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Fantastic Mexican Revolution Era Sheriff's Whitney Revolver & Peso Money Belt

This is a fantastic item of Mexican and American history in the form of an antique 32 Rim Fire Whitneyville Armory Model No. 1-1/2 revolver housed in a combination money belt / holster which is emblazened with a silver Mexican coin and is marked “PASAR OFICINA” and containing some 59 “Estado de Chihuahua” banknotes from revolutionary Mexico.  The assemblage dates to the second decade of the 19th century when the likes of Pancho Villa was at odds with officials in his country.  The pistol is inscribed “Republica Mexicana 1914”  and the currency all within the 1914 – 1915 date range - a tumultuous time in Mexican history.   
The revolver is a circa 1870's Whitneyville Armory Model No. 1 1/2 revolver with 3 ¼ inch barrel with a very fine bore having light, isolated pitting and strong rifling.  They were purchased by the Mexican government in quantity for distribution to the sheriffs and deputies.  This example is marked “REPUBLICA MEXICANA 1914” on the left side plate with the standard barrel marking “WHITNEYVILLE ARMORY CT. U.S.A. / PAT MAY. 23.1871” and has serial #3553P.  The birds head grip, spur trigger single action revolver has all matching numbered parts to include the frame, cylinder, grips and cylinder pin.  It retains about 70-75% of the original nickel plating with most of the loss on the barrel.   The rosewood birds head grips are solid showing numerous scratches and use marks with little of the original finish remaining.  Mechanically it functions properly with very good indexing and tight lock up.  
    The revolver is housed in a supple brown leather combination money belt / holster which is marked “PASAR OFICINA” which means “Pass Officer” and has an attached silver Mexican coin showing the Eagle and Snake under “REPUBLICA MEXICANA” which has also been stamped into the flap on one of the three money holding pouches, the center one having a copper coin featuring “ESTADOS MEXICANOS”.  It measures 36 inches to the last hole on the belt with and is 3 1/2 inches wide.  The three pouches contain a total of  58 State of Chihuahua bank notes dating from 1914-1915 to include 17 one Peso, 7 five Peso, 11 ten Peso, 5 twenty Peso and 18 fifty Peso bills which range in condition from very well circulated to crisp uncirculated.  They also have a range of different official stamps and surcharges common of the time period.  Overall a fantastic assemblage that speaks to a turbulent time in Mexican history and the ties to American gun industry.  Antique.

  • Item #: 47134
  • Availability: SOLD
SOLD

Tags: Mexican Whitney .32 RF