Walker Conersions in the Movies

[Blackpowder Burn]

I know I'm the least knowledgeable one in this discussion, but I'm scratching my head over the photo Major 2 attached to his first post in this topic.  The plaque labels it as a Walker, but the darn thing sure looks like a Dragoon.  I never saw a Walker with a loading lever latch on the front of the loading lever.......looks just like my 3rd model Dragoon. 

[Blair]

BP Burn,

There were some Walker revolvers that were modified to the Dragoon style latching system.
This system was considered to be a better method of supporting the loading leaver than the Walker's had.
My best,
 Blair

[Major 2]

I know I'm the least knowledgeable one in this discussion, but I'm scratching my head over the photo Major 2 attached to his first post in this topic.  The plaque labels it as a Walker, but the darn thing sure looks like a Dragoon.  I never saw a Walker with a loading lever latch on the front of the loading lever.......looks just like my 3rd model Dragoon. 

That is the conversions with added lever catches ( probability done at the time of the conversion) to solve the annoying drop lever syndrome.

 .... If you look at the C&B guns in the Lobby card photo ( these were the close up guns ) the lever is as you'd expect.

Paramount and Western Costume both were capable to mold and produce Rubber Guns of all styles )

I've had many Rubber Enfields , complete with rubber bayonets , A Rubber flint double barrel SXS ,
If you watch close in films you see the bayonets wiggle ( Glory & Gettysburg )
sometime bent at odd angles... In Alamo Travis used the SXS & Crockett use a Rubber Filint Long Rifle to swing at Attacking Mexicans.

In close hand to hand the Stunt men swat each other with the Rubber props ,
 Reenactors however enjoyed popping the hell out one another with the Rubber guns.

 Can't say Eastwood carried any ( perhaps in fall horse scene ) But I'm not surprised some were in the prop trailer.

[Advertising]

[Blackpowder Burn]

OK.  Not to be argumentative (well, maybe just a little  ).  But take a look at the cylinder and the bolt notches.  The Walker is an oval cutout, and doesn't have the "lead-in" of the 3rd model dragoon.  I'm still confused - still looks like a 3rd model Dragoon to my poor dumb eyes.  See photo below.

[Major 2]

Your argument is not with me.... You might want to address The National Rifle Association and The Gun Collection at Bass Pro
in Springfield Mo.
The Photo & caption is as is displayed ....

I'll also point out ...that is the Conversion(s) what improvements were probability done at the time of the conversion is conjecture.
Certainly the Grip Frame & Barrel Lug length are Walker ... It's a Hollyweird  

simply put , NRA states the gun in the collection is the Wales/ Matte Ross gun....

[RebHolister]

Major 2,

Do you have any information on the Desperado movies that I referred to in my previous post?  Such as the Walker he used.
Thanks,
Reb Holister

[Major 2]

None Sorry

[Major 2]

BP Burns

If you were confuse before...then I'll befuddle you some more....

There are always several back ups to Principals porps & clothing on location ....
Breakage/damage , Continuity, Expedite reload or get back to 1 ( places, re set the same shot with loaded piece )
you may be surprised ,  another is  theft, cool Props have real tendency to vaporize    
on location ...

Here is another of the several Josie Wales Walker conversion ... I trust this one will meet with your outlook  

Generally, when I was a Prop-master, I normally, was three deep in Principals props ( at lease )
Not always completely possible, but it's what I try for ...  


 

[Blackpowder Burn]

Major,

Oh, I don't doubt that is the Hollyweird gun they claimed was a Walker in the movie.  As much as we all love John Wayne and others, historical accuracy of firearms was not on their radar.  I'm just trying to clarify what it actually is for personal curiosity.

[Flint]

Whoever made the conversion made a new cylinder with rectangular notches and installed a 3rd model Dragoon bolt, most likely. I wouldn't think they converted a cap & ball cylinder, even for blanks, and the original oval notch would still show even if remachined to a rectangular shape.  

It is certainly a Walker barrel with a (3rd Model) Dragoon lever and latch attached.  If you look at a Dragoon, you can see that it has a Walker lever with a latch added to the end, the other Colt models all had cylindrical loading lever shafts, the Walker and Dragoon levers are tapered sort of bottle shaped.

Changing to a Dragoon lever is occasionally seen in some photographs, even originals, several shown in James E. Serven's book, Colt Firearms 1836-1958 (printed in 1958).