Offered here is a grouping of personal effects owned by U.S. Marshal Ramon K. "Kenny" House (1915-1998), including a Colt Third Model Derringer that is inscribed to him. House began his law enforcement career with the Louisville Police Department in 1941 and, after serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, again from 1946 to 1956. From 1956 to 1971 he served as the Chief of Police for the Dodge City Police Department as well as City Marshal. House was among those who greeted Senator John F. Kennedy when he came to Dodge City while campaigning for U.S. President and offered the then presidential hopeful a cowboy hat on behalf of the city. In January 1961, House appeared on horseback in Kennedy’s inaugural parade. Ten years later House was appointed a deputy U.S. Marshal, and then in 1978 at age 62 was appointed the first U.S. Marshal from Dodge City. His office in Dodge City was a replica of Marshal Matt Dillon’s office with the added modern convenience of air conditioning and was meant to be “a tribute to the brave men, past and present, who serve as marshal.” Kenny House was enthralled by the American Old West and with his close friend and YO Ranch owner Charles Schreiner III participated in a longhorn cattle drive on the famed ranch each spring from 1966-1976 and later in 1980 and 1992. Photos of the two men on horseback during those cattle drives are featured in the book "Long Days and Short Nights, A Century of Texas Ranching on the YO 1880-1980" by Neal Barrett, Jr. His fascination in western history drew him to Dodge City and to law enforcement. In the words of a fellow U.S. Marshal, House was “a wild west character from the word go.” He was even featured in a television episode of "Gunsmoke." The Colt Third Model Derringer is inscribed “R.K. HOUSE/DODGE CITY” on the right side of the frame, otherwise the arm has the typical Colt barrel and frame caliber markings as well as both grip panels numbered to the gun (“77”) and British proofs on the barrel. This derringer was given to House by his very close friend YO Ranch owner and noted gun collector Charles Schreiner III. After House's death in 1998, the House family gave the derringer back to Schreiner. Other items in this lot belonging to House include his personalized U.S. Department of Justice Marshal’s Service ID, two Dodge City Marshal badges worn by him and DOJ patch. The Deputy Marshal badge features the number “24” on the front and is marked “W.S. DARLEY & CO./MELROSE PARK ILL.” on the back. The silver Marshal badge is inscribed “R.K. House” in script on the front and House’s Dodge City Marshal service dates “4-9-56/TO/3-1-71” on the back. Provenance: Charles Schreiner III Collection, Robert B. "Bob" Berryman Estate Collection

Very fine, retaining 99% of the non-factory replated nickel finish with minimal handling marks and some high edge wear on the refinished grips. Mechanically excellent.