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Smith and Wesson Schofield Model Single Action Revolver Attributed to Cole Younger.. ...
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Sold on Jun 19, 2023 for:
$20,000.00
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Description
Smith and Wesson Schofield Model Single Action Revolver Attributed to Cole Younger.Serial no. 2341 [on butt and inside grips], 45 caliber, 4 1/4-inch barrel [cut down]. Schofield's patent address on right side of barrel [slightly visible]. Smooth walnut grips. Contained in associated period tooled brown leather holster; holster with minor floral design. Paperwork included with the Schofield regarding the history and provenance related to Cole Younger as follows;
1) Carl W. Breihan letter stating this Smith and Wesson, serial 2341 was the property of noted Missouri outlaw, Cole Younger.........."WEHREAS, this revolver was obtained by the undersigned from Maurice Wichman and state in his statement, and said revolver was in the possession of the Wichman family since 1905 when this revolver was obtained from Cole Younger in Valley Park, Missouri, by Maurice Wichman's grandfather, W. Wichman, and; WHEREAS, the herein undersigned Carl W. Breihan visited with Harry Younger Hall prior to purchase of said revolver at Lee's Summit, Mo; and said the revolver had been the property of his uncle Cole 9man0 Younger...............A statement of Cole's ownership of theherein described revolver was given to the undersigned by Harry Younger Hall. Signed and Dated, Carl W. Breihan. Notarized by Howard E. Keolling, Notary Public, St. Louis County."
2) Second letter from Harry Younger Hall, Lee's Summit, Missouri states "This is to certify that the Smith & Wesson Schofield Model revolver 1873' serial #2341, once was the property of my Uncle Cole Younger, said to have been the most noted bandit in Missouri's history, next to Jesse James.......signed, (not dated or notarized).
3) Third and final letter, dated Jan. 1961 from Maurice Wichman [witnessed by Carl W. Breihan] states "I hereby state and affirm that the Smith & Wesson Schofield Model revolver, serial #2341; model 1873, was the property of my grandfather, and that this revolver was obtained by him from Cole Young[x]er, noted Missouri outlaw, in 1905, at Valley Park, Missouri. It is now the property of Carl W. Breihan." signed and dated.
4) Document size empty envelope marked "COLE YOUNGER S&W DOCUMENTS" addressed to Mr. Faerber from Emory Cantey, Jr.
5) Multiple photocopies of the letters mentioned above including a vintage 3x5 photograph of the gun and holster.
Cole and Jim Younger began their life of crime during the Civil War as members, along with the James Brothers, of the notorious Quantrill's Raiders. After the war, they may have been associated with the gang of Archie Clement, who led the first daylight, peacetime armed bank robbery in U. S. history on February 13, 1866. While the exact date of their association with the gang is uncertain, by 1868, they, as well as the James Brothers, were unquestionably part of the bank-robbing gang. The Jameses and Youngers were able to avoid arrest longer than many outlaws of the day, largely thanks to the sympathy and support of many of their fellow Confederate veterans. But in 1876 the Younger's luck ran out. Their attempted robbery of the bank at Northfield, Minnesota went famously awry when armed townsfolk interrupted the robbery and chased them off. In the melee two townspeople were killed, and when the Youngers were subsequently captured, they were tried and sentenced to life imprisonment at the Minnesota State Prison in Stillwater (a guilty plea saved them from the hangman's noose). Bob Younger died in prison in 1889; however, Cole and Jim continued to languish in prison, while sympathizers periodically lobbied for their release. In 1899 a bill was before the Minnesota Legislature to secure their freedom. Despite the best efforts of their supporters, the Youngers would not be paroled until July 1901. Upon release, Cole published his memoirs and, in 1903, was fully pardoned and toured throughout the south with The Cole Younger and Frank James Wild West Company. In 1913 he became a born-again Christian and died in 1916.
Condition: Gun overall is fair as configured; heavy mottled gray patina overall. Cleaned at some point. Grips with moderate wear, minor loss and seven [7] scuffs. Right grip with split on the inside, not visible from outside. Action needs adjusting, will function and index with help, spring appears broken or missing. Holster with moderate to heavy wear and scuffs. Nelson A. Faerber Collection.
Auction Info
2023 June 19 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6271 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2023
19th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 9
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 882
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
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