{"product_id":"wells-fargo-co-express-double-barrel-shotgunlate-19th-century-c-1870s-1890s-with-possible-documented-connection","title":"Wells Fargo \u0026 Co. Express Double-Barrel ShotgunLate 19th Century (c. 1870s–1890s) with possible documented connection.","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWells Fargo \u0026amp; Co. Express Double-Barrel Shotgun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLate 19th Century (c. 1870s–1890s) with possible documented connection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExternal hammer, side-by-side shotgun with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24” barrels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“W. Richard”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, consistent with Birmingham-trade barrels commonly supplied to American express and railroad companies during the period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe buttstock is stamped \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“WELLS FARGO AND CO.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and fitted with an original brass \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWells Fargo \u0026amp; Co. Express property shield\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e marked \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSan Francisco Division\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Both the stock stamp and shield style match documented examples of known Wells Fargo express firearms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWells Fargo is historically known to have issued and reused utilitarian shotguns for express offices, railroad depots, and payroll transport rather than high-grade sporting arms. The plain working configuration, barrel length, and overall construction of this gun are consistent with that documented practice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHistorical Association:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanied by period documentation relating to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJohn Samuel Chesney\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e (b. 1876), a railroad foreman residing at \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e214 West Washington, Oklahoma City\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an address and occupation historically linked to Wells Fargo Express activity. While no surviving ledger directly records individual firearm issuance, the firearm and documents originate from the same location and era, making a plausible historical association.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRough, well-used working condition with heavy surface wear, stock wear, and patina consistent with long service. Retains strong historical integrity despite condition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA rare surviving example of an express company shotgun with compelling period context.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eShips FREE DIRECT! Antique!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42583489413197,"sku":null,"price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/DBF9A048-234E-40D4-B21E-48FC27C6E6B0.jpg?v=1767733454","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/wells-fargo-co-express-double-barrel-shotgunlate-19th-century-c-1870s-1890s-with-possible-documented-connection","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}