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LOT 3020
Historic Colt Model
1878 Revolver and New
Ithaca Double Barrel Shotgun
Inscribed “T.J.C.” and Identified
as Owned by Deputy Sheriff T. J.
Cahill of Johnson County, Wyoming, Who
Assisted in the Hanging of Tom Horn -A)
Etched Panel Colt Frontier Six Shooter Model
1878 Double Action Revolver - Serial no. 22083, 44-40
WCF cal., 4 3/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber
grips. The back strap of the revolver and the upper tang of
the shotgun have matching “T. J. C.” inscriptions. Included
information identifies the initials as for Thomas Joseph Cahill
(1877-1965), widely known as T. Joe Cahill. In 1903, Cahill
was a Laramie County deputy sheriff and escorted scout,
range detective, and hired gun Tom Horn (1861-1903) to the
gallows and helped place the noose around his neck when
Horn was executed for the murder of 14-year-old Willie Nickell.
His conviction remains controversial. Cahill was later the Chief of
Police of Cheyenne in 1934-1940. The revolver was manufactured
in 1888 and features the etched “COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER”
marking on the left side of the barrel, blade front sight and two-
line address on top of the barrel, “44 CAL” on the left side of the
trigger guard, matching partial serial number “083” on the back of
the cylinder, assembly number “21” on the loading gate, “21 8” on the
left side of the butt, and the full serial number and a lanyard loop on
the butt.1B.
CONDITION: Fine with 60% plus original blue finish, gray and brown
patina on the balance, crisp etched panel and inscribed initials, some
oxidation concentrated on the top strap, and mild overall wear. The
grips are also fine with aged brown tones, distinct checkering and
embossing, and mild wear. Mechanically functions.
B) Ithaca “New Ithaca Gun” Double Barrel Shotgun
- Serial no. 123611, 16 gauge, 28 inch solid rib bbl., blue/brown/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1906. Built with browned
Damascus steel barrels featuring provisions for dual bead sights (both absent) on the matted concave solid rib, choke constrictions of
.012/.015 inches, and chambers measured at 2 3/4 inches with a single extractor. The barrels are fitted to the casehardened action which
shows “NEW ITHACA GUN” in a banner amongst scroll engraving on either side and features a “J.T.C.” inscription on the top tang, double
triggers, and rebounding hammers. The gun is fitted with a straight grain pistol grip stock and forend with multi-point checkering and a
factory buttplate. Stock measurements: 1 11/16 inch drop at comb; 2 5/8 inch drop at heel; 13 15/16 inch length of pull; weight 6 lbs. 14 oz.
CONDITION: Fine overall, retaining 90% original brown finish with mostly distinct Damascus patterns, vibrant original case colors in some of
the protected areas with the balance a fine aged patina, 50% original blue, some light spotting, mild handling evidence, and crisp checkering
on the wood. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Donald Nichols Collection; The Collection of Lewis & Leyton Yearout; A Private Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
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