SOLD
33,000.00USD+ (7,590.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2016 May 14 @ 11:07UTC-7 : PDT/MST
Did you win this lot?
A full invoice should be emailed to the winner by the auctioneer within a day or two.
If you want to view an enlarged image, click on the thumbnail image in the lower left of the main image.
You can download a higher resolution image by clicking on the title below the enlarged image.
You can request extra images to be added by contacting HWAC at uwe@fhwac.com or by calling 775-851-1859
EXTREMELY RARE and HISTORIC RELIC CUSTER LITTLE BIG HORN BATTLEFIELD COLT .45 REVOLVER SERIAL No. 7047 Carried by Custer’s Troops June 25th 1876, Found on the Battlefield in 1933
Serial No. 7047. .45 caliber, 7 ½-inch barrel, frozen in the half cock position, with the ejector rod and ejector rod housing assembly missing, as well as the grips, and lower portions of the backstrap and triggerguard strap. The serial number determined on the left side of the cylinder in line with the lower flute, and read aided by forensic examination. The revolver is empty, without cartridges, or empty cartridge casings.
Details on No. 7047 appear on page 259 of John A. Kopec and H. Sterling Fenn, Colt Cavalry & Artillery Revolvers (1994). To quote:
"Serial numbers 7047 and 7119 also are of great interest to our study, as they are both documented and have direct Seventh Cavalry, or battlefield, association. According to records found in the National Archives, number 7047 was recovered on the Custer Battlefield in 1933. Unfortunately, the documentation is vague and
no other information exists. The present whereabouts of number 7047 is unknown to the authors, but this revolver is extant and has been recorded in our survey of Cavalry and Artillery revolvers . . . . Both of these revolvers are from Lot Seven, and could represent late issues to Company K or to other Seventh Cavalry
companies."
Researching various sources for other battlefield relic Custer Little Big Horn Colt Single Action Army revolvers has located only the following:
Serial No. 5100 from the Glenwood J. Swanson Collection, as pictured and detailed on page 280 of his landmark book, G.A. Custer His Life and Times (2004).
Colt relic Cavalry Single Action Army No. 6298, found in the 1890s or 1900, near the Little Big Horn battlefield site. Item was in the October 24, 2012 rare firearms auction of James D. Julia, Inc., lot 1376 - Identified by John Kopec in a 2-page letter: “Our records show that the subject revolver #6298 was found by a rancher some 10-20 miles south of the Little Big Horn in the ruins of a burnt-out wagon on the Cheyenne reservation.” Manufactured in 1874, part of Lot 6, and within prime serial range of Cavalry revolvers issued to Custer regiment. Further stated in the Julia description was the following: “. . . . revolver #6269 was excavated at the site of Sitting Bull’s camp in Saskatchewan, Canada, which is the nearest known Custer range gun. Mr. Zimmer [previous owner of 6298] . . . states that he had remembered seeing an ejector head pictured in an archeology book about Little Big Horn artifacts and when comparing the photograph with the broken area of his gun’s ejector rod he states that it was ‘an exact match’ . . . .” Further details on this revolver enclosed within
folder on #7047.
The 308-page detailed source, Archaeological Perspectives on the Battle of the Little Bighorn, by Douglas D. Scott, Richard A. Fox, Jr., Melissa A. Connor and Dick Harman (1989) provides exhaustive details on the dig at the site, following the fire of 1983, and the subsequent archaeological studies of that year, 1984 and 1985. Colt Single Action revolver parts noted in that title are as follows:
On page 94 the authors state: “The archaeological evidence for [soldiers’] equipment is limited in number but diverse. Only six firearm parts were found. Three screws (fig. 29) are associated with the carbines used by
the command, and a backstrap and a ejector-rod button (fig. 30) are from two of the command’s Colt revolvers. The other two parts represent Indian firearms. One is the loading lever (fig. 31) from a Model 1858 New Model Army Remington percussion revolver, and the other is a trigger from a shotgun . . . .
