A firearm formerly owned by Pancho Villa, center, is going up for auction.
Column By Mike Bibb
Having an interest in events transpiring in Mexico, I occasionally come across stories not normally covered by the mainstream American press.
Such as the upcoming auction of Pancho Villa’s golden sidearm.
If you happen to have $650,000 – $950,000 you can spare, then sign up for Rock Island Auction Company’s three-day sale beginning Dec. 8, 2023, for an opportunity to place your bid on Mexican Revolutionary General Francisco “Pancho” Villa’s first-generation gold-plated Colt Single Action Army Revolver.
It’s been 100 years since “La Cucaracha” (The Cockroach) was gunned down on the streets of Parral, Chihuahua. After the 1910-17 revolution, Villa retired to a ranch on the outskirts of Parral. On July 20, 1923, he and a few of his ranch hands motored into the city to conduct some business and shopping.
Awaiting his arrival, reportedly, were armed government agents. To identify Poncho, an announcement “Viva Villa” by a local street vendor – in cahoots with the shooters – was a signal Poncho’s vehicle was approaching. Shortly after, dozens of bullets ripped into Pancho’s torso, as well as his aids. One survived.
Villa’s retirement was brief. The General of the North was 45 when buried the next day.
Even more bizarre, Villa was decapitated sometime after his assassination. Rumors have reported his head is in the possession of Yale University’s Skull and Bones Society.
Weird.
During the revolution, on March 9, 1916, Villa conducted an early morning raid on a U.S. Army post in Columbus New Mexico, about 30 miles south of Deming. 18 soldiers and citizens were killed, with an additional eight wounded. Supplies, horses, and mules were taken. Several buildings within the little community were set ablaze.
U.S. Army Gen. John J. Pershing organized a punitive expedition and pursued Villa into Mexico. His efforts were unsuccessful. Eventually, he was ordered to Europe to fight in WW1.
Depending upon who you talk to, Villa is regarded as a Robin Hood, defender of the poor and oppressed against the rich and powerful. Or, a clever ruthless bandit, provoking both the Mexican and American armies. Neither one was able to round him up.
In commemoration of the event a century ago, Mexico has designated 2023 as “The Year of Francisco Villa – The People’s Revolutionary.”
Pancho’s authenticated “up for auction” gold revolver has carved pearl grips, and two engraved inscriptions of his name, including one on the backstrap that reads “General Francisco Villa de su Division del Norte.”
Supposedly, the revolver was shipped from the Colt factory on April 18, 1917, to the City Loan & Jewelry Co. in El Paso, Texas.
The owner of the business, Joseph B. Ravel, sold guns to Pancho Villa and his revolutionaries, prompting a visit by U.S. government agents. Not certain if any legal action was taken against Ravel.
Noticing wear and a thinning of the gild on the surface of the gun, Pancho must have regularly practiced with it. Which only adds to the attraction and history of the weapon.
And, maybe the selling price.
