Fakes
Mark,
That's pure hogwash.
My lengthy research proves otherwise. Over 90% are legit. I'm only saying from research that I can't prove the other 10% that I have documented are correct.
They got so much WRONG about EXPRESS GUNS with earlier research. All backed by rumors and fear tactics.
The only real obvious "fakes" out there that you actually see in numbers are shotguns and trunks.
Shotguns are very difficult to authenticate because there are no known purchase records. Only photographs and from research of Express records each office was authorized to purchase shotguns locally so there really is no way to authenticate them without Providence.
The Schofield WELLS FARGO was purchased by purchasing agents directly by the EXPRESS COMPANY and many if not most were directly issued to EXPRESS MESSENGERS. More were issued to offices and other Agents. So their numbers are much higher than the excepted "couple hundred" as stated by poor research of the past.
I have a shotgun that is legit that came with a Wells Fargo Schofield and lengthy providence that covered an EXPRESS ROUTE in the valley of California between Sonora, Chinese Camp, James Town and Coulterville.
EXPRESS GUNS are very historical and every collection should have at least one example.
If you have any questions about authenticity just send me a good photo of the property stamp and number along with serial number and exact barrel length and I can refer to my lengthy records to evaluate it.
Or you can listen to the fearmongers that have ZERO FACTS AND ZERO RESEARCH PERFORMED.
Your call.
Murph