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Colorado Ranger Outfit - 44 S&W Revolver, Bowie Knife, & Rig - Circa 1895
Guns International #: 101531179 Seller's Inventory #: Item #1489
Category: Smith & Wesson Revolvers - Antique - Smith & Wesson Pistols - Antique
Seller's Information
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Seller: Clarks Antiques
Member Since: 9/22/19
First Name: Clark
Last Name: Linss
State: Arizona
Zip: 85390
Country: United States
Phone: (541) 233-6642
Number of Active Listings: 0
Total Number of Listings: 43
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
We ship USPS registered mail
Payment Types Accepted: Personal Checks or Major Credit Cards
Description:
HISTORIC COLORADO RANGER OUTFIT
44 S&W Revolver, Bowie Knife and Rig, circa 1895
An interesting and historical gun belt assemblage belonging to Colonel Charles J. Wall of the Colorado Rangers. Colonel Walls outfit is completely untouched and in very good condition overall. It consists of his gun belt with holster and knife scabbard (permanently attached), his .44 S & W Revolver and his period Bowie Knife.
In 1861 the Colorado Territory was established and the Rangers were organized as Colorado’s only statewide law enforcement through the late 1920’s. They were fashioned after the well known Texas Rangers and often served both law enforcement and militia roles in the early days of the Colorado Territory. To this day, Rangers serve as an unpaid auxiliary to any agency that requests their assistance.
Col. Charles J. Wall is listed in the roster of the Rangers, as noted in the “COLORADO RANGERS” by Carleton McClure. The Denver city directories and 1920 federal census, both list Wall as rooming at the Denver Athletic Club at 1325 Glenarm in Denver. Around 1919 Wall was serving as the head of the state constabulary and had been appointed as head of safety for the city of Denver. However, at the end of May he was implicated in a bootlegging scandal that involved hundreds of gallons of whiskey that was shipped to him. Wall was not prosecuted, but was forced to resign as chief of the constabulary and his appointment to the head of safety was revoked.
THE GUN is an S & W .44 Double Action First Model, shipped to New York in 1894. A factory letter (included) confirms barrel length of 6 ½”, nickel finish, hard rubber grips and .44 S & W Russian Caliber. It’s in good condition with approximately 15-20% of the original nickel, the rest flaked off to a dark patina. The grips are very good (no damage) and the mechanics function well. The bore is good and the entire gun is in as found, un-cleaned condition. Markings are good and “C. J. Wall, Colorado Rangers” is stamped on the left side of the frame. The hammer/side plate screw is somewhat buggered and the side plate not completely screwed down, but it functions fine. All the other screws are good.
THE BOWIE KNIFE is very high quality with an 8 ¾” blade. There are copper name plates soldered on both sides at the top where the makers name may or may not be covered up. The plates are stamped “Colorado Rangers” on one side and “Col. Chas. Wall” on the other. The blade is nicely etched on the left side with an inscription or name removed from the center. The right side of the blade is plain with “Col Chas J Wall” professionally engraved very lightly. The handle is wood and German Silver with a snake and eagle at the top and flower ornamentation at the bottom. A “W” of tacks is on the left side of the wood. The knife is in very good condition showing use and some dark patches that appear to be blood pitting. The knife still has a very sharp edge.
THE LEATHER RIG consists of a custom made belt and scabbard with a maker marked holster permanently attached with period copper rivets. The belt is 42” long x 2 ¾” wide and is decorated with nickel spots and hand tooling with the inscriptions “Colorado Rangers” and “CJW”. The scabbard is sewn to the belt and has 4 rifle cartridge loops in front and 6 loops behind for 44 caliber bullets. All the sewing on the belt appears to be hand done. The buckle is made from an actual Colorado Ranger Badge and is marked “Denver” and “B” on the back. A copper plate has been soldered at the bottom and stamped “COL”.
THE HOLSTER is maker marked in a circle with only “Colorado” barely legible. It’s most likely “Colorado Saddlary” which was in existence from 1902-1910. Also stamped on the holster is “CJW”. The holster is a double loop with a nice impressed border tooling and all the original stitching. A period repair to the skirt is showing with an additional piece of leather hand stitched to the back. The holster is a lighter color of brown from the belt, the belt being almost black in color.
This is an impressive outfit and historically significant in Colorado history and rarely acknowledged by the ranks of Western Collectors. Additional information about the Colorado Rangers is included along with the Smith & Wesson letter for the gun.
We at Clarks Antiques have been avid collectors of old west antiques for nearly 50 years. We have been actively buying and selling these items since 2000. It is our goal to provide you with authentic period items with complete and accurate descriptions at our home on line. Search for "Clarks Antiques" in google.
For domestic sale only.
SOLD
Antique: Yes