657

Colt Bisley .38-40 Engraved Sheriff D. L. Anderson

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,250.00 USD Estimated At:4,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Colt Bisley .38-40 Engraved Sheriff D. L. Anderson
CURRENT BID
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
2,250.00USD
USD
2,250.00 x 1 unit = 2,250.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2026 Oct 25 @ 10:00 (UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT)
SN: 225039. Historically Significant, Well-Documented Colt Bisley SAA Revolver with ties to the Billy The kid Saga. Manufactured in 1902, chambered in .38-40, the backstrap is engraved "Sheriff D.L. Anderson" and the heel is engraved "Sanderson Texas". (The "S" in Sanderson looks like a "L", common engravers mistake) David L. Anderson, more commonly known as William “Billy” Wilson or Buffalo Bill, was an Old West outlaw who rode with Billy the Kid following the Lincoln County War in New Mexico. He also served as a law enforcement officer and a U.S. customs inspector in his later years. Born in Trumbull County, Ohio, on November 23, 1860, David Lawrence Anderson moved to southern Texas in the early 1870s with his family. When he grew up, he worked as a cowboy before moving to White Oaks, New Mexico, and buying a livery stable in 1880. He sold his operation within less than a year but was paid in counterfeit bills. Duped, he began to pass the money and was arrested and indicted. Skipping bail, he fled and joined Billy the Kid’s Gang of rustlers. On November 29, Anderson and Billy the Kid were traveling in the open country near White Oaks when a local eight-man posse suddenly pursued them. Both their horses were killed during the chase; however, both escaped on foot. Later, meeting up with Dave Rudabaugh, the three rode into White Oaks the following day and attempted to gun down Deputy Sheriff James Redman but were forced to flee after a crowd of 30 or 40 residents took to the streets. He and the others were tracked to a ranch house 40 miles away by a 12-man posse, but they managed to escape. Deputy Sheriff Jimmy Carlyle was killed during the shootout. Following the siege at Stinking Springs, he was arrested with the rest of Billy the Kid’s gang, including Charlie Bowdre & Dave Rudabaugh after surrendering to Pat Garrett. He was convicted in December 1880 and sent to prison in Santa Fe. However, he escaped in 1884, and reverting to his real name, David L. Anderson, he returned to Texas, where he began ranching, married, and started a family in Sanderson. In 1896, Pat Garrett helped him to obtain a presidential pardon. Afterward, he worked as a U.S. customs inspector before becoming the Terrell County Sheriff in 1905. He was shot and killed by cowboy Ed Valentine when he responded to a call at a local saloon in Sanderson. Later the suspect was shot and killed by a deputy. This revolver is from his time as Sheriff. 4 3/4" barrel, blue finish, checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colt motifs, matching serial numbers, assembly number "2" on loading gate, two-line address on barrel, left side of barrel stamped "(Bisley Model) .38 W.C.F." These markings are clear readable, the two-line patent dates and circled Rampant Colt on the left frame show handling wear but mostly readable. The 3-cock action is smooth with tight lock-up, the finish has turned a gray patina from wear with traces of blue in protected areas. The bore has scattered light pitting with rifling present, the crescent head ejector rod appears to be a later replacement, the The script engraving is period done with wear consistent with the overall wear of the revolver. Colt factory letter included confirming this configuration. Part of a 10 gun shipment to Norvell Shapleigh Hardware Co. St, Louis, Missouri on April 22, 1902. Also included is a larger binder of research on Anderson including his detailed history, copies of documents, photos of him, etc. Also included is an 1916 dated Certificate of Redemption for back taxes collected and signed by him as sheriff. The Provenance does not get much better. NOTE* The watch belonging to D.L. Anderson is also in this auction.
NRA Condition-Good+. C&R Firearm.