Colt Revolver Model 1860 Army, Richards Conversion, .44 Caliber Centerfire, Converted in mid 1870's

Cole Younger was a member of the James Gang along with his brothers Jim and Bob. They robbed banks, stages, trains, anything that might contain valuables. Finally on September 7, 1876, the gang attempted to rob the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota. The townspeople were prepared and opened fire on the gang as they emerged from the bank. In the ensuing chase that lasted more than 3 weeks, two of the gang were killed, Cole was shot 11 times and all the Younger boys were captured. Frank and Jesse James were the only ones to escape. Cole spent the next 25 years in jail, was reformed and finally died on March 21, 1916. There are replacement grips on both guns as the originals were burned off in the wax museum fire. It is surmised that following Cole's release from prison, he gave the old Colts to collector Schwend during one of his many trips to Wichita Falls for the Quantrill Reunions which were held there. The Colt on the right has had it's barrel cut while the one on the left is at the original length. With the serial numbers so close, these two guns were probably purchased at the same time from the same dealer.