This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
Joe Graham Barnett, better known by his nickname "Bush" and best described as a Texas Legend that struck fear into the hearts of many an outlaw, nonetheless, walked both sides of the law himself. Ranger, bootlegger, deputy Sheriff, rancher, bodyguard, and hired gun. As written in the book, titled: "Graham Barnett / A Dangerous Man" by James L. Coffey, Russell M. Drake, and John T. Barnett, "He was admired by the people who knew him, and many who did not. At the same time, he was feared because of his reputation as a killer and a man with an explosive temper made worse when he drank, and he drank when he chose to. He stood by his friends, even as that number dwindled, and he sought out his enemies wherever they were. He epitomized the description "no greater friend, no worse enemy." In the 1920s and 30s, Texas, and especially West Texas, was a landscape requiring tough lawmen who would bend the rules to stop criminals, outlaws, the Klu Klux Klan, and gangsters, as well as cattle rustlers. Men like Graham "Bush" Barnett were exactly what was needed. His skills with a gun seemed superhuman, he practiced and displayed his skills with both the Colt Single Action Army and a Colt 1911 semi-automatic pistol. His legendary status as the most dangerous man in Texas with a gun only flourished. His career as a Ranger began on May 16th, 1916 when he enlisted in Hill County with Texas Ranger Company C under the command of Captain J. M. Fox. Though he was in and out of the Rangers during this time period, his enlistment lasted until January 30, 1930. On one occasion, during December 1929, he was called upon as a Ranger for a period of 6 months without pay, being endorsed by none other than legendary Texas Ranger Frank Hamer. It is not exactly known what he was hired to do, and would probably only enhance his legendary reputation if it were known. Graham Barnett's life was cut short 2 years later on December 6th, 1931 in Rankin, Texas by a former friend and Rankin Sherriff, Bud Fowler. The headline in the San Angelo Standard the following day read: "SHERIFF SLAYS GRAHAM BARNETT WITH MACHINE GUN"! It is unusual for a newspaper headline of the time to name the man killed and only identify the killer as "Sherriff", and also implying, it took a machine gun to do it, further immortalizing the reputation of "Bush" Barnett. According to eye witness accounts, including Tony Hess, who was a trusted friend and associate of Barnett's since 1927, "Barnett was trying to borrow money to go into the ranching business from Fowler", Hess told the jury, "He was going to blackmail Fowler for the money". Fowler had been getting "rakeoffs" from local whorehouses and bootleg operations. Barnett had a canceled check written to Fowler by a local madam. He was going to use the check as leverage with Fowler. Sherriff Fowler's testimony declined to say definitely what led up to the difficulty. The only information given was he refused to give Barnett a requested loan. The exact details of what led to Fowler killing Barnett were not exactly made clear, what is clear, however, is that Fowler shot Barnett to death. Fowler's principal defense was the Western Code, "It was him or me", and was acquitted. According to testimony given by a Rankin gas station owner, late that Saturday evening, "Bush [Barnett] drove up to my gas station and told me to 'fill'er up'. He was driving a 1929 Ford Model A Tudor, and said he was on his way to Rankin to collect some money from Bud Fowler". In Rankin, Barnett's car pointed west as Sheriff Fowler drove north up the street and stopped 20 paces from Barnett. Standing outside his car, Barnett was a bit behind Tony Hess, 1 of his 2 companions. Fowler pushed the muzzle of his 50-shot .45 caliber Thompson through the door of his car and fired 7 or 8 times. Barnett fell mortally wounded, dying almost instantly as he fell onto his back. He was hit 7 times, but a doctor said 4 bullets would have killed him. He was drilled with .45 machine gun holes, starting 1" left of his navel and ending up at the right nostril. While this was the end of Barnett's life, his legacy is preserved by the Colt Single Action Revolver presented in this sale. As documented in accompanying Colt Archival Letter dated June 11, 2012 signed by Beverly Jean Haynes, Historian. Letter documents serial number 335154, chambered in .45 Colt caliber, 5 - 1/2" barrel, blue finish, pearl grips with carved steer head motif, factory engraved, level 2 with initials "J.G.B." inscribed on backstrap. Sold to Alpine Hardware Company, Alpine, Texas and shipped on February 28, 1917 to Simmons Hardware Company, Saint Louis, Missouri in a single gun shipment on Colt order number 19. Serial number 335154 is deluxe factory engraved in the classic Helfricht style featuring foliate scrollwork with punch-dot backgrounds. Special attention was given to fancy borders along the ejector rod housing, topstrap, recoil shields, and around the front sight. Butt is factory inscribed: "J.G.B". 2-piece pearl grips with carved Steer head motif on right panel, and Colt medallions. Accompany revolver is the book "Graham Barnett / Dangerous Man". Documentation notebook including copies of Barnett's Texas Ranger enlistment records, payroll records, various articles, and Fall 2019 issue of The Texas Gun Collector magazine with feature article on Barnett. Most importantly included is Barnett's Texas Ranger badge, his Illinois Watch Co. pocket watch with custom made chain featuring Mother of Pearl and silver links terminating into a carved Eagle and Texas Star with silver panel reading "Rangers". Original A.D. Seitzler, Silver City, New Mexico holster and Texas made G. Fellbaum cartridge belt. CONDITION: Excellent plus, with approximately 95% silver-plating remaining with scattered minor flaking on hammer, and underside ejector rod housing. Grips are fine plus showing modest wear and slightly rounded corners. Bore is bright with minor frosting and sharp rifling. Action is tight and crisp. Badge and watch are excellent. Holster and cartridge belt are very good with leather supple and pliable with modest age crazing. Overall a most desirable and historic, Texas Ranger Colt with high condition and in a desirable configuration. Joe Graham "Bush" Barnett was a Ranger larger than life. Worthy of the finest Colt Collection. TON
Accessories
Holster, Belt, Pocket Watch, Badge
Paperwork
Book, Provenance