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Historic Documented Western Lawman Owned Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Personal Effects from the Roarin '20s
58
LOT 1063
Impeccably Documented Colt Black Powder Single Action Army Revolver with Holster, Personal Effects of Miles City, Montana, Police Chief Martin Golden, an Affidavit, Court Documents, Research, and Factory Letter - Serial no. 143113, 45 Long Colt cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. The included factory letter confirms the caliber, barrel length, finish, and typical “not listed” grips when this revolver was originally shipped to P. Bergerson of Cheyenne, WY. on October 8, 1891. A binder full of numerous documents and research accompanies this most historic revolver, including a type written and notarized affidavit dated January 8th, 1982 and signed by the daughter of Miles City, Montana Police Chief Martin Golden, that states, “I, Catherine Golden, transfer ownership of all articles listed in this two page statement to Mr. John K. Uden and hereby relinquish all claim to ownership to said articles.” The letter describes the revolver, “Colt .45 cal. single action revolver bearing serial number 143113. The inscription ‘Harold Clark S (diamond) - 1914’ is found scratched on the ejector shroud. The inscription “Rebecca Swain - July 29, 1917 S (diamond) - ‘ is found scratched inside
the left grip. As near as my sister and I can recall this gun was taken away from a man by the last name of Scovel when my father was Chief and was carried periodically by my father, Martin Golden, while he was Chief of Police in Miles City, Montana.” and also lists out the other items, “Shoulder holster that holds both the Colt .45 and the Colt .38 is stamped ‘A. Furstnow - Miles City, Montana’... Silver colored 6 point ball tip police star bearing the words ‘Martin Golden / Chief / Police’ on the front... Gold colored 6 point ball tip police star bearing the words ‘Martin Golden / Retired Chief / Miles City, Mont.’ on the front and ‘Active / 1906-1932’ on the back... Pair of brass knuckles carried by Chief of Police Martin Golden when he was on duty... Handcuffs stamped ‘Orion-New Haven, Conn., Pat. 1901... Rosewood Truncheon Circa Early 1900’s.” A September 1923 dated State of Montana vs. Allen Scovel court document states, “...punished by a fine of $150.00 in default of which the defendant is required to serve a term
in the county jail of Custer County, Montana... Defendant is remanded to the custody of the sheriff until the said fine is paid... for the crime of feloniously carrying a concealed weapon committed on the 11th day of July A.D., 1923...” The top of the barrel is marked with the address “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. Co HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.” The left side of the barrel marked “45 COLT”. The left side of the frame is marked with the two line/three patent dates. The assembly number “189” is marked on the loading gate. A small “G” inspection mark is stamped in the hammer well above the firing pin hole. The matching serial number is stamped on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard and back strap. Period trimmed blade front and notch rear sights. The bottom of the grips are carved “MH/HAROLD”. An included document from the Montana Department of Livestock confirms, “...the brand S (diamond) -... was recorded to Rebecca Swain on March 27, 1918. Prior to her ownership of the brand it was recorded to Harold Clark of Ashland, Montana.” A type written recollection by Catherine Golden about Martin Golden’s days as a Police Chief states, “... most of the enforcement problems were dealing with drunk cowboys and Indians and a good share of the time with the men stationed at Ft. Keogh especially just after a payroll came in. She said that these men were fighters from the word go.”
CONDITION: Good. Vibrant with Montana character, showing strong original blue finish in protected areas with the balance a smooth gray/brown patina. Grips are also good with Western wear to the checkering, and carvings as noted above. Mechanically excellent. Holster is fine with a period repair on the belt. Included accessories are fine with light handling marks. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Colt as full of character as they come with impeccable strong documentation reinforcing it’s ties to the wild West. If an old revolver could talk, this one would have plenty of stories to tell!
Provenance: The John Fox Collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
CUSTER COUNTY COURTHOUSE, MILES CITY, MONTANA