April 12, 2019 Gold Rush, Western, & Native American, Las Vegas
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/12/2019
The pistol is a Smith & Wesson 2nd Model American single action revolver in .44 caliber. Barrel has been cut to 4 - 3/4". Exhibits scroll engraving and retains approximately 90% of its reapplied nickel finish. Has a pair of Mexican eagle carved stag grips (left side). Assembly number on latch and cylinder is 795. CONDITION: Very good grips, shy to metal; replacements. Factory stamps on top are partially missing from where it was cut off, balance readable. Strong, clean rifled bore with light fouling and slightly frosted. Revolver barely stays in cocked position and requires two hands to operate. Needs mechanical attention. There is no provenance with this revolver or any photographic documentation putting it in Tom's hand. That said, it is still a handsome, early 1870's Western gun, period shortened with nice engraving and tight hinge. It is housed in a turn of the century type Mexican style holster and cartridge belt. The cartridge belt measures 3-1/4" wide with leather loops. The holster is an outside stitched single loop open top holster with retaining snap. The outside leather of the holster features gold embroidery, as does the border of the cartridge belt. The belt is attributed to Tom Mix due to the silver engraved "TM" plaque on band, and the buckle set is beautifully engraved with flowers and vines with "TM". Has the very early "BOHLIN MADE CALIF HOLLYWOOD / STERLING". It is a documented fact that Bohlin and Mix became fast friends in the 1920's, and it was Tom Mix that convinced Bohlin to open up a saddle and silver shop in Hollywood. The Bohlin hallmark is one of the earliest types. The rig is in very good condition with just some loose stitching from band to throat. It is probable that Bohlin presented Mix with sterling silver accents that went on his regular holster.
Condition: (Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 46"L.