This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Fred Lambert's life reads like a Louis LA'more or Larry McMurtry "Old West" novel. Born on January 23, 1887 and growing up in his father's famous saloon/hotel, The St. James, in Cimarron, New Mexico, provided young Lambert with more than enough adventure. His father told him that when he was born, there were 26 bullet holes in the ceiling of the saloon. Some of the most dangerous desperados of the day who frequent his father's saloon, were Black Jack Ketchum and famous lawmen such as Clay Allison and Mac Bowman. Another important figure in young Fred's life was William F. Cody. Cody regarded himself as the youngster's godfather. In an interview, Fred Lambert recalls Cody giving him shooting lessons and advice on how to best handle firearms. Cody would say "A gun is not a plaything; it can be your best friend or your worst enemy". Gunslinger Bob McGinnis, member of Ketchum's outlaw gang also played a role in teaching Fred to draw and shoot. These were the days he spent in the violent country of the Territory of New Mexico when lawlessness was running rampant. To the east the Texas Rangers were successful in their campaign against outlaws, and those that got away chose to move westward. On the western border, Arizona Rangers waged war against the lawless, forcing outlaws to the east. Caught in the middle was the Territory of New Mexico, becoming a refuge for outlaws and gunfighters. In Cimarron, gunfights were almost an everyday affair. In this era, a man would no doubt be called upon to use the gun, and the better he knew how to use it, the better his chances of survival. Fred Lambert learned well. At the tender age of 16, Fred Lambert became a special deputy sheriff in his home county of Colfax. He had barely pinned on the badge when he pursued and captured a dangerous trio wanted for murder. After serving as Special Deputy Sheriff, Lambert became the first town Marshal of Cimarron. He later served as Constable, U.S. Posseman, State Game Warden, Cattle Board Inspector, and the Territorial New Mexico Mounted Police, also known as the New Mexico Rangers. Fred Lambert's career in New Mexico law enforcement spanned a 50+ year period. Later in life he became an accomplished author, poet, and artist. Fred Lambert's prized Colt Single Action Army revolver, serial number 305332 being offered in this lot was special ordered by Lambert from Colt in 1907 and he carried it throughout his career. Accompanying the revolver is a documentation notebook filled with articles, testimonials, and photographs of Lambert with the gun. Among the many articles of documentation are three Colt Archival Letters dated October 24, 2003, July 17, 1978, and May 27, 1983. The October 24, 2003 letter signed by Kathleen J. Hoyt, Historian documents serial number 305332, .32-20 caliber. 5 - 1/2" barrel, blue finish, Pearl with carved Ox head stocks, factory engraved and further embellished with two gold bands on the barrel, and Cimarron, New Mexico engraved on the strap. Shipped to Chas. F. Lambert, Cimarron, New Mexico on January 15, 1908 in a single gun shipment. It is interesting to note that Fred Lambert was an active member of the fraternal organization "The Coming Men Of America". Engraved on top of the backstrap is the fraternal order's monogram. It wasn't until a recent discovery of Colt production records, found on a turned-down page of the journal, is an image of the monogram documenting it was indeed engraved by Colt during time of manufacture. Also, proof of the gold barrel bands being inlaid at the factory were found in the production records. Copies of those ledger pages are also included. The revolver is deluxe engraved by Cuno Helfricht featuring his classic scrollwork with punch dot backgrounds. Special attention was given to fancy borders along the ejector rod housing, top strap, and around the front sight. Overall coverage of engraving is approximately a grade 'C' level. The backstrap is inscribed inside a fancy panel "Cimarron New Mexico". Top of backstrap is engraved with "The Coming Men Of America" monogram. Most attractive and unique factory carved mother of pearl grips featuring an Ox head motif. The eyes and nostrils of the Ox head are inlaid with emeralds. Full factory blue finish with gold inlaid barrel bands located at the breech and muzzle of the 5 - 1/2" barrel. It is generally accepted by Colt collectors that less than ten pre-World War II Colt SAAs received gold inlaid embellishments at the factory. Chambered in .32-20 WCF caliber. In one of the interviews, Lambert speaks to his choosing of the .32-20 chambering. "While serving with the Mounted Police, Lambert recalls that he had his choice of weapons. According to Lambert, the most popular were the Colt Single Action, in .32-20, and the Winchester 94 in .25-35 caliber. Two Colts were carried; one on the hip, and the other under the jacket. The usual mode of weapon apparel included a Bowie knife carried in one boot. Strangely, the .25-35 and .32-20 calibers were preferred over the usual .44 and .45. The reason being that a full belt of .44-40 or .45 cartridges was quite a bit heaver, and the belt which held them took larger loops, therefore fewer cartridges could be carried". Lambert also recalls an incident while carrying his prized Colt he nicknamed "Old Betsy", and in pursuit of horse thieves. He was getting close to the bandits camp and being in fear his pinto, Wallo-K-Whoop, might neigh alerting the thieves he tied him up and completed the pursuit on foot. When he had one of them in sight, he reached for "Old Betsy" only to realize the Colt had fallen out of the holster, so Lambert went back to Wallo-K-Whoop, retrieved his Winchester, and made the arrest. Lambert spent hours trying to find his prized Colt, but to no avail. Several months later the gun was found and realizing it was Lambert's by virtue of "The Coming Men of America" and the "Cimarron New Mexico" inscriptions on the backstrap the gun was returned to Lambert. Having spent all this time on the New Mexico prairie caused some reasonable oxidation, so Lambert returned his revolver to Colt for "R&R". Upon disassembly work order number "361 B" can be found on all major components including the inside bottom of the frame, behind the trigger guard. This work order number being clearly and deeply stamped on the normally case hardened frame is clear evidence this gun was always finished "Full Blue" as a hardened frame could not be hand-stamped so deeply. The commonly seen "star" indicating factory re-finish work can be found on the right-side rear of the trigger bow. Also accompanying the revolver are eight (8) of Fred Lambert's badges including "New Mexico Mounted Police", 3 "New Mexico Deputy Game Warden", "Fred Lambert Deputy Sheriff Cimarron N.M." "Chief Police Cimarron N. Mex", "Constable / Precinct #3 Colfax County N.M." and a specially made 5-star badge with all five law enforcement positions Lambert held engraved on the star points. CONDITION: Excellent with 90% plus Colt applied full blue finish remaining. Action is tight and crisp, Bore is bright and clean. Engraving is sharp and clear. Grips are excellent showing modest wear. This is an incredible piece of early New Mexico history that would be the centerpiece of the finest Colt collection. MKS
Accessories
Framed photos and badges