October 25, 2023 The Paul Friedrich Collection of Firearms & Gold Rush
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/25/2023
The 1889-1893 "Johnson County War", also referred to as the "War on Powder River" or the "Wyoming Range War" is probably the best-known example of an American Range War. These conflicts were due to the control of open range land (public land) to transport cattle or settle on and the ensuing conflict from competition over resources, robbery, and cattle rustling. The Wyoming Stock Grower's Association, also known as the "Invaders" or "Cheyenne Club" consisted of Wyoming's elite, including politicians, law enforcement, and influential ranchers. The WSGA's main goal was to protect their larger interest in control of the open range to enhance the profitability of their cattle while eliminating smaller ranchers and competition, even hiring Texan mercenaries in the process. Because of growing discontent and violence beginning, smaller ranchers formed the Northern Wyoming Farmers and Stock Growers' Association (NWFSGA) and were led by a man named Nate Champion. Champion survived one assassination attempt in November of 1891 in which he shot 3 would-be assassins and escaped with his life. In April of 1892, he was among the 2 NWFSGA members killed at the KC Ranch. He was surrounded and fled out when the building was lit on fire, where there were Invaders waiting for him, and shot him. After this, the Cheyenne Club continued on toward Buffalo, where the NWFSGA was waiting for them and pinned them down. The Johnson County War would eventually be stopped when the United States Government had the 6th Cavalry take the WSGA posse members into custody. When an unofficial leader of the WSGA, Major Frank Wolcott, surrendered their weapons to the Army, he also gave them a detailed list of which guns were present by serial number as well as equipment. Offered here is a gun on the Wolcott list, used by a Texan WSGA Invader mercenary, Alex Hamilton. Manufactured in 1884 with 4 - 3/4" barrel chambered in .45 Colt with 2 line barrel address, correct blade front sight, and "v" notch rear sight. Other features include low profile ejector rod head and 1 piece walnut grips. Accompanied by a period Texas-made holster marked "Shelton-Payne Arms Co. / El Paso, Texas." on outside front loop. This lot is complete with a photocopy of the Wolcott list from the National Archives listing this gun to Alex Hamilton, an internet article of the Wolcott list (the article lists this revolver is 112878 rather than 112378; this is a typo), a copy of the Hoofprints of the Past Museum's Hole-in-the-Wall Tour itinerary and historical background (this museum is located in the general area of the Johnson County War and the KC Ranch, as well as home to the infamous Hole in the Wall Gang of the same time period), copies of period photographs of the invaders, and photos from when this revolver, holster, and information were presented at the California Gun Collectors Association in 2016. CONDITION: Good with about 30-40% of the original nickel plating remaining with areas of freckling throughout. Grips retain about half of their original finish with handling marks at bottom and no major signs of distress. Action is tight and crisp with all 4 hammer stops. Bore is frosted with well-defined rifling. Holster shows age-related cracking throughout with stitching tight and leather pliable. An extremely scarce opportunity to own a Colt SAA from a well-known event from the American West with tight provenance and from a well-respected collection.