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LOT 1233
Historic Documented Wells Fargo & Co. Shipped and Marked Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Holster and Factory Letter - Serial no. 287359, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured in 1906, this is a highly desirable example of a Single Action Army revolver purchased by Wells Fargo & Co. to arm their express agents. On p. 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 included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as the “W.F. & Co.” marking on the butt, and shipment to W.M. Ashton of Wells Fargo & Co. in New York on 16 January 1907 in an order of 24 guns. Matching serial numbers are visible on the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the assembly number “7711” is marked inside the loading gate. It otherwise has standard markings and features. Includes a lightly tooled leather holster with no visible maker’s marks. CONDITION: Very good, retains traces of the original blue finish in the cylinder flutes with the balance showing the smooth grey patina of a Wells Fargo & Co. western working gun as well as a few scattered patches of light pitting. The grips show the typical mild wear of regular handling and a few old minor chips near the bottom edges. Mechanically excellent. The holster is fine with an artificial leather repair on the back and mild wear. A rare opportunity to add a documented Wells Fargo & Co. Colt Single Action Army Revolver to your collection! Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 1234
U.S./Wells Fargo Smith & Wesson Second Model Schofield Single Action Revolver - Serial no. 3506, 45 S&W Schofield cal., 5 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, walnut grips. This is a S&W Schofield Second Model Revolver that was originally purchased by the U.S. Government. Schofields were used by the U.S. Army for only a few years before being sold as surplus on the civilian market and used in the West by Wells Fargo express agents and many others. The U.S. military markings include “US” stamped on the butt, “W” and “P” stamped on the barrel and rear cylinder face and “W” on the frame. The right side of the ejector rod shroud has the Wells Fargo marking: “W.F.&CO. EX. 3506.” The barrel has been shortened during its period of use, as was common with 19th century revolvers purchased by the various express companies. Right grip serial number removed. Matching serial numbers on the butt and cylinder.
CONDITION: Good, displaying a smooth brown-gray patina associated with a lifetime of military and civilian service. The very good grips show similar original working gun character with high edge wear, a series of dings on the butt and personalized with a collection of tally marks. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
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