Lot 162

Sheriff Howard Durst New Mexico Coach Gun 19th C.

Estimate: $1,500 - $2,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
For your consideration is this Antique N.R. Davis & Co. Double Barrel Side-by-Side Coach Gun chambered in 10 gauge, circa 1881 to 1890s. Provenance: From the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum in Tombstone, Arizona. This coach gun was owned by Howard Durst, Sheriff of Fairview, New Mexico. As with many towns in the growing Wild West, when gold was discovered in Chloride, New Mexico, prospectors soon rushed into the area looking to hit it big. As Chloride grew, some thought it was getting too crowded and rowdy. Soon, a new town sprang up two miles to the northwest, Fairview. By 1881, 25 buildings were under construction eventually leading to a smelter, a mercantile store, a grocery store two hotels, a post office, a drug store, a doctor and a school. Anyone who took on being a lawman needed to be well equipped and a coach gun was the perfect tool for keeping the peace. Starting in England in the 1600’s, coach guns were usually large bore “ fowling pieces”. Common was the single shot “ blunderbuss” of 6 or 8 bore. In the New World, the blunderbuss continued as a coach gun. As double -barreled 10 bore or 12 bore fowling pieces , ie “ shotguns “ became common by the early 1820’s, they supplanted the single shot weapon. By the post “War Between The States” era, in the time frame from 1865 to about 1900 which can be called “The Wild West”, double barrel muzzle loaders were generally supplanted after 1870 or so by break open center fire cartridge firing guns. These were typically shotguns on the various break-open designs, especially the - still in use in modern times - Anson & Deeley hinge pattern, or similar. These guns were commonly of 10 or 12 gauge with 18 – 24 inch barrels for easy handling and exposed hammers for hand cocking. Every Wells Fargo coach carried at least one for arming the shotgun guard(s) to protect valuables, jewelry, cash, gold bullion being transported to banks, the passengers and US Mail. Also known as a "messenger's gun", the coach gun was used to protect stagecoach shipments. Wells Fargo & Company assigned messengers to guard its shipments on stagecoaches in California. The company did not purchase firearms enmass and distribute them. Rather, it was up to the local agents to purchase any needed equipment locally and dispense as required. The Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label is marked, "10 Ga. SHOTGUN owned by HOWARD DURST, Sheriff of Fairview, New Mexico". This 10ga side-by-side shotgun is engraved on the right side of the receiver, "N. R. DAVIS & CO." and "TWIST." on the left. The Damascus, "twist steel" barrels feature very striking patterns. Leather butt pad appears newer in age. Warm patina observed throughout. Walnut stock is well preserved showing rich patina throughout, rich patina adorning the barrel and receiver in overall well preserved condition. Barrels are 17"L, overall length is 33", weight is 7lb, 2oz. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.

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