USMC0802
Member
In the autumn of 2016 I was fortunate enough to acquire an important historical set of firearms, carbine and revolver which belonged to the legendary lawman Tom Threepersons. Generally regarded as one of the last of the "old western gunfighters", Threepersons had a long and varied career in law enforcement, primarily along the southern border, with additional service as a scout during the Punitive Expedition to Mexico. He served in several positions in El Paso, as well as the federal prohibition enforcement service.
Both the Winchester 94 carbine and the S&W 1st Model Hand-Ejector "Triple Lock" .44 date to 1915 and were likely purchased by Threepersons at this time. Sold to well known local gun collector and saloon owner Tom Powers in 1929 when Threepersons retired from law enforcement, both guns show extensive surface wear accumulated during a relatively short period of active service. Both remain "like new" mechanically and internally and were well cared for.
In an interview following publication of an article stating that he had killed 20 men, Threepersons responded that he had never "told a living soul as to how many men I've killed. That is an unpleasant memory that few officers like to recall." According to a letter he wrote later in life, "I have never had any desire to be placed in a class with Wild Bill Hickok, Billy the Kid, or any of the so-called Western bad men. My desire was and still is to be classed as a respectable officer of the law and its enforcement. I did my duty to the best of my ability, as I was sworn to do, and that was all."
Both the Winchester 94 carbine and the S&W 1st Model Hand-Ejector "Triple Lock" .44 date to 1915 and were likely purchased by Threepersons at this time. Sold to well known local gun collector and saloon owner Tom Powers in 1929 when Threepersons retired from law enforcement, both guns show extensive surface wear accumulated during a relatively short period of active service. Both remain "like new" mechanically and internally and were well cared for.
In an interview following publication of an article stating that he had killed 20 men, Threepersons responded that he had never "told a living soul as to how many men I've killed. That is an unpleasant memory that few officers like to recall." According to a letter he wrote later in life, "I have never had any desire to be placed in a class with Wild Bill Hickok, Billy the Kid, or any of the so-called Western bad men. My desire was and still is to be classed as a respectable officer of the law and its enforcement. I did my duty to the best of my ability, as I was sworn to do, and that was all."
.
