1130

Historically associated Colt Model 1878 DA revolver, 44-40 cal., 4-3/4” barrel, blue finish, checker

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:NA Estimated At:5,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Historically associated Colt Model 1878 DA revolver, 44-40 cal., 4-3/4” barrel, blue finish, checker
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Historically associated Colt Model 1878 DA revolver, 44-40 cal., 4-3/4” barrel, blue finish, checkered black Rampant Colt grips, #27315 with double loop stock leather holster, Great Northern Railway Police badge and old Elgin National Watch Co. pocket watch inscribed “Black” on the cover. This grouping belonged to Railroad Detective William E. “Ed” Black with notarized letter from his descendants indicating Black was born in Circleville, Ohio in the late 1860s/early 1870s and lived a great portion of his life in Kalispell, Montana. Black was reportedly involved in the pursuit of many train robbers and criminals including the Sundance Kid and was responsible for the arrest of at least two of his gang, Bill Madden and Harry Bass. The letter also indicates this and other related lots in this auction went from Black to his youngest son Howard who became Attorney General of Wyoming in the early 1950s, and then on down thru the family to our consignor. The gun itself is in overall fine condition showing approx. 90% original blue with some holster wear at the muzzle and high points, very good bore, crisp action, sharp markings and slightly worn but very good overall grips; lanyard ring is retained The holster is tooled with a floral design on the front and stock markings on the two loops, one “45” the other “114”; it is in overall good condition showing some wear and forming to this revolver. The badge is a shield style with spread eagle on the top of the badge and black enameled lettering “Special Agent” “Great Northern” “Railway Police” “4” with no hallmark and with a swivel bar and lockable clasp at the bottom of the badge back. The watch is a large coin silver pocket watch by Elgin Nat’l Watch Co. showing years of pocket wear to the outside but clearly showing a period inscription “Black”; the glass face and bezel are loose and the watch is currently not working but in otherwise good overall condition. This set is really neat and also includes a photo copy of a cabinet photo of Detective Black. Est.: $5,000-$6,000.