Smith & Wesson Double Action Revolver, .44 Caliber, 1876 Patent

If only this gun could speak, what amazing stories it might tell. The horn grips have notches scribed throughout which usually indicates "kills". The wax museum acquired this gun in 1978 so it wasn't part of the original Schwend Collection. It was displayed and promoted as belonging to Sam Bass, the notorious Texas outlaw. However on closer inspection, any observer would note that it carries 1880 patent dates. Sam was killed by Texas Rangers in Round Rock in 1878. Why the museum overlooked this obvious inconsistency is not know. It is a model preferred by many outlaws including Jesse James. The original horn grips survived the fire and still carry the mysterious notches.