Quoting from page 95, Figure 30. “The backstrap and ejector rod button from a Model 1873 Colt revolver. The lines indicate where the artifacts fitted on the revolver.” No serial number was noted for the backstrap, and none would have been marked on the ejector rod button.
Note: Although a Colt Dragoon revolver relic from the Little Bighorn Battlefield site is illustrated in John S. duMont, Custer Battle Guns, 1974 edition (1977 printing; p. 65), no relic Single Action Army Little Big Horn revolvers are pictured in that publication. A special section in that title, “Relics of the Battlefield” (pages 87-94) noted (p. 92): “Captain Benteen declared Colt revolvers #5743, 5773 and 6559 as being rendered unserviceable in the battle of the Little Big Horn in 1877 . . . .” The present whereabouts of those three revolvers are unknown to the cataloguer.
Another source, the 410-page highly detailed Archaeology, History and Custer’s Last Battle, by Richard Allan Fox, Jr. (1993), provides considerable detail on the battle, based on archaeological studies, but does not present a detailed list or images of particular Colt firearms, relic or otherwise.
In the appendix of the newly published (2015) Documenting the Weapons Used at the Little Big Horn, author Wendell Grangaard presents a detailed listing entitled “Colt 45 Single Action Revolvers [of the Little Bighorn]” (pages 148-153), which lists by serial number all of the above-noted Single Action Army revolvers – including 7047 - with the exception of No. 6298 – that sold by James Julia Auctions, in 2012.
The most famous battle in American history, “Custer’s Last Stand” has been thoroughly documented over the years, and remains a uniquely popular theme in books, magazine articles, television programming and the movies – and most thoroughly in the public’s imagination.
Among the most visited historic sites and museums in the West are the National Park Service’s Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, and the nearby Custer Battlefield Museum (several acres on the LBH Battlefield site), founded by antiquarian and historian Christopher Kortlander and in Garryowen, Montana.
Custer Battlefield Relic Serial No. 7047 Colt Cavalry Single Action Army Revolver, with its date of discovery in 1933, is a particularly significant Custer and Frontier Indian Wars artifact, well worthy of the most distinguished private or museum collection related to the American West and the legendary George Armstrong Custer and his fearless and victorious Indian adversaries.
Description by R.L. Wilson
ID# 37964
Auction Location:
3555 Airway Drive Suite 308, Reno, Nevada, 89511, United States
Previewing Details:
Preview will be at our Auction Location, 3555 Airway Drive Suite 309 Reno, NV 89511
On Thursday, May 12, 10:00 am to 5:00pm at HWAC or by appointment.
Please call 775-851-1859
Nevada State Sales Tax
Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| NSST |
7.75% |
Nevada Sales Tax |
| INS |
1% |
Insurance |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
23% |
Additional Fees:
| Fee | Amount | Applicable Locations | Applied To |
| Handling fee |
5.00
|
Not Applicable
|
This fee applies to the total of the invoice
|
Shipping Details:
We ship all lots direct from our facilities via USPS Priority Mail of FedEx ground. Other arrangements can be made at buyers expense.
IN ORDER TO GET INVOICES OUT PROMPTLY SHIPPING IS ESTIMATED. FOR LARGER ITEMS/INVOICES, WE MAY NEED TO RE-INVOICE YOU
FOR EXTRA SHIPPING CHARGES.
Payment Details:
Due on receipt of invoice.
If paying by credit card or check please call our office at 775-851-1859 to arrange payment.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- AMEX
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- COD (cash on delivery)
- PayPal
- See Payment Details
- Wire Transfer
Cowboys & Indians & Miners
Absentee Bidding will end
Thursday, May 12, 2016
Internet bids accepted any time
Terms and Conditions
1. This is a Live Auction conducted by Holabird’s Western Americana Collections (HWAC).
2. Live (Floor) Bidding: Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and receive your bidding paddle. We will open lots with more than one bid at the current high absentee bid or 50% of the low estimate at the auctioneer’s discretion. Please be sure to bid on the correct lots during the live auction. Our auction progress is at a rate of between 100 and 200 lots per hour. When the auctioneer says “sold”, he will identify the successful bidder by number and announce the winning bid amount. If you are not sure whether you won the lot or not, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification immediately. Auctioneer reserves the right to reopen the lot in the case of an immediate dispute at the actual time of the sale.
