October 31, November 1st, & 2nd 2014 Hardesty Western Collection.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/1/2014
Willaim Levi “Buck Taylor” was known as the king of the cowboys in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show. He was one of Bill’s major stars and preformed numerous horseback riding acts. He was born in 1857, and died in Downingtown, PA in 1924. He performed in 1887 in the first European tour. The gun itself is a typical 1880s stage coach style short barreled side by side shotgun, 12 gauge with double exposed hammers. This particular example sports the Damascus barrels, overall metal finish has turned a smooth brown patina. Both hammers operate as do the double triggers, albeit, the springs are weak and it is missing the left firing pin. The stock and forearm are in very good condition with a small chip at the toe and a replaced for end screw, and feature ornate carvings. The right side of the stock has “Buck Taylor” engraved and “King of the Cowboys” on the left side, and is stamped on bottom of stock “BBWWS” for Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. The gun was manufactured by Russell Arms Co., has dirty bores, loose lockup, and barrels do not face tightly. Interesting Buffalo Bill Wild West Gun from one of the better known stars.