Dead man's gun, Colt Bisley .38-40 cal., 4-3/4” barrel

Colt Bisley Model single action revolver, DEAD MAN'S GUN .38-40 cal., 4-3/4” barrel, Mostly grey finish, with well worn checkered hard rubber grips. Serial #234319 manufactured in 1902. Shipped to Speers Hardware Co. FORT SMITH ARKANSAS. This gun is in overall good condition showing some surface pitting on the ejector rod and cylinder with a pretty darn good bore. The action is crisp and tight. Most markings are sharp and clear with "Bisley Model" fading. (See photos). This is the gun that Willie Leahy was firing wildly as he and his brother Harry were drunk and whooping it up in Mathis, Texas. The worn grips have the Initials E.L.W. (Edward Leahy William) on the inside of the right grip. What a pleasure to find an old Colt that hasn't been messed with as verified by the Colt archival letter. This gun was likely taken off of Willie Leahy by Sheriff Dave Odem as Willie lay dead at the corner of Front St. and San Patrico Ave. after being shot by, Sheriff Odem's Deputy in Mathis Tx. The story of this fracas and the Leahy family is too extensive to go into here. Follow the links I have provided and you will enjoy the search yourself, be patient as it has may twist and turns before it gets to Willies death. Just for fun here is a picture of Sheriff Odem who must have sold this old piece of Texas history many years ago. Also included is the Colt Letter and some research. The Letter from H.F. Pape is not accurate. If you read the story, You will understand why he was confused by the Timon-Leahy relationship. It took me a couple of times rereading it before it came together in my mind.