May 23rd 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/22/2015
You often hear people comment "if this gun could talk", but rarely does such an event actually occur in which the history of a firearm can be traced back to its early roots and/or family. While the original owner of this revolver, Charles King Snyder, might not fall from the lips as often as Wild Bill Hicock or Wyatt Earp, it was men like Snyder and thousands of others that tamed the West that was to become America's future. This early First Model American, scarce enough in this condition in its own rite, is accompanied by a myriad of items along with a hand written family letter describing the exploits of Mr. Snyder. Examining the revolver as a first point of reference, it is as follows: it is a standard early First Model Smith & Wesson American (no oil hole) chambered for the .44 American cartridge with an 8" barrel, single action, six shot, nickel plated, and walnut grips. The barrel retains approximately 85% of the original factory nickel with the balance a pleasing brown smooth patina. The frame retains approximately 90% of the original nickel finish with some minor freckling. Cylinder is basically brown patina with flashes of original nickel. This is a full nickel gun in that the hammer, trigger, and trigger guard are also nickel. The factory stamps on the rib are as bold as the day they were emblazoned into the metal. The original front sight blade has been reshaped. Grips are excellent. These First Models were made between 1870 and 1872. Bore is strong. Cylinder indexes perfectly and locks up tight. Other items that accompany this grouping include a vintage Victorian shadowbox; in this shadow box is an 1858 dated piece of paper that describes Snyder's return from the California Gold Rush on March 8th, 1851. There is a subpoena dated March 19th, 1891 from the state of Kansas requesting the appearance of Mr. Snyder as Justice of the Peace of Wild Horse, Kansas to testify. There is also an original tin type of Snyder, along with a pair of period handcuffs and his U.S. Marshal badge. A family album of the period is included containing dozens of family members. A binder is included with various receipts, mostly dealing with business matters. The hand written family letter lists certain facts about Snyder's life such as his leaving for the Gold Rush in 1849, settling in Kansas as sheriff or Marshal of Wild Horse, and one of his son's death by drowning on a cattle drive. This revolver is a wonderful and historic retrospective into the life of an early Western adventurer, and would make a wonderful display with stories still to be found.