for you guys not registered on ebay, perhaps you would like to read some of the bidders questions? I tried to pull just the funniest ones YMMV. Of course naturally there were a few that just didnt get it at all....
Q: Dear Sir- I am desperately interested in this most unique opportunity to actually acquire a piece of our Southwest History- I was born and raised in Texas and have been an avid Western artifact collector for some 35 years- Unfortunately, at this time, I am rather,how should I say, financially under the weather- However, I would be willing to trade- One bird dog pup, a little gunshy but I can almost guarantee that she will outgrow it- One Jack mule, standing 17 hands, partially moon-eyed but has sound teeth and keen ears- 2 mostly grown children and a 3 legged Rhode Island Red rooster- I know you will probably require a little Boot in order to make this trade fair- Please let me know what you allow on this offer- Kind Regards- Robt.
A: Robt. - By Golly, this sounds like the best trade offer I have received yet. Just give me a few days to check with ebay to see if I can cancel this listing prior to the end date of this auction and you may have a deal!
Q: Does the holster alloow the mounting of the under-barrel ball rammer to expedite the loading and unloading of the black powder, muzzle-loading 38 super cartridges? Is an over-powder wad or ball butter required? Mar-26-07
A: Yes and both.
Q: Are the two humans pictured included in the auction? I have no use for the holster, as my 1911 has the six round .357 cylinder and therefore won't fit due to ramrod length. That said, I'm specifically interested in the second fellow's mustache, providing that it's house-broken and is good with children. Yours etc, H.H. Puddingfoot Mar-26-07
A: A perfectly reasonable question H.H. - But no they are not. By the way, as you probably know, the second fellow is Pat Garrett.
Q: I can't afford to bid on this rare item, but I was wondering if you had any insight on what bullets Billy might have loaded his sidearm with. I've heard that Billy used Federal EMFJ in .38 Super +P, blackpowder equivalent. However, I've learned that Federal discontinued the line in 1852! It seems unlikely that Billy would have hoarded a stash in that day and age - ammunition is heavy, and a decade's supply wouldn't ride well on a horse. Maybe another option was availible? I understand cast lead bullets weren't introduced until 1872, so he must have used something else - unless I've been mislead. Please help! Mar-26-07
A: That certainly does pose an interesting question. Perhaps one of our other ebayers can answer that one. There are a lot of experts out there, and I have heard from a number of them (that I have not posted).
Q: I am also interested in this rare holster, as are many others, I'm sure. Not to throw a negative light on it, but I think you should have it Carbon Dated to make sure that it authentic. Would you back up the auction and guarantee the authenticity if the buyer had the holster carbon dated, and it turned out to be older than you state. I do know of three almost identical holsters that have been dated to the 1700s that were found in a hidden tomb, south of Mexico City. Along with the holsters, there were several boxes of 38 Super cartridges, because (as we all know) having a 45 auto would be against the law in Mexico, which forbids the possession of military calibres, even by outlaws. Also, the 38 Super was a super cartridge for shooting cats, which is an interest of mine, and which led me to the three Mexican holsters in the first place. - - El Fuegotero del los gatos Mar-26-07
A: Excellent idea, Amigo. I will look into that - it may indeed be much older.
Q: Is there any chance it was for Billy's Wilson Combat instead of his 1911? I had always thought that Billy passed off his 1911 to his cousin from south of the border, Guillermo El Nino. Maybe my info is wrong? Mar-25-07
A: I would recommend that you go back to your source and verify that the most current folkloristic, astrophysical, archeological and agronomistic methods were employed to substantiate that claim.
Q: I'd like to shed some light on some mis-infomation in your ad. "Catney soon after tragically lost his life in a mule shoeing accident." Catney survived the incident, he just looked like he was dead. Just wanted to clear that up. Mar-25-07
A: Thanks for the clarification. I will have to re-check my source on that and get back to you.
Q: Is this for one of the early black powder 1911s? I have some very old loads that may be from the same era- would you be interested in adding to your collection of Billy-ana? If so I will start an eBay auction and send you the link. Mar-25-07
A: It depends on what you consider to be "early". As you probably know, Colt 1911 pistols manufactured prior to 1911 have negative serial numbers, and the oldest black powder 1911’s have very high negative numbers. Those old black powder loads might be interesting if they were in .38 Super - but of course ebay policy would prohibit their listing.
Q: Sir,I am very interested in your rare and historical artifact.The current bid however exceeds my limited funds.My question good sir is,would you be willing to accept payment in Confederate currency and S&H green stamps? Mar-25-07
A: Sir, I appreciate your interest and would be happy to consider an equitable exchange of 80% Confederate currency and 20% S&H green stamps
Q: I just bought (at a rare collector car auction), a 2004 Lexus G400 that Billy the Kid owned and drove. When I looked in the glove compartment, I found that Billy left his wallet and drivers license in it. Would you consider a trade for his wallet? Mar-25-07
A: I might, but only if it contained his New Mexico "Driver License" and his Social Security card.
Q: Dear Mr. Hoffa - i am sorry to inform you that while you were on the lamb in France, not only did the town you hid in drop the "Y", but they added two other letters (side by sie) to your alphabet - a "B" and a "S". albeit a very good story, i believe you have errored slightly. Billy's 1911 Colt did not have those pimp pearl handles that you describe, but instead, it was wrapped with Pachmyer presentation grips to match the magazine bumper pad. If Poncho Villa, who is said to have the pistol, is negotiating in good faith with you for the firearm or attempting to acquire the pistol for his collection, then good luck, but please be reminded that he is a consumate liar - and might hurt your feedback. Mar-25-07
A: Apparently you and Gen. George Patton think alike with regard to pearl handles. As you may know, First Lieutenant George S. Patton, Jr., Calvalry, spent time with Pershing on the border pursuing Villa after the raid on Columbus, New Mexico in March of 1916 and had this to say about the General: "I have tried this evening to give you a picture of the man, John J. Pershing; strong, virile, kindly and human; alive to his responsibilities; and unswerving in his adherence to duty. To me the motto of West Point, "Duty, Honor, Country," finds in him a perfect exemplification."
Q: is that a lever action FAL Billy is holding in the tin type or is it a L1A1 Mar-24-07
A: Common belief holds that Billy carried a Model 1873 Winchester, possibly chambered in .38 Super to match his 1911 Colt Auto. But I have always felt there might be room for speculation there.
Q: Have you done a leather sample yet, to determine the age and sex of the animal it was made from? Mar-23-07
A: I checked into that, but unfortunately, a comprehensive lab test cannot be performed without severely damaging the holster. However, based upon the suppleness, underlying lighter color and texture of the leather, I would guess it was made from the hide of a 3-4 year old non-angus cow (not bull) of medium stature in good physical condition.
