Quote:
Originally Posted by Phillip Carr
I would agree with Edgar. There is a strong possibility the shotgun could have been presented to Ross. After all it was the tool of his trade as a Shotgun Messenger. Other Shotgun Messengers were presented with shotguns for their acts of bravery. It might not be the actual shotgun he used, but a new gun that was presented to him. Possibly at a later date by other officials at Welsh Fargo.
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First, let me say that I am just having fun with this, not trying to discredit anyone or assail anyone's character. I was not trying to be as blatantly disrespectful to Edgar as my post could be interpreted. Written words do not imply tone. My way of making a point can be a little abrasive because I enjoy sarcasm, which does not often play well. Sorry if I have offended, Edgar. Certainly never my intent. I think it would nothing short of fantastic to find a real Wells Fargo shotgun, made by Parker, which was used in an actual robbery. Some would even say the fact the gun was used in the killing of a known criminal would add to the value.
I could also see that Wells Fargo might present Mr. Ross with a new firearm in recognition of bravery on the job, but in this instance the plaque on the gun says that this was the gun used in the robbery. Date of manufacture was 1878. Date of robbery was 1883.
This Ross character, "Dad Ross", was well known across the West, even earning an obituary in the New York Times when he passed in 1922. There is quite a bit about his career and specifically the date of Jan 23, 1883 to be found on the internet. Take that for what it's worth in regards to building provenance.
http://api.ning.com/files/LyyBJlCmj1...rtRossdies.pdf If that is his gun then it bears incredible provenance to the Old West.
All of that said, I am obviously not an expert on anything. Here are the two images together. I can see several significant differences, but I'll leave those to others to point out if they are interested.
Would written engravings bear the same characteristics as handwriting, as that is essentially what it amounts to - handwriting?
Here is an example of a story where Well Fargo did give a shotgun to a messenger, so it DID happen, (
http://www.historynet.com/wells-farg...-a-shotgun.htm ) although the story makes note that the gun presented was "very handsome". The story doesn't say as much, but I would expect that to have been a graded gun. Wells Fargo didn't mess around when giving out gifts for valor, as evidenced by the watches reportedly worth $650 back in the 1880's.
I'm with everyone else on this. If legitimate, this would be one incredible find. One thing seems for certain - this gun, along with the folder of materials, would almost certainly make the final cut on an episode of 'Pawn Stars'.