Lot 39

Wells Fargo & Co. Express Ithaca "New Ithaca Gun" Hammer Shotgun

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Wells Fargo & Co. Express Ithaca "New Ithaca Gun" Hammer Shotgun

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Starting Bid: $7,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Highly Desirable Wells Fargo & Co. Express Ithaca "New Ithaca Gun" Double Barrel Hammer Coach Shotgun Founded in 1852 for the initial purpose of providing express and banking services to California, Wells Fargo & Co. rapidly grew due to demand caused by the California Gold Rush, and by the time the gold rush came to an end in 1855, Wells Fargo dominated the banking and express service industry in the American West. Wells Fargo & Co. Express continued their domination of logistics on the western frontier through much of the "Wild West" period in the late 19th century through an expansive network of stagecoach lines. The company continued to be a major player in the market as railway lines expanded, simply shifting some of their transport services from the slower stage lines to the railroads. Through much of the late 1800s, the company's stage lines were targets for outlaws and bandits due to the money and valuable items they often carried, leading to the company arming many of the their express agents to fend off such robberies. The arming of agents was a tradition that continued into the 20th century, often with shotguns such as this one, ensuring the security of the company's transport and banking services. Pieces of the Wells Fargo legacy are synonymous with the turbulence and triumph of the American West, and they remain in high demand by today's collectors. These express agent guns often saw hard use for many years in the harsh environment of the West, leaving surviving examples scarce and remaining highly desirable in almost any condition. Manufactured c. 1911, this shotgun features the stamped markings "WF & Co. Ex" on the left of the frame for Wells Fargo & Co. Express, with a previous number having been removed immediately following the marking. This example features period shortened barrels. The origin of these short barreled coach shotguns date back to the earlier "Wild West", when Wells Fargo issued them to their stagecoach guards who rode alongside the stagecoach driver for defense, hence the origin of the phrase "riding shotgun." While the stagecoach had long since vanished from the American landscape by the time this coach gun left the factory in the early 20th century, shorter shotguns remained a popular weapon of choice with Wells Fargo guards. Grade "X" and "12" gauge marking on the left watertable. 13 5/8 inch length of pull.

Manufacturer: Ithaca Gun Co

Model: New Ithaca Gun

BBL: 20 7/8 inch solid rib

Stock: walnut

Gauge: 12

Finish: blue/casehardened

Serial Number211333

Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun

  • Condition: Good, showing the character of a Wells Fargo & Co. Express western working gun, the metal showing mostly a mixed patina, some antiqued finish, period wear and polishing, and some evidence of minor maintenance. The wood is also good with a coat of protective varnish applied overall, some cracks, a dowel pin repair on top wrist, dings, and checkering wear, all typical of a gun that saw significant use in the West. Mechanically functions. This is a historic piece of the Wells Fargo & Co. legacy as well as a treasured piece of Americana!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000