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LOT 90
Historic Documented Factory Marked/Shipped
Wells Fargo & Co. Colt First Generation Single Action
Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 284307, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The accompanying factory letter lists this revolver as shipped
on October 16, 1906, to Wells Fargo & Co. in New York City, with the note “c/o W.M. Ashton, Agent,” in .45
caliber, with a 5 1/2 inch barrel, blue finish, and type of grips not listed, with a further note “Factory Rolled:
‘W.F. & Co.’ on butt.” This was a 12 gun shipment. William M. Ashton of Omaha, Nebraska, served as the purchasing
agent for the express company’s New York depot between 1888 to 1910. This is a rare and highly desirable example of a
Single Action Army revolver documented as purchased by Wells Fargo & Co. to arm their express agency agents. On page
105 of “Colt Peacemaker Collector Handbook and Guide” by Keith Cochran, it is noted that in the early 20th century Wells
Fargo & Co. began arming all of their express agents and ordering large quantities of firearms directly from manufacturers
instead of through local retailers. He notes that
William Ashton, who was based in the company’s
New York office, was in charge of these orders. The
top of the barrel has the one-line Hartford address,
and the “45 COLT” caliber marking is on the left. Two-line
patent date markings and circled Rampant Colt on the
left of the frame. The desirable “W.F. & Co.” marking is on
the butt. Matching visible serial numbers on the frame,
trigger guard, and back strap, with assembly
number “5544” on the loading gate.
Includes a reproduction badge that reads
“U.S. MAIL/WELLS FARGO & CO/SPECIAL
INVESTIGATOR” and a custom wooden case.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% original blue
finish concentrated on the barrel, ejector
housing, and cylinder, 30% original case colors
concentrated on the forward sides of the frame, with smooth brown and gray patina
on the balance, a few patches of oxidation, and distinct markings and edges in the
metal overall. Grips are also fine, with a wear spot on the lower left edge, a few
light handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Case is good.
This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on a Wells Fargo & Co. Colt Single
Action Army revolver!
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
LOT 89
Documented Wells Fargo & Co. Express
Ithaca “New Ithaca Gun” Double Barrel
Hammer Coach Shotgun with Provenance
Letter - Serial no. 255418, 12 gauge, 24 1/8 inch solid rib bbl., blue/
casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured c. 1914. This shotgun
features the stamped markings “WF & Co Ex 507” on the left of the frame for Wells
Fargo & Co. Express. An accompanying letter addressed from A. K. Matthews,
Superintendent of Supplies of REA Express, states, “This is to certify that
Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun, Serial #255418, which carries marking of
W.F. and Co. on the frame, was in service of Wells, Fargo and Company
and its successors, American Railway Express Company, Railway Express,
Inc. and REA Express.” Founded in 1852 for the initial purpose of providing banking service to California, Wells
Fargo rapidly grew due to demand caused by the California Gold Rush, and by the time the gold rush came to an end in 1855, Wells Fargo dominated the
banking and express service industry in the West. Pieces of the Wells Fargo legacy are in high demand by collectors, and this piece of Wells Fargo heritage
is documented by its letter of provenance from REA Express. It is not often we catalog true documented Wells Fargo firearms. This example features a
period shortened barrel. The origin of these short barreled coach shotguns date back to the Wild West when Wells Fargo issued them to their stagecoach
guards who rode alongside the stagecoach driver for defense, hence the origin of the phrase “riding shotgun.” While the stagecoach had long since vanished
from the American landscape by the time this coach gun left the factory c. 1914, shorter shotguns remained a popular weapon of choice with Wells Fargo
guards. Grade “X” and “12” gauge marking on the left watertable. 14 1/4 inch length of pull.
CONDITION: Very good, displaying all the character of a well-traveled Wells Fargo coach gun, retains 40% original blue finish on the barrels, 30% original case colors concentrated on
the sides of the frame and hammers, top of receiver tang has file marks, with smooth brown patina on the balance, and crisp Wells Fargo markings. Stock is also very good, proudly
wearing some scars and characteristic wear. Mechanically functions. A desirable true piece of Wells Fargo & Co. Express history!
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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