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and as deputy for one term under Sheriff James Webb,
who took office in 1907... Mr. Orrick and his mother and
sister Nellie came to Montana in 1883 when he was 11
years old... He was born in Stevens Point, Wis., Sept. 15,
1872, and his farther was a prominent doctor of that
town. As a deputy sheriff at Custer, Mr. Orrick served
under the late James Webb, who was elected to the
office of sheriff of Yellowstone county in 1906. Mr. Orrick
was elected sheriff in 1908 and held the office for three
consecutive terms until 1914... Mr. Orrick obtained the
Canadian rights on an automobile accessory and left
this country about six years ago [1922] for Canada. He
returned and about four years ago [1924] was appointed
deputy United States marshal under Rolla Duncan,
marshal... Mr. Orrick is survived by his widow and family
of three stepchildren...” the article goes on to list his
stepchildren including a “Jean Key,” (an ancestry search
shows her full name to properly be “Jeanne Merrill Key”
who married Lawrence Welchko) 14 years of age at
the time, who is the mother of James L. Welchko who
provided the letter of provenance, attesting to the
history of this revolver.
The standard two-line Colt Hartford address is stamped
on top of the barrel, with the caliber marking “45 COLT”
on the left in a banner. The two-line patent dates and
circled Rampant Colt are on the left of the frame. The
matching serial number is visible on the bottom of the
frame, trigger guard, and back strap, with assembly
number “2514” on the loading gate. It is fitted with blade
and groove sights, and highly attractive two-piece pearl
grips with a relief carved steer head on the right grip
panel. There are few firearms that exude the character,
grit, and style of the American frontier like the Colt Single
Action Army revolver. The revolver found itself almost
immediately popular as a sidearm upon its release
in the mid-late 1800s, and that popularity continued
well into the 20th century among those with a desire
for unwaveringly reliable firepower. Includes a period
brown leather holster and leather money belt rig with
cartridge loops, both with maker marking of W.B. Ten
Eyck of Billings, Montana, a framed photograph of four
lawmen including “Johnnie” Orrick next to Forrest Young,
George Douglas, and E. Judd, a Deputy Sheriff six-point
star shaped badge, a Deputy Sheriff Yellowstone County,
Montana shield shaped badge (reportedly the badge
worn by Forrest Young in the included photograph), a
framed photograph of John Orrick on a horse (reportedly
with this exact
revolver on his
hip), two framed
plaques listing
John Orrick
and his titles, a
binder containing
consignor
research from the
Pembertons, and
an included copy
of the Fall 2004
issue of The Texas
Gun Collector
magazine in which
this exact revolver
is featured on
pages 28-29 in
the article titled
“Outta the Woods”
by Don Roberts,
who acquired this
revolver from the
gun shop in Texas
who received it on
consignment from the relative of U.S. Marshal
John Orrick.
CONDITION: Extremely fine, with a very fresh untouched
natural appearance, retains 90% plus original silver
plated finish with a hint of desirable authentic frontier
patina as a well cared for sidearm, and absolutely sharp
engraving, markings and edges in the metal overall.
Grips are also extremely fine, with highly attractive fiery
colors, minor handling marks, and a defined steer head.
Mechanically excellent. Holster and belt rig are both
exceptionally fine. The factory engraving, carved steer
head pearl grip, accompanying holster and belt rig,
and ties to U.S. Marshal John Orrick combine to make
this stunning Single Action Army a stand out specimen
among the most desirable of all Colt revolvers.
Provenance: Family of U.S. Marshal John Orrick;
The Donald P. Roberts Collection;
The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection.
Estimate: 55,000 - 85,000