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The included 2010 dated affidavit states, “I, Helen K. Wilkinson, being of lawful age and being duly sworn on oath according to law, depose and say as follows: 1. I was married to George L. Wilkinson and resided at the Wilkinson family ranch located
in Platte County, Wyoming for a number of years... 2. I have in my possession a U.S. Cavalry 45 Colt pistol, serial# 6439. 3. It is my belief and understanding that this pistol was found on the ground about one-half mile north of the Laramie River on the Wilkinson family ranch property in Platte County, Wyoming. It was found by Mary Mullen Wilkinson while riding horseback sometime between 1890 and 1910. Mary Mullen Wilkinson was George L. Wilkinson’s grandmother. This revolver has remained in the possession of the Wilkinson family since it was found.” This revolver is featured in John Kopec’s article “A Second Cavalry Treasure” in the Spring 2011 issue of the magazine “The Rampant Colt” with detailed information and research related to the vigorous skirmishes and battles of the Indian Wars occurring right
in the vicinity of where this revolver was discovered. The article states, “Since the Wilkinson Ranch was located on the banks of the Laramie River some nine miles west of Wheatland, we had to assume that because Fort Laramie was the nearest post, that this revolver may have been lost by a Second Cavalry trooper from Fort Laramie while scouting the area during the Indian Wars... When we consider the amount of wear that this revolver’s grips display, it could very well be that this revolver was not lost until it had served some 15 or 20 years with the Cavalry. Therefore, it could have been lost just prior to the Ordnance Department’s recall of 1893. So, with that thought in mind, we surmise that it may have lain in the arid Wyoming wilderness another five or ten years before it was found by Mary Mullen
Wilkinson.” Orville W. Ainsworth’s “A” inspection stamp can be found below the serial number on the trigger guard, on the bottom of the barrel, on the cylinder, and
top of the back strap. The cylinder and barrel also bear a “P” proof mark along with the aforementioned sub-inspection mark. The revolver features blade front and notch rear sights, bullseye ejector, and one piece walnut grip. All of the visible serial numbers match. The barrel is marked with “+COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD, CT. U.S.A.+” on top and matching numbered “6439” under the ejector housing. All of the visible serial numbers match. Properly hand-written matching number “6439” in black ink in the rear mortise of the grip. The frame of the revolver features the two line patent marking followed by “U.S.” Includes a binder containing John Kopec’s compiled research documents, a copy of the Rampant Colt article, the affidavit, and extensive documentation and photographs related to the
family ranch it was found on.
CONDITION: Very good plus with a healthy dose of attractive Wyoming mottled gray and brown patina, some marring on the edges of the cylinder flutes, some light pitting, and defined markings. Grip is good as warped from exposure to the Wyoming heat with some general wear, handling marks, and a mild scratch on the left panel. Mechanically fine. This Wyoming recovered U.S. Colt Single Action Cavalry revolver is full of character that embodies the spirit of the American West, and is accompanied by impeccable documentation that distinguishes it as a true American treasure!
Provenance: The John A. Kopec Collection.
Estimate: 25,000 - 37,500
CROW INDIAN CAMPGROUND
AREA OF THE WILKINSON RANCH WHERE THIS REVOLVER WAS FOUND
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