Page 67 - 83-BOOK1

"Neither rain, or snow, nor death of night, can keep us from our duty.”
Alexander Majors
These men were dubbed “shotgun messengers” and riding next to the driver ultimately became known as “riding shotgun” by the early 1900s. Majors was known for being armed with one in his lead wagon. There’s a very good chance that the phrase “Riding Shotgun” originated with Majors’ practice, as anyone asking for him en route during a haul would be directed to him using such a phrase
by his teamsters. The absolutely authentic and period German silver plaque on the right side of the butt of this shotgun is inscribed “Alexander Majors/Peralto/Mo.” and has scroll engraving. The locks are signed “VAN WART SON & Co.” The flat rib has a small front sight. The breech end of the rib and barrels have double German silver bands, and the breech plugs have German silver plugs. The breech, locks, and furniture have primarily scroll engraving. The stock has a checkered wrist and 14 1/4 inch length of
pull. Van Wart, Son & Co. were merchants in Birmingham founded by American born Henry van Wart who also founded the Birmingham Stock Exchange. They focused on exporting various Birmingham made goods to America including firearms and this shotgun dates from 1840 – 1860, right in the heart of Major’s period of work. CONDITION: Very good, with dark brown patina, mild oxidation, missing left hammer screw, replacement cross screw for the locks, nipples show use, mild scattered roughness, and moderate overall wear. The stock is also very good and has some minor chips and slivers absent from the edges, distinct but mildly worn checkering, and general dings and scratches. Mechanically fine. A gun that was obviously used but well taken care of and not abused. This is an interesting Old West shotgun inscribed for one of the co-founders of the famous Pony Express and an icon of the period. Double barrel shotguns were especially popular for defense among those involved in shipping on the western frontier and famously carried by those “riding shotgun” and certainly would have been an excellent piece to present to one of the most influential
men in the business. Estimate: 50,000 - 100,000
65