What happened to Billy the Kid’s guns? This question has intrigued historians and enthusiasts for decades. The guns, once wielded by the infamous outlaw during his short but violent life, have become a symbol of the Wild West era. However, the fate of these firearms remains a mystery, shrouded in legend and speculation.
The guns that became synonymous with Billy the Kid were the two Colt Single Action Army revolvers. Known for their reliability and power, these firearms were a favorite among outlaws and lawmen alike. The first gun, affectionately named “The Kid,” was a .45-caliber Colt with a silver-satin finish. The second gun, known as “The Lady,” was a .38-caliber Colt with a black finish. These two revolvers were instrumental in Billy the Kid’s rise to fame and his subsequent demise.
After Billy the Kid’s death at the age of 21, the fate of his guns became a topic of much debate. Some believed that his guns were simply lost or discarded, while others speculated that they were passed down through generations of his family. However, the most widely accepted theory is that the guns were sold at auction following Billy the Kid’s death.
In 1881, a few months after Billy the Kid’s execution, his possessions, including his guns, were put up for sale. The auction was attended by various individuals, including collectors and lawmen. It is said that the guns were purchased by a man named Tom O’Folliard, who was a friend of Billy the Kid. O’Folliard reportedly kept the guns for a short time before selling them to a gun dealer in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
From there, the guns’ whereabouts became a blur. Some believe that they were eventually sold to a European collector, while others suggest that they were traded among various gun enthusiasts. Over the years, the guns have changed hands numerous times, and their exact location has remained a mystery.
In recent years, there have been several attempts to locate Billy the Kid’s guns. In 2013, a team of researchers and historians embarked on a quest to trace the lineage of the guns. They traveled to various countries, examining museum collections and private collections in search of the legendary firearms. However, despite their efforts, the team was unable to positively identify the guns.
The ongoing mystery of what happened to Billy the Kid’s guns has only added to the allure of the legendary outlaw. As historians and enthusiasts continue to search for answers, the guns remain a symbol of the Wild West’s violent past and the enduring fascination with the life of Billy the Kid. Whether they are lost, hidden away, or still in circulation, the fate of Billy the Kid’s guns will likely remain a topic of debate for generations to come.
