This finely decorated prospector's pick, circa 1903, was made by John Cox. Cox was a master craftsman who learned his trade while serving a life sentence for murder in Canon City Prison in Colorado. He specialized in making spurs for 40 years, with the "Vallejo Star" being his trademark. This pick, known by collector's as the "Governor's Pick", was a special order piece commissioned by Warden John Cleghorn for presentation to Jesse F. McDonald, who was elected to the Colorado Governor's Office in 1903. He was also the former Mayor of his hometown of Leadville. He was the founder of the Colorado Mining Association. His detailed portrait is featured on the handle, along with Theodore Roosevelt and Henry M. Teller, both close friends of McDonald's. Teller was a six-term U.S. Senator from Colorado. All three depictions are in relief and finely engraved with accurate detail. The handle also features a portrait of the Governor's wife, Colorado wildlife depictions, and a dancing Senorita playing guitar. The head has four engraved silver inlays on each side, including one with an elk, a bull chasing a Chinese man, a police officer chasing a Chinese man, two with flowers, and two with bees. Excellent condition, as refinished, showing some minor wear and scattered light marks. The pick remained in the Warden's Office until 1953, when it was nearly thrown away during a remodeling of the prison. The warden apparently retired to Arizona and took it with him. He used it in his garage to stir paint and after his death, his grand daughter saved it and cleaned the paint off. It was then purchased in 1991 by the former owner. This is one of the finest presentation picks known. Manufacturer: , Model: , Serial Number: , Caliber: , Barrel Length: , FFL Status: , Paperwork: , Blade Length: , Overall Length: , Gauge: , Chamber: , Length of Pull: , Drop at Comb: , Drop at Heel: , Internal Bore Diameter: , Barrel Wall Thickness: , Choke: , Weight: , Length of Pull: , Chamber: , Paperwork:

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Other, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

PACKING/SHIPPING
• It is the bidder's responsibility to take shipping and handlings & insurance costs into consideration when bidding on items.
• BIDDERS PRESENT AND TAKING ITEMS AFTER AUCTION - Since item liability transfers upon a successful bid, items paid for must be packed, transported and/or removed by the purchaser at his/her own risk after the close of the sale. We recommend that you arrange insurance for your items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder. If any employee or agent of MORPHY'S shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the purchaser. MORPHY'S shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee.
• ITEMS NOT PICKED UP THE DAY OF THE SALE (DENVER LOCATION ONLY) - Packaging, shipping, and insurance on items will be made available as an added courtesy and cost. We recommend that you arrange insurance for your items immediately upon becoming the highest bidder. Again, if any employee or agent of MORPHY'S shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the purchaser. MORPHY'S shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee. All applicable charges will be applied. Shipping will be based on actual costs via FedEx, FedEx Freight, or USPS (best way). Handling and insurance will vary in cost depending on each invoice. All packages will be shipped with insurance. Items will ship seven to fourteen (7-14) business days after payment is received.
• SHIPPING TERMS - Morphy will ship all items to the buyer at the listed address via FedEx or other carriers, FOB Denver, Pennsylvania or FOB Las Vegas, NV or FOB other auction locations. Any risk of loss or damage to the item(s) during transit via FedEx, or any other carrier, in excess of the insurance provided by or purchased from Morphy, is at the risk of the buyer. Any additional insurance coverage should be purchased by the buyer through the carrier. Buyer releases Morphy from any and all claims for loss or damage to any item during transit and agrees to pay all costs of defense, including attorney's fees, for any claims brought against Morphy for loss or damage occurring during transit.
• INSURANCE - Shipping insurance is automatically added up to $1,000 for every package. If your package is valued at >$10,000 we will also automatically add "Additional Insurance", which you can decline by contacting us. If you wish to arrange for "Additional Insurance" for packages valued between $1,000 and $10,000 please contact us prior to payment and we can quote this additional insurance amount for you. Insurance for all 3rd party shipments must be arranged through that carrier.
• INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS - MORPHY'S has the capability to ship to international bidders. By law, MORPHY'S cannot, and will not, declare lesser values for any international purchases and all shipments will include the invoice with purchase totals including the buyer's premium and shipping cost. All international bidders are responsible for knowing their country's laws on importing items and for paying all customs and duties on the items.
• 3RD PARTY SHIPPING of Large Items - Bidders MUST arrange and pay for 3rd party shipping when packages are a certain weight, length, or dimensional size.
o Dimensional size is length (the longest measurement) + (height x 2) + (width x 2). For example a 36" x 36" x 12" package = 36 + (36 x2) + (12 x 2) = 132"
o USA home shipments must be <70 lbs. and <108" length and <165" dimensional size
o USA business shipments must be <150 lbs. and <108" length and <165" dimensional size
o International shipments must be <150 lbs. and <108" length and <130" dimensional size
o There may be certain shipments that meet these requirements that will still require 3rd party shipping, and we will communicate the reason in those cases.
• For any buyers who wish to arrange, or must arrange due to the size of the item, for their own shipping, MORPHY'S must be notified at least seven (7) days prior of shipping company name and arrival date and time. Pickup must be scheduled to begin and end within our normal business hours (9am - 4pm, seven days a week). Buyers must arrange weekend pickups in advance with MORPHY'S staff, and additional charges may be necessary for overtime. 3rd party shipper must arrive with a copy of the invoice
• STORAGE FEE - MORPHY'S will charge a storage fee of $50/week for any items awaiting pickup for more than 14 days following the auction date.

by Morphy Auctions
June 9, 2017 9:00 AM EDT
2000 North Reading Road
Denver, PA, US 17517

Morphy Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000