Colt Single Action Revolver, .45 Caliber LC, Longhorn Grips, Gold Washed, Manufactured 1899
This gun was a museum favorite and was featured in nearly all of its promotional materials. It was a gift to Harrison Schwend from Bat Masterson who had retired from his life as a lawman, gambler and gunslinger. Masterson had heard, through mutual friends, of Schwend's passion for collecting weapons and, since he was a fellow lawman, the gift was particularly appropriate. Oddly enough, the gun Schwend carried for his 35 years as a peace officer was remarkably similar right down to the longhorn head grips. The Masterson gun, however, was gold washed while Schwend's was nickel plated and engraved. Traces of the gold finish are still visible. Harrison Schwend's gun has never been found, but the Masterson gun is a beautiful, original example of Colt's manufacturing genius. The longhorn grips are original to the gun and were the favored style of Masterson.
