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

by
posted on August 26, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Gotw Smith Wesson 386 Night Guard 1
Gotw Smith Wesson 386 Night Guard 1

Gun of the Week: Smith & Wesson Model 386 Night Guard

In partnership with Lipsey's, Smith & Wesson recently re-introduced two of its classic Night Guard revolvers, the Models 386 and 396, which are chambered for the .357 Magnum and .44 Special, respectively.

The Armed Citizen® Aug. 14, 2026

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

A (Slightly Confusing) History of Colt's Police Positive Revolver

For one of the most popular law-enforcement revolvers ever made, the history of the Colt Police Positive isn't nearly as linear as one would think it'd be.

Honoring America’s 250th and Those Who Defend It

Winchester Ammunition and Bass Pro Shops logos were both featured on the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in the 2026 Coca-Cola 600 race in May.

I Have This Old Gun: Walther P38

On the eve of World War II, the German military sought a new sidearm that was easier to manufacture than the P08 Luger. Its answer was the P38.

C&H Precision STRYKR: A Red-Dot Sight for PDWs

The C&H Precision STRYKR is a hard-use, enclosed-emitter optic designed for PDWs and compact carbines.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.