Historic Firearms
The Historic Firearms collection encompasses some of the most important and desirable arms ever to pass through private hands. Anchored by an extensive Colt collection that spans the full production history of America's most iconic gunmaker, this assemblage includes Robert E. Lee's Mexican War pistols, General Muhlenberg's Revolutionary War pistols, Union Admiral Farragut's gold-inlaid presentation pistol to Admiral David Porter, and the John Dalton gun from the infamous Coffeyville bank robbery.
Gary Hendershott's expertise extends from Colt Single Action Army revolvers with original Ainsworth inspection marks to multiple Gatling guns — the 1871, 1876 Custer model, and 1883 Colt models — and Indian-capture Colt Army pistols from the Battle of Little Big Horn. As a holder of a C&R (Curio and Relic) Federal Firearms License, Gary provides collectors with the assurance of dealing through a licensed and knowledgeable source for historically significant firearms.
Every firearm in this collection has been vetted for authenticity and provenance to the highest standards. From Confederate officer sidearms produced by Southern manufacturers under wartime scarcity to frontier-era Winchesters that armed settlers and lawmen alike, these are primary documents of American history preserved in steel and walnut.
Colt Single Action Army Collection
An extensive collection of the revolver that won the West, including Ainsworth-inspected examples with original Billings, Montana hand-tooled belt sets. Gary's Colt catalog featured dozens of the finest Single Action Army revolvers, representing the pinnacle of Samuel Colt's legacy as America's master gunmaker.
Robert E. Lee's Mexican War Pistols
The personal sidearms of General Robert E. Lee from the Mexican War, carried before he became the commanding general of the Confederate armies. These pistols represent one of the most important and desirable pairs of historic firearms in American military history.
General Muhlenberg's Revolutionary War Pistols
The personal pistols of General Peter Muhlenberg, the Lutheran minister who famously removed his clerical robes to reveal a Continental Army uniform and led his congregation to war. These Revolutionary War sidearms connect directly to one of the founding era's most dramatic moments.
Admiral Farragut's Gold-Inlaid Presentation Pistol
Union Admiral David Farragut's gold-inlaid presentation pistol, given to Admiral David Porter. Farragut is celebrated for his command at Mobile Bay and his legendary order to "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." This lavishly decorated sidearm represents the highest level of Civil War naval presentation arms.
Gatling Gun Collection
Gary has handled three distinct Gatling guns: an 1871 model, the 1876 Custer model (the weapon Custer declined to bring to the Little Bighorn), and an 1883 Colt Gatling gun. Together these represent the complete evolution of rapid-fire military technology in the 19th century.
The John Dalton Gun
The bank robbery gun from the Dalton Gang's infamous 1892 raid on Coffeyville, Kansas. Gary has also handled Indian-capture Colt Army pistols from the Battle of Little Big Horn and other frontier firearms with documented connections to the most notorious figures of the American West.
Related Collections
Interested in Historic Firearms?
Gary Hendershott is one of the nation's foremost authorities on historic American firearms. Whether you seek a specific Colt, a documented Civil War weapon, or wish to consign a collection, a private inquiry is welcome.
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