3. Telephone Bidding: Telephone bidding requests MUST be scheduled prior to this auction. If you do not schedule in advance, and choose instead to call on the day of the auction to request a line for bidding, you may find that we are unable to accommodate your request. Please limit your telephone bids to items of value greater than $500, or to a string of items with a similar total.
4. Agent Bidding: There are numerous professional agents available to assist you should you require this service. Please contact the office for a list or to arrange for representation on the floor during the live auction. HWAC is not responsible for any acts or omissions by agents acting on behalf of bidders at our auctions.
5a. Live Auction Absentee Bidding: Absentee bids for the live auction MUST be received by 5pm pacific time the day before the auction. Bids accepted after the cutoff time will be represented live only if an agent is available and will not be considered absentee or given first priority as such. It is your responsibility to submit all lot numbers and bid amounts accurately. Absentee bids should be equal to at least 50% of the low estimate if an estimate is provided. Bids on “No Lots” or “Withdrawn” Lots are considered no-bids. Bids made in amounts that do not conform to the bid increment table in item 8 below will be automatically rounded up or down by the computer, or rounded to the nearest proper bid increment at the discretion of the auctioneer. Absentee bids are entered into a computer which will bid live on your behalf at the auction. Absentee bids will compete live against other absentee bids, live internet bidders, floor bidders and phone bidders.
5b. NEW BIDDERS: Bidders unknown to us must provide commercial references or a deposit of 25% of the amount to be bid in order for the auction staff to execute bids. Deposits will be credited towards lots won and any balance will be refunded within 10 business days after the auction has concluded. New online users will be given a spending limit at their initial request. In order to increase this limit, you may be required to provide a letter of authorization from your bank in addition to providing references. Please contact our office at any time if you have questions regarding spending limits or references required to bid.
6. Internet Bidding: Absentee and Live internet bidding are both available through our live auction network. If you wish to bid LIVE via the internet, you MUST pre-register. A live video and sound feed will be accessible during the auction for those bidding via the internet. Online bidding remains open through the live auction and online absentee bids may be placed anytime. Live bidding will open when the auction starts. Internet bidding is offered as a convenience for those who cannot attend the live sale. Please note that there may be delays or interruptions in internet connectivity that are beyond our control. Attending the live auction or arranging for an agent is the most reliable way to secure your bids.
WARNING: Auction participation through the live internet bidding site is not 100% foolproof. The technology for this process is still under development, and the operation of it and the corresponding internet connectivity issues are far beyond our control. Some folks have attempted to use the live internet bidding process as their primary method of bidding, and have been quite successful. Others have failed completely. Depending upon your computer, server, host, and other factors, internet signals may be delayed, such that bids may not be received in time. We cannot be held responsible for these delays, or for the lack of placed bids in a timely manner, or any other factors leading to unaccepted bids that are far beyond our control. Bidders should always have a backup plan for lots they highly desire. Live participation is best, followed by phone participation. We will not reopen lots for missed bids.
7. Reserves: Most of the lots in this auction are unreserved. Gold is generally reserved at or near spot, though it could be slightly below spot.
8. Bidding Increments: All bids must be submitted in U.S. dollars and in whole dollar amounts only in the appropriate increments as outlined below. If you choose to submit bids in an increment not listed below, your bid will be rounded to the nearest increment and you will be expected to pay the amount to which the bid was rounded should your bid be the winning bid. If you have any questions about an appropriate bid amount, please call us.
