Wells Fargo marked 1887 Winchester on GB... fake???

[NapalmCheese]

Certain things are true in collecting old guns:

That 1897 trench gun is probably a fake. Sure it's a real 1897, but it was probably never a trench gun.

That 16 inch barreled .30-30 Winchester 94 trapper is probably a fake. Sure it's probably a real pre-64 M94, but it wasn't originally a trapper.

That sawn off 12 gauge Wells Fargo coach gun is probably fake.

[Dan_Eastvale]

Would those here prefer a "new in crate" 1887 genuine Wells Fargo marked shotgun that was purchased by Wells but never issued, or an all genuine one that WAS used on their coaches with plenty of patina but in good condition? If price not an issue.

[bigbossman]

Would those here prefer a "new in crate" 1887 genuine Wells Fargo marked shotgun that was purchased by Wells but never issued, or an all genuine one that WAS used on their coaches with plenty of patina but in good condition? If price not an issue.

Patina for me, please.

[Tim padilla]

If I ever had the money for a Well Fargo side by side it would have to have a small stack of provenance with people of high regard such as the Cody Museum among other deacons of western firearms.Only then if they gave it a green light. Any barn find has basically been found.

I would take the mint one .found in a wooden crate resting in the rack with Package straw around it from the factory still intact. The user would be awesome but for me I love me some safe queens .

[Spyder]

Would those here prefer a "new in crate" 1887 genuine Wells Fargo marked shotgun that was purchased by Wells but never issued, or an all genuine one that WAS used on their coaches with plenty of patina but in good condition? If price not an issue.

If it was going to be free, and there was no family history or anything that added personal relationship or nostalgia to it, I'd take the new one and add it to the museum wall. If I had to buy it, I'd rather have the one I'd be willing to shoot occasionally.

[TRAP55]

Found this post on another forum

grcsat
5539 posts ? Joined 2010
#4 ? Nov 16, 2019
Having met a Wells Fargo historian years ago, I was told that Wells Fargo never allowed any form of badge or shield to be put on any of their firearms . The only stamp you should see is W.F.C./W.F.Co. stamped on the barrel. Anything else should be considered suspect. And never an agent's name or ID number. ( some retired agents did have their name put on a firearm after RETIREMENT)

^^^This, and I know the gentleman that's quoted. Those brass badges were produced and sold as a novelty years after the fact too.

[Ronin6]

Colt pistol marked W.F. & Co

[Rogerbutthead]

Post 409 on page 21 of this thread - supposedly has an authenticated Well Fargo shotgun. Markings look nothing like that lever action gun.

https://www.coltforum.com/threads/whats-the-rarest-gun-you-own.408470/page-21#post-3635289

[BrokerB]

Mitchell's Mausers strikes again!

That looks way fake in the wood.