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U.S. Colt Single Action Army Indian Scout Revolver Found in the Bad Lands

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 60,000.00 USD
U.S. Colt Single Action Army Indian Scout Revolver Found in the Bad Lands
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Beautiful Colt Single Action Army ‘U.S. Ainsworth Inspected" Indian Scout Gun serial number 13537 belonging to Boy Chief who was an Arikara scout for the 7th Cavalry. Indian scout Boy Chief was issued this 1873 nickel plated single action revolver, 45 Caliber, in accordance with Custer's orders to have the Indian scouts guns nickel plated in order to differentiate their guns from those of soldier or military use.

This gun is exceptionally significant because of the Togia marks on the gun's left side above the trigger guard. While currently under study, the Togia marks tell us who owned the gun and with who or when the gun had been used. At the present time, the interpretation of the Togia marks on the gun indicate that this gun was used by an Arikara warrior at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Five warriors rode with Boy Chief: Strikes the Lodge, Little Sioux, Soldier, and Strikes Two and Stabbed. These men are known to have rode with Boy Chief as they crossed the Little Bighorn River at Reno's crossing. Their job was to round up the Sioux's horses preventing their escape. The scouts had charged into a part of the camp shooting at the women and children, which caused problems with Reno because the noise notified the Sioux of their presence and thus the element of surprise was lost. It got even worse. Apparently the women and children were the wife and children of Chief Gall.

Much has been written on the battle and of these people involved. See The Arikara Narrative of Custer's Campaign and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, edited by O.G. Libby; and Gall: Lakota War Chief by R.W. Larson. A lengthy letter and report accompanies the firearm showing the interpretation of the Togia. City: State: Date: ID# 38060