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THE HISTORIC COLT SINGLE ARMY USED BY THE JAMES & YOUNGER GANG In the HISTORIC RAID ON THE 1st NATIONAL BANK Northfield, Minnesota September 7th 1876 Serial Number 11382, .45 Caliber, 7 1/2-inch Barrel Nickel-Plated with One-Piece Ivory Grips A Historic Treasure of a Town's Courage History records no more celebrated event in the annals of towns of the American West than the James-Younger Raid on the 1st National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota, September 7th 1876.

As the outlaws were shot up by the town's people, leaving two of the gang dead on Division Street, a spur and a revolver were found in their wake. The revolver is the subject of the present letter.

Bearing Serial No. 11382, the date of the Colt's manufacture was in the year 1874. The finish is of nickel-plating, with one-piece ivory grips, a combination which ranks the revolver among a highly sought-after level of the finest in American of the day.

In the examination of No. 11382, it was determined that the spring for the and the bolt (the latter securing the as the hammer is cocked and fired) is broken. The spring no longer bears against the trigger, or against the bolt.

Marked on the loading gate and on the bottom of the frame (covered by the triggerguard strap) is 747, an assembly number. On the cylinder is the serial number (last four digits only): 1382

The barrel address reads: + COLTS PT. F.A. MFG. Co. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. +

On the bottom of the frame, as well as on the triggerguard strap and the buttstrap, is the serial number stamping: 11382

Stamped on the left side of the frame are the patent dates: PAT. SEPT. 19.1871 PAT. JULY. 2.1872

The caliber marking is on the left side of the front bow of the triggerguard: 45CAL Kept for many years in the desk drawer of one of the bank's officers, No. 11382 is presently exhibited behind glass in the bank lobby. The revolver is pictured on page 13 of John J. Koblas' Faithful Unto Death The James-Younger Raid on the First National Bank September 7, 1876, Northfield, Minnesota.

No. 11382 is symbolic of the bravery of Northfield's citizens, who confronted the most famous outlaw band in American history, and effectively put the gang out of business.

Though it is unlikely one will ever know which of the James and Younger Gang carried No. 11382, that it was used in the raid is an established fact.

The author regards this revolver as among the most desirable and valuable of Colt with an authentic history from America's frontier West. Fine saddles and horses, and deluxe arms like this Single Action Army Colt, were preferred by the notorious Gang. No. 11382's display at the 1st National Bank is an elegant, handsome and historic reminder of the courageous stand taken that fateful September day by the citizens of Northfield.