Colt revolver of the silver screen's favourite cowboy goes under the hammer

William S Hart (1864-1946, pictured) was a well known cowboy actor, director and producer in the silent film era. He was friends of Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp and served as a pallbearer at Earps funeral in 1929. We've discussed memorabilia related to both Earp and Masterson before.

Now an archive of Hart's belongings is heading to auction. The centrepiece of this archive is the 1907 Colt New Service D/A revolver serial # 18286 that Hart used along with a single action revolver in his films.

The grips have Mother of Pearl hearts inlay. One is broken and has been replaced with an original grip. The broken grip is present in the archive.

The original 7.5 inch barrel had been replaced by a 4.5 inch barrel at that time, to allow for a faster draw. The overall condition of the .38/40 cal. is very good with wear appropriate for age.

Also included in the grouping is a leather holster for the gun, a Reed & Barton Sterling Silver money clip with "Wm. S Hart / Horseshoe / Ranch / Newhall Calif.", under which appears a 32nd degree Masonic Eagle.

There is a coin silver Elgin pocket watch engraved on the back with "Horseshoe Ranch / Newhall, Calif." and having 3 concentric hearts in the centre. The watch fob features a cowboy riding a rearing horse.

The accompanying printed material includes a hand signed letter on his stationary from the ranch and a press photo signed in pencil. There is a funeral service program for Hart, several period press photos, and a letter from Colt authenticating the gun and bio information on him.

Estimated at $7,000-$10,000, the revolver will be sold in Affiliated Auctions sale in Florida and online on March 5.

 

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