From: To: Increment:
$1 $95 $5
$100 $190 $10
$200 $475 $25
$500 $1,450 $50
$1,500 $3,400 $100
$3,500 $9,750 $250
$10,000 $30,000 $500
$30,000 UP $1000
9. Bid Reduction: All winning absentee bids will be reduced, if necessary, to the next bidding increment up from the last competing bid, as long as the minimum bid requirement has been met. For example, if you submit an absentee bid of $1000 and the next highest competing bid is $250, then you will win the lot for $275.
10. Bid Information: Collectors often ask in advance the price level of a particular lot. We will give out the current high absentee bid until we close the day before the live auction. You may also view absentee bids online at www.holabirdamericana.com. While we try to update the absentee bids as often as necessary, bids received close to the bidding deadline might not be reflected online, and we disclaim any responsibility for any bids made in reliance upon inaccuracies on our website.
11. Bid Cancellation: If you wish to cancel or change a bid after you have submitted your bids to us due to an error, you MUST PHONE us to advise us of this. Bid cancellations through mail, email, or fax are not advisable. Errors are easy to make and we are happy to assist all callers.
12. All stock certificates, checks, warrants, and other financial documents sold herein are sold as antiquities, and have no financial, securities, or public trading value whatsoever.
13. We reserve the right to reject any bid we feel is not made in good faith.
14. The placing of a bid shall constitute the bidder’s acceptance of these terms of sale.
15. Buyer’s Premium: There will be a 20% Buyer’s Premium added to each lot. US coins, nuggets, and bullion are calculated at a 15% buyer’s premium. These premiums include a 3% discount on the buyer’s premium for transactions paid with cash, checks, money orders or wire transfers. All other forms of payment are not subject to the 3% discount and the Buyer’s Premium will be calculated at 23% (18% on US coins, gold, & currency.)
16. Sales Tax: Sales tax will apply, according to state law, for any items that ship to or is picked up in Nevada (7.725%) unless a current, valid resale certificate is faxed to us at 775-851-1834 before bids are placed.
17. Invoicing: Shipping charges will be added to all invoices. Invoices are mailed or emailed within two business days after the close of all portions of the sale. Within 15 calendar days of receipt of invoice, payment is due in full to Holabird’s Western Americana Collections, 3555 Airway Dr., #308, Reno, NV 89511. Sales tax will be added to all sales picked-up after the auction or shipped to Nevada addresses, according to state law, unless a resale certificate is provided.
18. Payment: We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover, Money Order/Cashier’s Check, Personal Check or PayPal. A 3% cash discount is automatically calculated to the Buyer’s Premium on all sales. That discount will be reversed if payment is made with a credit card or through PayPal. To pay via PayPal or CC, you must contact our offices beforehand. All returned checks are subject to a $25 fee. Cash received in amounts greater than $10,000 is subject to the filing of IRS form 8300, as required by law.
19. Shipping: Shipping will be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size and weight of your purchase. All shipping will result in a minimum charge of $19.00. Additional shipping fees may be invoiced separately. The buyer is responsible for arranging and paying for shipment of large or special items. A $5 handling fee will be included in the shipping charge. The customer is responsible for all shipping charges. We do not ship any purchases until the auction invoice is paid in full. Purchases will be shipped via our approved, insured carriers: Federal Express or the US Postal Service. All items shipped Federal Express or USPS will be insured for the full value determined at auction by HWAC at no extra cost to the buyer. Federal Express shipments will be sent the Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday following receipt of payment. Pick up is available from our Reno office the next business day after the auction. NOTE: Some shipments (of unusual size, dimension, or weight) may require special handling for which individual costs will be calculated and applied to the shipping charge on the invoice.
