counterfeiting was always prevalent. I had an incident where an older gentleman had a Colt Dragoon first model that he said he had for many years and wanted to sell. I told him that it would have to go to an authenticator. He agreed that if it was real and I bought it, I would foot the bill. If not then he would. Well, after much waiting, the gun wound up to be a VERY GOOD copy made in Mexico around the turn of the 20th century. The only tell tale sign was the angle of the screw threads. The expert said that it was only worth about $1,500.00 but if real would be between 7K to 9K. and very easy to pass off as real in its current condition. Do your homework when big$$$s are at stake.

Some previous discussion HERE

As always buyer beware.

"Been in the family for 75 years." can cover a lot of hanky panky. Let's get that PGCA letter posted. Wells Fargo didn't buy a lot of used guns. They bought them new. Unfortunately, PGCA doesn't seem to have order book info on this gun. A reference from the posted link states that many WF guns were bought locally so they would not show up as WF guns in the Parker Brothers order books. I think Walt Snyder may have discussed or listed documented WF Ithacas in his book.

I learned 40+ years ago that there are three guns to stay away from: Wells Fargo-marked coach guns (any maker), bolt-action Mossburgs with choke devices, and anything marked 'Made in Turkey.'

You're a little picky about the Mossburgs, aren't you, Kevin? I don't own one now, but I'm always looking.

Well, there aren't many of us who would wish for a bolt driven high into his cheek bone :eek:

How about HUGLUs? I've had several and they seem to be prety well made guns. Turkish walnut & engraving too.

Best Regards, George