December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2023
The 1889-1893 "Johnson County War", also referred to as the "War on Powder River" or the "Wyoming Range War" is probably the best-known example of an American Range War. These conflicts were over control of open range land (public land) to transport cattle or settle on and the ensuing conflict from competition over resources, robbery, and cattle rustling. The Wyoming Stock Grower's Association, also known as the "Invaders" or "Cheyenne Club" consisted of Wyoming's elite, including politicians, law enforcement, and influential ranchers. The WSGA's main goal was to protect their larger interest in control of the open range to enhance the profitability of their cattle while eliminating smaller ranchers and competition, even hiring Texan mercenaries in the process. Because of growing discontent and incipient violence, smaller ranchers formed the Northern Wyoming Farmers and Stock Growers' Association (NWFSGA) and were led by a man named Nate Champion. Champion survived one assassination attempt in November of 1891 in which he shot 3 would-be assassins and escaped with his life. In April of 1892, he was among the 2 NWFSGA members killed at the KC Ranch. He was surrounded and fled when the building was lit on fire, where Invaders were waiting for him and shot him. After this, the Cheyenne Club continued on toward Buffalo, where the NWFSGA was waiting for them and pinned them down. The Johnson County War would eventually be stopped when the United States Government had the 6th Cavalry take the WSGA posse members into custody. When an unofficial leader of the WSGA, Major Frank Wolcott, surrendered their weapons to the Army, he also gave them a detailed list of which guns were present by serial number, as well as equipment. This gun is on the Wolcott list, used by a member of the Invaders, Elias Whitcomb, who was the oldest member. Manufactured in 1891 with 4 - 3/4" barrel chambered in .41 Colt with 2 line barrel address, blade front sight, and frame notch rear. Blue finish with color case hardened frame, and color case hardened hammer. Mounted with factory checkered gutta percha grips featuring a Rampant Colt on either side in an oval. Accompanied by a period leather holster marked "F.A. MEANEA / CHEYENNE" on the front, it is more than likely the original holster from its use in the Johnson County War. This gun was bought from the great-grandson of Whitcomb as it was given to him on a trip to Wyoming to visit his grandmother in the 1940s, in this configuration, including the holster and a copy of the Wolcott list. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Burdick collection. CONDITION: Very good, with about half of the original bluing remaining, mixing with a gray patina consistent with carry and usage wear. Frame case colors are faded but present. Grip checkering is well worn and grips show some sun fading but no major cracks. Mechanically tight and crisp with all 4 hammer stops. Bore is frosted with well-defined rifling. Holster is very good with tight stitching, pliable leather, crisp maker marking, and carry wear throughout. Documentation with this revolver is quite extensive, including a factory letter confirming configuration and shipment on May 21, 1891 to Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company of Chicago, Illinois; the original "Hoofprints of the Past Museum" collections loan form from when this gun was on loan there; research on Whitcomb; a copy of the Walcott list; and articles on the Johnson County War.
Paperwork
Binder of Prov., Factory Letter