October 31, November 1st, & 2nd 2014 Hardesty Western Collection.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/1/2014
This collection, attributed to famous Indian Fighter and performer/author Jack Crawford, includes an 1876 Gemmer Custom Winchester, an inscribed and engraved Colt 1878 Army double action revolver, a wonderfully ornate and fine condition leather fur lined coat, an inscribed and autographed edition of his book “Whar the Hand O’God is Seen and Other Poems given to “The Judge” and a greeting brochure from his office in Brooklyn. Serial No. 20687. Captain Jack Crawford was well known as a solid endorsement for the Colt Model 1878 double action revolver. This gun was shipped from Colt on January 10th 1888 and listed as shipped to Colt’s office. The San Francisco office opened on January 1, 1888 and it is their belief that guns, of which many are recorded, is that no records show shipments to San Francisco that year and that Colt office shipped guns were sent to San Francisco before they recorded them as such. It was sent as a 4 ¾” barrel nickel chambered in 45 Colt. The engraving is of the highest quality and remains sharp and is of the period of use. The lands are strong but there is some roughness. Action works like new and locks up tight. Almost all of the nickel that was applied at the time of engraving is present and the engraving is sharp and well executed. The inscription also looks period and professionally done. Crawford’s fame as an Indian scout and Buffalo Bill fellow performer catapulted him to worldwide fame during this era and much is written about his exploits and life. He was widely photographed with firearms so further research might turn up some unexpected surprises. A wonderful revolver. Serial No. 2809. This rifle started life in 1877 as a model 1876 lever action Winchester. It was customized by W. Burget gunsmith of Circleville, Ohio (stamp on rear top barrel flat). It now features a 24" heavy octagon barrel, Hawkin style rear sight, full magazine tube, Gemmer style fore end and pewter nose cap. Customized stock with nickel-plated full wrap-around rifle buttplate. the right of the stock has an ornate patch box inscribed "EOSS ?? DS" (Initials) "------ Rifle 1882) Very difficult to decipher. Left side of stock is decorated with little silver inlays, one of which is engraved "Capt. Jack" (alluding to Captain Jack Crawford). Two replaced screws on left side, replaced screw on right side. Several cracks in stock. Overall rifle has a brown patina. Bore gauges .41 caliber. Interesting custom Plains style 1876. We have no way to prove its association to Captain Jack Crawford.