Wild Bill Hickock Smith & Wesson Pistol Could Auction for $500,000

by
posted on August 26, 2013
Wild_Bill_Hickok_sepia-copy.jpg

A revolver worn by the infamous "Wild" Bill Hickock when he was fatally shot 150 years ago is expected to sell for $500,000 at auction. Hickock carried this legendary Smith & Wesson pistol back in 1876 when he was shot in the back of the head during a poker game in South Dakota. The Bonhams auction house in San Francisco will auction the revolver off in November, according to the Daily Mail. The antique .32 rimfire revolver features a six-inch barrel and varnished rosewood grips.

The new owner will receive the documents proving its authenticity and origins, passing through generations of the Willoth family in Deadwood. After Hickock's untimely demise his effects, the revolver included, were given by the sheriff to the family to pay off debts Hickock had with them.

Latest

Lee Enfield Carbine Ihtog 1
Lee Enfield Carbine Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: The Lee-Enfield Carbines

In addition to the Lee-Enfield infantry rifle, shorter Lee-Enfield carbines were created and adopted for use by British cavalry units. These carbines had specialized features that made for easier use while on horseback.

New For 2023: Heritage Mfg. Settler Series

Long known for its single-action rimfire revolvers, Heritage Mfg. is now extending its Western-themed firearm lineup into long guns with the addition of the Settler series.

Rifleman Report: Our Diverse Firearm Community

In this issue, we report on two of the latest firearm designs—and highlight one now long forgotten—and we present a heartwarming story involving family-centric defensive firearm training.

Product Preview: THAW Rechargeable Hand Warmers

THAW hand warmers power up in only seconds and can fit easily within most pants or jacket pockets to help make your outdoor winter treks considerably more comfortable while keeping your electronic devices charged.

Springfield Echelon: The Leading Edge Of Self-Defense

A new full-size pistol from a trusted brand brings the latest thinking to bear on the striker-fired, polymer-frame semi-automatic format—whether for duty or everyday carry.

The Armed Citizen® Oct. 2, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.