250 Years of History CSL&OH.A.

Historic items have a way of falling into my lap. I recently acquired this belt buckle that commemorates the 200th anniversary of the United States. I was alive to see it and remember it well.  

                                                    

    

    250 Years of American History

From the foundational 1620 Mayflower compact to Settlement of the vast American west. Our story is as sweeping as the Great Plains west of the Missouri River. Settlement of the west, the civil war, the railroads and great names such as Jim Bridger, Kit Carson, Jedediah Smith, William T Sherman, U.S. Grant, Robert E Lee, George Armstrong Custer, Lewis and Clark, John C. Fremont, Black Hawk and Sitting Bull, are all part of that landscape. Over the next twelve months the CSL&OH.A. will be creating articles dedicated to that legacy.

G.C. Stevens

                                                          

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                                Dusty Trails of the Old West Anthology available on Amazon 

 

Texas Jack's Smith & Wesson Model 3 American: By Matthew Kerns

 

Photo Courtesy of Matthew Kerns

Texas Jack's (Omohundro) Smith & Wesson Model 3 American. This gun, inscribed to Jack in 1869 while he was living at Cottonwood Springs and working out of Fort McPherson, Nebraska, was once owned by Jack's biographer, the talented woodcut artist Herschel Logan. It is now part of the collection of Mike Harvey, president of Cimarron Firearms.

Even though the Colt Peacemaker has a reputation as the revolver that won the west, Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson's Model 3 was carried by many of the most well known men of the period. Popular with both lawmen and outlaws in the American West, Model 3s were reportedly used by Jesse James and Bob Ford (who used one to kill James), John Wesley Hardin, Billy the Kid and his killer Pat Garrett, Theodore Roosevelt, Virgil Earp, and many others. The Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolver was famously used by Wyatt Earp during the OK Corral Gunfight with the Clanton Gang. The "Buntline Special," an extremely long-barreled Colt that featured in Stuart Lake's largely fictionalized Wyatt Earp biography, was probably a myth, as Buntline never met or knew Wyatt and never wrote about any of the peace officers in Dodge City. Jack's Model 3 is stamped U. S. and the serial number is 2008. No one is sure if the four lines on the grip are part of the normal wear of the weapon or tally marks denoting something more significant.

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Texas Jack: America's First Cowboy Star by Matthew Kerns, is available at:

Amazon - https://amzn.to/48fQdix

Collecting Unique and Affordable Western Collectable and Weapons by G.C. Stevens

     A few items from my collection

Don't ever let anyone tell you that ebay is worthless for collectables. There are many cool and authentic things that are bought and sold there every day. Especially western collectables. The western genre has many facets where collecting in concerned. Most of us out here cannot afford an actual item or weapon connected to a famous Lawman or outlaw. But there are many interesting items that the average collector can get their hands on. Here's some ideas for your Christmas list, and this is just a small amount of what's out there:

Vintage Toy Cap Guns: Toy cap guns told the story of old western legends and TV series. These can range in price from $20 to $80 depending on the type and condition of the cap guns. The fun oart is that many of them still work and you relive your childhood by popping a few old- time caps off.

Two vintage themed toy cap guns from my collection, Wyatt Earp and Buffalo Bill

Belt Buckles: Belt buckles commemorate many different events and people. My favorite ones are dedicated to historic locations and events. They run between $9 and $35.  And they cover a multitude of aspects of the wild west.

Buffalo Bill belt buckle from the authors collection

The TIFFANY Marking is misleading, as these Jesse James brass belt buckles were actually counterfeits. But from a collecting perspective. That makes this belt buckle is very unique and tips the cowboy hat to the outlaws.

Badges: This is big one. But word of caution. There are MANY REPRO badges on the market. These repro badges started to appear probably in the 1950's as souvenirs from historic sites and were later intentionally created as lookalike badges from various towns and agencies, from Tombstone to Dodge City Kansas and many other places. The badges were in many configurations, Marshals. Sheriffs, Indian Police, Railroad Police. Wells Fargo Officers etc etc.  Early reproduction marshal and sheriff badges are crafted today by companies like Denix, Collector's Armoury Ltd, and Western Stage Props. These replicas were often based on originals from museums and private collections. Some notable makers and sources of reproduction Old West law enforcement badges: Denix Known for affordable replicas like the Tombstone Marshal Badge and US Marshal badges. Often made with brass or silver finishes for a vintage look. Collector's Armoury Ltd Offers a wide range of replica badges including Deadwood Marshal, Lincoln County Sheriff, and Indian Police badges. Their badges are crafted in brass or silver and designed to resemble authentic Old West styles. Western Stage Props Specializes in stage and reenactment props, including sheriff and marshal badges. Their collection includes Tombstone, Dodge City, and Texas Ranger replicas, often priced between $7–$14. Cowboy Props Offers museum-quality replicas for collectors and reenactors. Badges are silver-plated solid brass with sturdy pin fasteners, modeled after originals found in museums. By-the-Sword Reproduces badges from originals in museums and private collections. Their badges include Apache Police, Brothel Inspector, and City Marshal styles. The Last Best West Focuses on historically accurate replicas, including badges worn by famous figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Pat Garrett. Made from steel and brass, double-stamped, silver-plated, and hand-finished for an antique look. These reproduction badges are popular among collectors, reenactors, and Western enthusiasts for their historical charm and craftsmanship. If you're looking for a specific style or era, many of these vendors offer themed collections based on famous towns or lawmen of the Old West.

An eclectic mix of actual badges and repro badges photo by the author

WESTERN FIREARMS

For those who cannot afford to purchase authentic historic western arms. There currently a number of companies that produce Replica, Co2 BB Guns and CO2 Pellet guns that are the spitting image of famous western arms. Denix Replicas, is a company that specializes in non firing antique style arms from different time periods. Barra Air guns Specializes high-end air guns and air guns that resemble historical firearms Such as their six gun, and Henry style rifles. And Umarex, which a fairly new company, that manufactures some very high-end western replica six guns. It's worth noting that the air guns mentioned here, are not toys and they do in fact have fairly high muzzle velocities. So they must be treated like real firearms.

The bottom and below rifle on this rack is the Denix "73" It is non-firing and the same size as an original. The rifle above it is the "adult size model" Daisy Red Rider

Denix replica price range approx. $170

The receiver originally came in the pewter . I painted it gold

Barra's civil war style simulated brass frame sixgun 

Price $60

The Air Venturi John Wayne "Marshal" 

$79

The author holding an Umarex Colt pistols. These air pistols are a very faithful reproduction, and they are the same size, weight and steel construction as a true six gun. And they operate using modified cartridges. and the totally operate like the real thing.

Umarex colt with black grips

Umarex Colt pistol with ivory grips