guns of the west

Gary Hendershott • 501.258.1861 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: [email protected] | 1

Guns of the West

2 | Guns of the West • www.GaryHendershott.NET

A 1st Model 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Carbine Only 31 known to exist in this serial number rangeSerial numbered 21859; this Springfield Trapdoor carbine is one of only 31 in this range known to exist. Historically important is the fact that within this serial number range, 13 of these carbines have a direct archival association with Custer’s 7th Cavalry. Indeed this carbine is within the most prolific range of Custer Springfield’s. Serial number 21841 was a Captain Benteen turn-in, which had been considered unserviceable as a result of action at the Battle of Little Big Horn. The Springfield carbine serial numbered 21811 was surrendered by the Sioux Warrior Black Eagle to General Miles at the Tongue River, Montana in October 1876. This is a rare Custer, Little Big Horn gun. $9,850


A Rare 1st Model Springfield Trapdoor Carbine Little Big Horn weaponThis rare Springfield Trapdoor, serial number 17566 has a Little Big Horn battle association in that a rifle near this serial number has been forensically fired & identified as being at the battle. Showing significant frontier use, this is a fine example of a US Cavalry Trapdoor. The Sioux Warrior Lame White Man surrendered another Springfield Trapdoor carbine, serial number 17660 to then-Colonel Miles. This is a rare Custer and recently documented Little Big Horn survivor gun as identified by forensic test firing. $11,500


A US Colt Single Action Army Pistol serial # 2553 Ainsworth Inspected – 7th Cavalry IssueThis Colt Single-Action .45 Colt caliber Army model of 1873 ‘Peacemaker’ is serial numbered 2553, a rare ‘OWA’ Orville Wood Ainsworth-inspected example from the earliest production runs of 1873. Ainsworth was a sub-inspector at Colt’s plant during the first 18 months of the production of this model. Importantly, he inspected the first pistols issued to the cavalry units such as the 7th Cavalry, Custer’s command. This pistol is documented by serial number range to the 7th through Custer’s scout Charley Reynolds whose diary was found after the Battle of the Little Big Horn by Sgt. Alexander Brown, who served in the 7th under Captain Benteen. The diary was later donated to the Min-nesota Historical Society. This is a very rare, 7th Cavalry documented ‘Ainsworth’ Colt pistol issued to the US Cavalry in 1874 with all original, matching numbers. $14,750


A Springfield Model 1869 ‘Cadet Rifle’ Only 3,422 ManufacturedThis is a very rare Indian Wars period rifle of which only 3,422 were manufactured. A favorite of cavalry officers due to its relatively light weight and maneuverability, only about 350 of these large .50/70 caliber rifles are known to have survived the wars. Manufactured between 1871 and 1872, the barrel is 29 5/8” with the ramrod being properly flush to the barrel. Overall this is a very fine rifle, which would make a great addition to a museum collection. $1,750


A Rare Buffalo Hunter’s Skinning Set ca. 1870’s Three Knives IncludedThese skinning rigs from the 1870’s are becoming rarer among collectors. With three knives, a stiff flint scabbard and a Russell sharpening steel, this is the complete rig that the hunter would use in the field. This is an important accouterment used by the Western buffalo hunter on the Southern Plains. $1,150

A Chuck Wagon Camp Knife Scarce camp essentialEvery chuck wagon on the trail needed essential cutlery to operate efficiently. This ‘US’ clever/camp knife would hang from the chuck wagon and be ready for use on a moment’s notice. They are seldom found in this good of condition and would make an interesting presentation piece to any collection. Hunters always accompanied the Western Wagon trains and provided food to the settlers during their overland journey west. $250

Sharps Cartridge Belt .44/45 Buffalo Hunter CartridgeAn essential element to the success of the American buffalo hunter was a ready and reliable source of ammunition for his .44/45 Sharps buffalo rifle. Due to their woven fabric construction, few of these cartridge belts survived the rigors of frontier wear and tear. Dating from the 1870’s, this fine example was acquired from Frank Sellers in the mid 1970’s and is in very good condition. $950


An Ashton 1842 Percussion Pistol A .54 Caliber Henry AshtonThe Henry Ashton 1842 percussion pistol was made very similar to the Ashton musket model of the same year. Heavily used on the frontier, this pistol was sometimes carried in pairs as a backup by the backwoodsman to stave off an at-tack by enemies or wild animals. This excellent, historic example features Indian decoration correct for the mid-1860’s with the tacks being cast with a square shank. The harness leather barrel band is sewn with sinew with all decoration showing evidence of being on the pistol since the mid 19th century.

