UPDATE: Click here to read the NRA.com article, "Who Owns Johnny Cash's Colt Revolver?"
Cased Civil War-era Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver presented by Johnny Cash to Gene Ferguson of Columbia Records, serial #84751, .44 caliber, 7 1/2" barrel with a very good bore that has some mild pitting within the grooves. This is an 1862-made revolver that retains 70-75% of a restored blue finish on the barrel and cylinder, with the balance of the metal having turned to a smooth, plum-brown patina with a few spots of mild pinprick pitting scattered about. The frame has reapplied heat coloring, with fairly bright gray metal on the balance, while the trigger guard has a dull gray patina, and the backstrap has a bright blue finish. The numbers are all matching, including the wedge and cylinder arbor, and the cylinder retains about 75% of the naval battle scene. The walnut grip is original and in very good shape, with handling marks and blemishes under an added varnish finish that has left the US inspector cartouches visible, but illegible on both sides of the butt. The action lock-up is tight and fully functional. The revolver is housed in a period presentation case with black baize-lined interior, and comes with the following accessories: Colt pistol flask with spare spout; Colt double-cavity bullet mold; tin of post Civil War Winchester percussion caps; key; and several cast lead bullets. The case is in fine condition, although the glue holding the cushioned liner in place has since let go, and Ferguson's name etched/inked on one side.
The revolver is also accompanied by a framed presentation letter signed by Johnny Cash, July 23, 1964, stating that this "1860 Cased Army Model with Flask and Bullet Mold, Serial Number 84751" was a gift to Gene Ferguson as "a small token of my friendship." The letter is typed on Cash's private letterhead, and, according to a 2016 interview with the NRA Museum, was presented to Ferguson while on a trip to Las Vegas. Additionally includes a Colt Archive Letter issued to Gene Ferguson in 2016, noting that this Colt Model 1860 Army Revolver was sold to the United States War Department and shipped to Major R. A. Wainwright, New York Arsenal, Governor's Island, New York, on January 1, 1863.
Gene Ferguson was a longtime promotions executive with Columbia Records, and a close friend of Johnny Cash from 1957 until Cash's death in 2003. This is a great Civil War firearm in its own right, but also has a documented connection to 'The Man In Black,' a legendary figure in American music, whose first single was, fittingly, 'Don't Take Your Guns to Town.'
This is an antique firearm and transfers with no federal restriction.
