Smith & Wesson, Single Action, Model 3 Revolver, .44 Caliber

The James/Younger Gang consisted of Frank and Jesse James, the Younger Brothers (Cole, Jim and Bob) and a host of other characters who participated in bank, train, and stage robberies in the decade following the Civil War. Most of these men had been members of Quantrill's Guerillas who fought for the South during the Civil War and continued their own little war against the Yanks after it had ended. This revolver belonged to a member of the gang, possibly Jesse James as this was his preferred model. Deputy U.S. Marshal White found it after a fight with the gang in Indian Territory in the late 1870's. The gun sustained heavy damage in the fire and has replacement grips of mahogany that comes close to the color of the original grips which can be seen in pre-fire photos.