The Hopkins & Allen Ranger No2 nickel-plated .32 calibre Smith & Wesson single-action pistol, which has a $5,000 starting bid, was once owned by Zerelda "Zee" James, the wife of Jesse James.
According to legend, Jesse bought the pocket pistol for Zee in 1879 - the same year the gun was produced - to commemorate the birth of their daughter, Mary.
Jesse James has a history of capturing the collecting public's attention.
The only known signed photograph of James sold for $51,240 at a Leslie Hindman Auctioneers sale in Chicago this April.
The auction also has something for collectors of television memorabilia.
A lot comprising the 1950s-era shirt, bolo tie, guns and holsters worn by Duncan Renaldo, the actor who portrayed the Cisco Kid in the hit TV series, is sure to be of interest to many.
 'It's a girl!' |
An 1840-1850 British Tower Cavalry horse pistol, with swivel ramrod (which denotes cavalry use), could also attract the punters.
The lockplate is marked "Tower" and has the crown emblem. It is a stunning example of a large calibre horse pistol from the glory days of British military combat.
"By the time it's over this could very well be the biggest auction we've ever had," said David Reichle of SoldUSA.com.
More than 2,000 lots will go under the hammer, and you can read all about the results here at Paul Fraser Collectibles next month.
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