The well used RM and it's infamous ower were the subject of my 2025 SWCA Symposium display in Corcord, NC, in June. This revolver may deserve two distinctions: possibly the only one D B Wesson ever agreed to sell on post dated check, and secondly, possibly the only one to participated in the sinking of a Jap spy sub in WWII.
Prior to purchasing #1158, Rufus Clark Van Zandt had served with Gen. Pershing's Expedition to rid the southwest of Pancho Villa. When this group was disbanded, Van Zandt (along with Frank Baughman) was sent to France. At the end of the war Van Zandt served with the Texas Rangers (tail end of the "gunslinger" era, then with the Treasury Department's "Prohibition" agents. When he was fired(?) from Treasury, he turned booklegger and opened a "speakeasy" in Pecos, Texas.
At the end of prohibition Van Zandt embarked on a lengthy career as a big game hunting and off shore fishing guide. It was during this time he wrote Maj. D B Wesson offering photos of big game taken if he could buy the RM on a post dated check. Van Zandt did receive national recognition in this area, particularly from mountain lion hunting and roping.
As the Japanese and German perisls began to unfold, Navy Intelligence (OSS) asked Van Zandt to "hunt" in Baja California, Mexico, watching for any Jap or German ships lurking south of San Diego. Van Zandt had a group of Yaqui Indians that served as his trackers and guides. When a Jap sub was spotted in a bay refueling, Van Zandt and his indians reportedly attacked, killing a number of Japanese soldiers and sinking both the tender and the sub.
In the late 1950's Van Zandt returned to law enforcement. He served as a deputy sherif with Fannin county, Texas, until his late 70's.
Registered Magnum 1158 was shortened from the original 7-3/4" length and refinished possibly during his OSS years.





This is a ca 1930s photo of Tyrone, New Mexico. Outside this town is wher Gen Pershing camped during the Pancho Villa expedition and two decades later would serve as Van Zandt's big game hunting base of operations. and where this RM was shipped.
The SWCA Symposiums are a lot of fun and worth considering as your next vaction especially if you havent attended one before.
Prior to purchasing #1158, Rufus Clark Van Zandt had served with Gen. Pershing's Expedition to rid the southwest of Pancho Villa. When this group was disbanded, Van Zandt (along with Frank Baughman) was sent to France. At the end of the war Van Zandt served with the Texas Rangers (tail end of the "gunslinger" era, then with the Treasury Department's "Prohibition" agents. When he was fired(?) from Treasury, he turned booklegger and opened a "speakeasy" in Pecos, Texas.
At the end of prohibition Van Zandt embarked on a lengthy career as a big game hunting and off shore fishing guide. It was during this time he wrote Maj. D B Wesson offering photos of big game taken if he could buy the RM on a post dated check. Van Zandt did receive national recognition in this area, particularly from mountain lion hunting and roping.
As the Japanese and German perisls began to unfold, Navy Intelligence (OSS) asked Van Zandt to "hunt" in Baja California, Mexico, watching for any Jap or German ships lurking south of San Diego. Van Zandt had a group of Yaqui Indians that served as his trackers and guides. When a Jap sub was spotted in a bay refueling, Van Zandt and his indians reportedly attacked, killing a number of Japanese soldiers and sinking both the tender and the sub.
In the late 1950's Van Zandt returned to law enforcement. He served as a deputy sherif with Fannin county, Texas, until his late 70's.
Registered Magnum 1158 was shortened from the original 7-3/4" length and refinished possibly during his OSS years.





This is a ca 1930s photo of Tyrone, New Mexico. Outside this town is wher Gen Pershing camped during the Pancho Villa expedition and two decades later would serve as Van Zandt's big game hunting base of operations. and where this RM was shipped.
The SWCA Symposiums are a lot of fun and worth considering as your next vaction especially if you havent attended one before.
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