Lot 3118

Billy King Attributed Colt Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

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Billy King Attributed Colt Frontier Six Shooter Revolver

Estimate: $7,500 - $15,000

Starting Bid: $6,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
August 23, 2026 9:00 AM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Antique Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver Attributed to Saloon Owner, Deputy Sheriff, and Cowboy Billy King of Tombstone Arizona with a Framed Display of King Related Items Including Gun Belt and Holster, Shackles, Book, Knife, and Factory Letter This revolver's serial number dates to 1883, and it is attributed to a frontier legend from Tombstone, Arizona named William A. "Billy" King (1856-1945), who was originally born in Louisiana. He ran away from home at the age of just 14 to become a Texas cowboy, moving cattle along the Chrisholm Trail just a few years later. He is also said to have drove cattle as far as Wyoming, traveled to San Francisco and Oregon, and in the winter of 1879 acted as a dispatch rider for the army out of Fort Laramie in Wyoming, as well as stating that he met Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane at Fort Fetterman during a cattle drive. In 1882, King arrived in Tombstone, Arizona, just a year after the legendary gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He began work as a ranch foreman as well as a deputy under Sheriff John Slaughter, and he stated that he witnessed the surrender of the famed Apache leader Geronimo during a cattle drive in 1886. By the 1890s, it is believed he had transitioned to owning a saloon and professional gambling, with the saloon said to have been located right next to the site of the famous gunfight. Around 1914 King had drifted back to Texas, landing in El Paso where he found work with James G. McNary, a wealthy El Paso business man. In 1942, shortly before King's death, C.L. Sonnichsen released a book about the town of Tombstone, through the eyes of King as a saloon owner based on first hand accounts from King himself, a copy of which is included on the display board. Included on the display board are various newspaper clippings regarding King, as well as a copy of a hand written note dated 21 March 1942 and signed "W.A. King" to Harry E. North with King's "Best Wishes", with the additional note signed by North stating "He left his six shooter -holster - gun belt & boots because I talked his language." The consignor has stated that these notes are hand written inside the included copy of the book. Additionally, a brief newspaper clipping on the display board from the time of King's death notes that H.E. North was named the independent executor of King's estate, indicating they were certainly close friends. Also included are copies of death certificates tracing the consignor to Mary Louise North Stevens (their mother-in-law), who was related to Harry E. North. Though not confirmed by serial number, this revolver, holster, and gun belt are attributed as those referred to in the note written by North and King. The revolver itself certainly has the look of a sidearm that spent time in the American West, particularly being in .44-40 W.C.F. which could be easily paired with a Winchester Model 1873 in the same caliber. The frame serial number dates to 1883, while the trigger guard and back strap are numbered "30659" dating to 1876. Replacement parts such as this were not uncommon on the frontier where sidearms often saw decades of hard use, particularly by men like Billy King working as a cowboy and lawman. The barrel on this revolver was shortened to its current length sometime during the period of use and had a brass blade front sight installed. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line Colt address, while the three-line patent dates are on the left of the frame. The cylinder pin is a period replacement. It is fitted with a pair of checkered hard rubber grips with Rampant Colts at the tops. Included with the revolver and mounted on a framed display board are the previously mentioned book, handwritten note, newspaper articles, leather holster and gun belt, a pair of shackles, two keys, a small club/police baton, a knife with leather sheath, and a six-pointed star shaped badge marked "DEPUTY/COCHISE CO./SHERIFF". The consignor has stated that the larger of the keys was a key for the jail in Tombstone, while the smaller key is for the shackles. The lighted hardwood display frame measures approximately 36 3/4 x 41 1/4 inches. The consignor has stated that the display case was once fitted with a glass front and could be again with relative ease.

Manufacturer: Colt

Model: Single Action Army

BBL: 4 7/8 inch round

Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Finish: blue/casehardened

Grips: hard rubber

Serial Number93341

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Good overall as a testament to history, exhibiting the grit of a frontier revolver maintained in service for many years, showing a mixed grey and brown patina with some patches of light pitting and oxidation, while the well-worn grips have the look of a sidearm that saw significant use (see above). The half cock notch is worn and does not hold; otherwise, mechanically functions. An intriguing group of items attributed to a documented legend of the American frontier!

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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