This pistol was discovered in South Dakota. With its brass back strap, trigger guard and barrel band along with the nice, aged overall patina. This is an excellent presentation style Indian gun. $1,500

Early Belt SetCartridge Belt for Buffalo Hunter. Roller buckle made of Brown Leather. $2,750


A Sharps Model 1874 Buffalo Rifle Sold by Freund in Cheyenne, Wyoming ‘Old Reliable’ barrel markings, big 40/90 caliber One of the most historical American frontier arms extantThis Sharps big .40/90 cal. is inarguably a Buffalo Hunter weapon. The rifle has seen extensive wear and has great eye appeal and was discovered in the heart of Comanche territory in Lubbock, Texas and has seen much use. With its weathered wood and iron with an earthy, muted patina, the serial number of 157229 is still visible. The ‘Old Reliable’ stamping that is so desirable is still evident. The wrist of the stock has a slight old rawhide repair. The heavy .40/90 Sharps bottleneck caliber was popular in Texas during the 1870’s.

A total of 6500 Model 1874 Sharps sporting rifles were manufactured between 1871-1875 in Hartford, Connecti-cut; from 1876-1881 in Bridgeport, Connecticut (the Old Reliable). The Model 1874 was the primary buffalo rifle made in 7 ½ to 25 pound weights. About one-third to one-half of these rifles were allocated to buffalo hunting and would total 2200-3250. Given a reasonable survival rate of 10-15%, this would allow for between 275-400 rifles existing today. Allowing for 5-10% of the existing rifles captured and Indian used, this would account for approximately 15-20 in existence today.

Perhaps the most unique and important characteristic of this rifle is the gunsmith barrel marking ‘Freund’ located in front of the ‘Old Reliable’ stamping. Freund was a dealer operating in Cheyenne, Wyoming during 1876. This is an important rifle, most assuredly captured by the Comanche from a buffalo hunter certainly worthy of a world-class col-lection. $18,500


Hudson Bay Indian Trade Gun ca. 1870Indian Trade Fusil by Barnett in original percussion configuration ca. 1870. Seated Fox Hudson Bay impression on lock plate. Brass wire wrist repair on stock. Numerous early high crown brass tacks in an Indian Council Ring tacked pattern on right side of stock. Additional tacks run parallel to brass butt plate. Large brass serpentine side plate. $5,500

An Indian Flintlock Fusil Parker Dated 1870This Indian trade gun flintlock with serpentine decoration was preferred by the Indian population of the Northern Plains due to the lack of cartridges being available to them. The Blackfoot and Cree would often use this weapon and indeed this fine example has seen much use. It is an excellent display piece, especially with the brass serpentine side plate. $3,500

J. Fordney Percussion Fur Trade Contract Rifle. The rifle was made per contract with the American Fur Co., ca.1830-1840. These rifles were carried by trappers and traded to Indian’s for furs. This rifle was pictured in Indian Artifacts Magazines, 5th Edition; a simple brass tack Indian decoration is on the butt stock. A Museum quality Indian gun from the Dave Hrachovy Collection. The Northwest Gun, by Charles E Hanson Jr. Also, records from the office of Indian affairs contracts for treaty, annuity rifles, lists Jacob Fordney who on Nov 7, 1837 was contracted to make 250 of these rifles for Indians at $13 each, a expensive gun in 1837! Very good. $6,500


Model 1807 US Flintlock “Indian carbine” in .54 cal and dated 1809With 33 ½ inch barrel total issued of 1,202. This is the 1st Official US Arsenal made carbine also the 1st Indian Department order. Converted to percussion as 99% are unless re-converted. Very good Plus. $6,500

