December 6-8, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/7/2023
After a devastating 1929 riot at the Colorado State Penitentiary in Canyon City left 8 guards and 5 convicts dead, Roy Best was appointed Active Chief of Law Enforcement by Governor William Adams to bring back order before receiving an official appointment as Warden in 1932. As Warden, Best promoted strict discipline and pioneered various degrading punishments for the prisoners, including the "Old Gray Mare" where inmates were flogged. Although his punishments eventually led to a federal indictment, Best also promoted modern rehabilitation programs, including gardens and workshops. After a famed December 1947 prison break, Best acted as himself in the cult classic film Canyon City about the incident. In addition to his service to the Colorado State Penitentiary, Best was a lifelong rancher and cowboy, passing away in 1954. During his service, Roy Best is attributed to have carried the Colt Detective Special included in this lot, an included notarized letter signed by his daughter notes, "The .38 millimeter detective automatic pistol was worn by Roy Best during 2 prison riots." According to a Colt archival letter, this revolver was part of a 4 gun shipment to the Colorado State Penitentiary in Canyon City, Colorado, sent on January 3, 1941, in .38 Caliber, with 2" barrel, blued finish, and "C.S.P. No. 3" marking on butt. Revolver remains in configuration as shipped, fitted with a standard 2-piece checkered walnut stock with silver rampant Colt medallions. Accompanied by a nonmatching but correct purple box with paperwork and a cleaning brush. Also included is a wonderful archive including personal documents from Best, also listed in the aforementioned notarized letter, including an original 1930 letter from Governor Adams appointing Best, a 1952 telegram from L. E. Alderman thanking Best for his assistance with the infamous Fleagle gang, a life insurance receipt, and a signed Shriners Hospital contribution card. PROVENANCE: Richard "Dick" Burdick collection. CONDITION: Excellent. Revolver shows only high-edge wear and a turn line, with a nick also on the front sight. Grips have a few softened checkering points but are otherwise very good. Very fine, bright bore. Crisp mechanics. A rare opportunity to acquire a truly fantastic grouping attributed to an extremely intriguing, controversial Western warden, cowboy, and actor.
Paperwork
Binder of Provence and Documents