20. Non-Payment: HWAC reserves the right to cancel any invoice not paid in full within 15 days. A cancelled invoice does not relieve the bidder from their obligation to pay seller fees and buyer’s premiums compensating HWAC for its services in conducting the auction. Interest shall run on all outstanding balances at the highest rate permitted by law. HWAC shall have a lien against the merchandise purchased by the bidder, and any other of bidder’s property then held by HWAC or its affiliates, to secure payment of the invoice, and with respect thereto HWAC shall have all the rights of a secured creditor under the Nevada Commercial Code, including but not limited to the right of sale. HWAC may sell the lot(s) securing the invoice to any underbidders in the auction that the lot(s) appeared, or at subsequent private or public sale, or relist the lot(s) in a future auction conducted by HWAC. A defaulting bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable costs of resale (including a 10% seller’s commission, if consigned to an auction conducted by HWAC). The defaulting bidder is liable to pay any difference between his or her total original invoice for the lot(s), plus any applicable interest, and the net proceeds for the lot(s) if sold at private sale or the subsequent hammer price of the lot(s) less the 10% seller’s commissions, if sold at an HWAC auction. If HWAC refers any invoice to an attorney for collection, the bidder agrees to pay attorney’s fees, court costs, and other collection costs incurred by HWAC. Any bidder who fails to follow the terms of payment will be reported to icollector and may be barred from participating in future Holabird’s Western Americana auctions.
21. Condition: We strongly recommend that you attend the live preview to see lots in their entirety. Conditions are not always noted, and large lots may not be itemized due to catalog restraints. For questions, detailed information, or additional images of any lot please contact our office at 775-851-1859. Bidders are responsible for understanding the condition of items. Conditions noted are subjective, and may differ in the opinion of different people or collectors.
22. Return Policy: All items are guaranteed to be authentic unless otherwise noted. If authenticity is challenged, please call our office for assistance. You may return any piece that was significantly inaccurately described by calling our office within 15 days of receipt of item(s) and notifying us of the error and reason for return. We do not refund postage or insurance. We have attempted to describe the items and their condition accurately. If no condition is given, assume average. Please call us if you require a more specific condition report. Any items that are returned must be returned in the exact, unaltered condition. NGC certified tokens that are returned must be original, unaltered NGC holders. Any tokens removed from the original NGC/NCS certification holders or items returned in an altered condition are deemed not returnable under any circumstances. When we receive your bids we will assume you have read the description in the catalog, viewed the image of the item, have contacted us regarding any questions you may have on any lot and/or have previewed the lot in person. Therefore, returns are only accepted if prior approval is given by Holabird’s Western Americana Collections.
23. This sale is being held under the laws of the state of Nevada, without reference to choice of law rules.
24. HWAC shall not be held responsible for any problem due to the bidders failure to follow the rules, terms and conditions of this sale, or any failure to bid due to the loss of the online auction process provided by any of the online auction networks; or missed bids, changed bids or cancelled due the bidders failure to follow the proper bidding procedure outlined herein.
25. By placing a bid or otherwise participating in the auction, Bidder accepts these Terms and Conditions, and specifically agrees to the dispute resolution provided herein.
26. HWAC shall not be responsible for consequential damages, incidental damages, compensatory damages, or any other damages arising or claimed to be arising from the auction on any lot. Bidder’s sole remedy for any proven act or omission shall be rescission of sale and refund of the amount paid by Bidder.
27. Any claim, dispute, or controversy in connection with, relating to and/or arising out of the Auction, participation in the Auction, award of lots, damages of claims to lots, descriptions, condition reports, provenance, estimates, return and warranty rights, any interpretation of these Terms and Conditions, any alleged verbal modification of these Terms and Conditions and/or any purported settlement shall be exclusively heard by, and the parties consent to exclusive in personal jurisdiction of, the Superior Court of Washoe County, Nevada. THE PARTIES EXPRESSLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. Any claim must be brought within one (1) year of the auction from which the claim arose or the claim is waived. In every case, the prevailing party shall be entitled to an award of its attorney’s fees and costs.
NEW BIDDERS
Bidders unknown to us must provide commercial references or a deposit of 25% of the amount to be bid in order for the auction staff to execute bids totaling over $25,000. Deposits will be credited towards lots won and any balance will be refunded within 10 business days after the auction has concluded. New online users will be given a spending limit at their initial request. In order to increase this limit, you may be required to provide a letter of authorization from your bank in addition to providing references. Please contact our office at any time if you have questions regarding spending limits or references required to bid.