the collection of
country music icon Hank Williams
Jr. and includes a certificate of
authenticity confirming his ownership.
Also included is the correct model
factory pasteboard box numbered
“28745”, which is just two digits off
this revolver. Likely a mix-up that
could have occurred at the point of
original shipment or once in the initial
distributor’s inventory if both guns were present at the same time.
CONDITION: Very fine overall, retaining 75% plus original blue finish, areas showing some brown patination, and much of the
loss concentrated on the cylinder. The grips have taken on a brown hue, a few minor dings and scratches, with worn but well-
defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. The box is very fine with some mild wear.
Provenance: The Hank Williams Jr. Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 3,250 - 4,750
LOT 3170
Desirable Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless
Second Model “Bicycle” Revolver with Rare 2 Inch
Barrel - Serial no. 152107, 32 S&W cal., 2 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured 1902-1909 with this
example built with the rare 2 inch barrel, also referred to as a “Bicycle
Gun.” The right side of the barrel is correctly stamped with the two-
line address/patent dates marking, the left side of the barrel has the caliber
marking, and the right side of the frame has the S&W logo. Matching serial
numbers are on the butt, cylinder, barrel, barrel latch, and left grip panel.
CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 95% bright original high polish blue
finish, 85% original case colors, with light handling evidence, some brown
scattered patina mostly on the cylinder, a cylinder drag line, and crisp checkering
on the grips. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3171
Desirable Smith & Wesson .32 Safety Hammerless
Second Model “Bicycle” Revolver with Rare 2
Inch Barrel and Pearl Grips - Serial no. 146624, 32
S&W cal., 2 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured 1902-1909 with this example built with the rare
2 inch barrel, also referred to as a “Bicycle Gun.” The right side of the
barrel is correctly stamped with the two-line address/patent dates
marking, the left side of the barrel has the caliber marking, and the right
side of the frame has the S&W logo. Matching serial numbers are on the
butt, cylinder, barrel and barrel latch.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 98% plus original nickel finish with some
scattered handling marks and a light cylinder drag line. The grips are also
excellent with highly attractive fiery colors. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
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