US Army Model 1807/08 MusketBridgewater Flintlock Model 1807 Musket, .69 Cal with a long 41” Barrel ca. War of 1812. It has a 2nd style butt stock, with a overall white metal patina. Several variations of this gun are known to exist. Very good. $2,500

Model 1833 Hall/North US Breech loading percussion carbine in.58cal. Accompanied by a Triangular integral bayonet blade by Simeon North ca. 1834-39 just 7163 of these guns were produced. The model 1833 is historically significant since it was the 1st percussion weapon and breech loader officially adopted for military service globally. Les than 400 are estimated to exist today, this model is rarely seen on the collector market. Fine. $5,500


A Very Rare 1st Model Allin Conversion 1865Allin Conversion Model 1865 Breech-loading rifle modified from an 1861 Springfield US Rifled Musket. This is the very first conversion employing the trapdoor breech block mechanism by the Springfield Arsenal. Using a .58 Cal. Rim fire cartridge, only 5000 of these guns were converted under the Allin patent. There are likely less than 500 of these rifles existing today and they rarely come onto the collecting market. Their Cartridges themselves are extremely rare. Very good, wood loss around near hinge point of trapdoor mechanism. $2,500

A Colt Baby Dragoon serial # 9338 All Matching Serial NumbersThis Colt Baby Dragoon with all matching serial numbers has oval cylinder stops with the attractive brass trigger guard and back strap. Serial numbered 9338, it has a 5” barrel. This is a very attractive pistol. $3,500

Colt Army Model 1860 Army .44 Caliber in Original Holster. The major revolver of the Civil War, this serial # 16563 was made in the 1st year of the war in 1861. It is interesting to note that serial # 16557 is recorded as being carried in Company A, of the Loudoun County ( Virginia) Rangers in the Confederate Army. $2,500


Another early serial #3166 Springfield trapdoor carbineIt is interesting to note that serial # 3146 and 3197 were re-captured from Sioux Indians at the Battle of Slim Butte’s just a few months after the Little Big Horn. It maintains a faint US military cartouche and still has the saddle ring & bar. $5,500

Springfield Model 1888 “experimental” positive cam rifle. In excellent, almost new, condition. This is one of the rarest Springfield guns, as only 100 of them were made in 1888. A must for the most advanced collector or museum collection. Serial #415109 $7,500


A Smith & Wesson, 2nd Model Schofield Revolver Unusual ‘Nickel’ Plating, .45 caliberWhile the Smith & Wesson official records do not state that any of the 2nd Model Schofield .45 caliber revolvers were shipped with nickel plating, it is generally known that some Union Army officers had the Adams Plating Company nickel plate theirs for them. This 7” barreled revolver is serial numbered 3729 and due to its nickel plating is a very rare discovery used on the Western Frontier. $4,500

Springfield Trapdoor Serial #112560, Model 1877. In .45/70 cal faint cartouche. Less than 3000 of these rare models were issued to the US Cavalry after the 73’ was removed from service after the Custer battle. $2,500


Model 1873 Trapdoor Rifle 1st Model with Metcalf cartridge holder. The Metcalf cartridge holder was used on trials in the field and is rarely encountered. 1st Model 1873 rifles have become scarce on the collector’s market and values have increased significantly. The first model carbines and rifles were ordered to be turned into the Springfield armory because of physical deficiencies and replaced initially with a limited number of 1877 models to be quickly replaced by the Model 1879 which was the largest group to serve the US Military. The turned in 1873 models were disassembled by the armory and parts sold or scrapped. Existing model 1873 trapdoors in original condition had to evade the recall, by way of army deserters, or Indian capture. Very good. $1,750

Indian altered Springfield 1861 rifled musketPhotographs of Indians in the post civil war (Indian wars) era holding stock modified (shortened) Springfield muskets and rifles. Decoration using period cast brass tacks is often seen. Very good. $1,750


