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General Shelby's Colt Single Action

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana / Collectibles - Old West Start Price:700.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
General Shelby's Colt Single Action
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Colt Single Action Army owned by Civil War CSA Major General and U.S. Marshal, Joseph Orville Shelby. S/N 132407, .45 caliber, 4 ¾” barrel, back strap inscribed “Jo Shelby” over “U.S.M. 1893”; above inscription there are seven notches and a chevron in the back strap that continue into the edge of the grips. Includes Colt letter showing shipment to Hibbard, Spencer & Bartlett, Chicago, Illinois, in .45, 4 ¾, blue, hard rubber grips, April 17, 1890. Accompanied by a large binder containing General Shelby’s history, and authentication letters concerning the revolver from Eric Vaule and Ernest Bates. CONDITION: 99% overall as the revolver has been professionally restored, left eagle grip has crack through screw escutcheon glued long ago, mechanically excellent. With five books concerning Shelby. Ex William Reed Collection

Major General Joseph Orville Shelby (1830-1897). Joseph Shelby was involved in numerous battles in the trans-Missouri theater of the Civil War. He was widely regarded by his superiors, his men, and his foes as one of the best cavalry commanders in the Confederacy. He rose from Captain of Militia to Major General in four years. At the end of the war, rather than surrender to the North, Shelby led a contingent of fighters into Mexico in support of Emperor Maximillian. Reportedly, Shelby sank his battle flag in the Rio Grande near present-day Eagle Pass, Texas on the way to Mexico rather than risk the flag falling into the hands of the Federals. The event is depicted in a painting displayed at the Eagle Pass City Hall. After two years he returned to Missouri, where he became a successful businessman, during which time he testified as a character witness for Frank James at the historic James Trial. In 1893 “Jo” Shelby was appointed Marshal for the western District of Missouri. Pneumonia claimed his life on February 13, 1897.

Five Book Collection:
a) “Shelby and His Men” by John N. Edwards, 1867;
b) “Jo Shelby’s Iron Brigade” by Deryl P. Sellmeyer, 2007;
c) “Fallen Guidon” by Edwin Adams Davis, 1995;
d) “Five Famous Missourians: Mark Twain, R.P. Bland, Champ Clark, Jas, M. Greenwood, Joseph O. Shelby” by Wilfred R. Hollister and Harry Norman, 1900;
e) “General Jo Shelby - Undefeated Rebel” by Daniel O’Flaherty, 1954.