Remington New Model Army Indian pistol. Missing loading lever dark pitted overall patina grip butt notched with several small brass tacks. A favorite with the Indians, many of the pistols were given by US Government as relocation annuity to the plains Indian tribes. Rough and not in working condition. $2,250

A Rare Model 1877 Trapdoor Springfield rifle 1st Long Wrist ModelThis rare 1877 Model Springfield Trapdoor has the distinctive long wrist stock, keyhole trap and cleaning rod. This rifle is serial numbered 75719 and is 90% original finish. It has the rare high arch breach block and is a premium rifle for any western collection. $3,250

A Jones & Son Flintlock Indian Trade Pistol A Frontiersman’s Pistol circa ‘War of 1812’On the early western frontier there was a steady demand for pistols that could be used for trading with the Native Americans. Pioneers many times carried several pistols, and this John Jones flintlock satisfied both needs. Crafted in London circa 1810, this fine example bears pre-Lancaster 1813 proof marks. The stock is made of beautiful maple with an iron barrel. This weapon was a staple of the fur trader on the upper Missouri, frontiersman and pioneer of the early West. $1,250


A Winchester 66’ with a Henry Stock #3058; a rare transitional carbineThe Henry rifle was the most famous Repeater of the Civil War. After the war, Winchester bought out Henry and began to issue their famous brass framed Model 66’, sometimes utilizing parts from the Henry Factory, especially Henry barrels; however this rare gun has a Henry Stock, configured for a shoulder sling, and martially marked with serial #3058 stamped inside the brass butt plate. It’s a unique western gun, serial #134749. The use of the 66’ on the western frontier is legendary, sought after by settlers & Indians, who referred to them as “Yellow Boy,” because of their beautiful brass frame. It is interesting to note that many of the Indians at the Battle of the Little Big Horn were armed with these Winchester repeaters; whereas Custer’s men were carrying the single shot Springfield trapdoor carbines. A unique Winchester/Henry with an interesting connection to the west in transition. $9,500

Winchester Model 1873 1st Model Rifle .44/40 cal. With special order 30” octagon? barrel serial #14175 made in 1876. Less than a dozen of these long barrel Winchester’s are known to exist. Fine condition. $12,500


A Marlin Lever Action Rifle 1881 Model 40/60 CaliberSerial number 5052, this 27” octagon-barreled rifle has a wide hollow buckhorn rear sight and dovetail front sight. The rifle has a wonderful light gray patina. Although it has a slight ding on the barrel flat, it is a very attractive piece. $1,500

Winchester Model 1873 late 1st Model saddle ring carbine, .44/40 cal. Serial #9336 made in 1875. This was the first Winchester production lever action model made in this caliber. This is a scarce pre 76’ gun and is in fine condition. Fine. $8,500


An Indian Wars Paymaster’s Uniform A Complete Uniform with Spurs, Belt, Epaulettes, HatThis elaborate Indian Wars complete uniform was worn by a very important officer during the Indian Wars or any other war – the Paymaster responsible for seeing that the soldiers were compensated for their hazardous duty. The nine-button frock coat was made in Attleboro, Massachusetts with the buttons made by D. Evans’ (two missing). The dress Major’s Payroll Department Captain’s epaulets are made with heavy gold braid and are in very good condition, manufactured by Warnock in 1872, the only year they produced them. There is also a set of Major’s oak leaf shoulder insignias included.

The uniform is accompanied by a Warnock Indian Wars officer’s hat, a signed Indian Wars officer’s belt with hangers and buckle by Warnock and a rare pair of collapsible Civil War spurs manufactured by ‘Everdell Ass’e of Ewbank’. The spurs were patented on January 30, 1855. Completing this Indian Wars grouping is one pair of telescoping glasses the paymaster wore while dolling out the payroll to the soldiers in the field, made by ‘R. Swan’ with their original leather pocket case. A very rare Indian Wars uniform set complete with Hat & Glasses $4,500

guns of the west

Documents

springfield carbine

battle of little big

springfield model

little rock

serial number rangeserial

little big horn gun

us cavalry trapdoor

rare custer