U.S. Indian Police help

[Guns Garrett]

I'm thinking of developing a persona based on a member of the Choctaw Lighthorse, or the later U.S. Indian Police. Other than an old article in a Spring 2004 edition of Guns Of The Old West, I haven't been able to find much.  Most is biographical, or a general description of what the I.P did.  I do know they were issued 1875 Remingtons in .44-40, some Trapdoor carbines, and some photos (1890's Sioux Agency) show them wearing what looks like old-style, blue Army sack coats.  I was interested in the time frame of late 1880's to mid-1890's Oklahoma Territory, and would be grateful in anything to send me in the right direction.  Thanks

[Fox Creek Kid]

http://www.coax.net/people/lwf/FIP_PT1.HTM

[St. George]

A couple of years ago - there was a question on Indian Police on 'The Historical Society Forum'.

It starts on the third page - goes on for four pages, and covers the issue Remington as well as a link or two that could prove useful.

You might want to start there - or read:

'Indian Police and Judges' - William T. Hagan - ISBN 0-8032-7205-7.

For a quick overview - it goes into depth, and provides an excellent bibliography.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

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[Fox Creek Kid]

Not to hijack the thread, but speaking of gov't issued Indian arms, collectors now believe that there was no such animal as the legendary nickel plated Colt SAA's thought to have been issued to Indian scouts.

[St. George]

Here's what was issued to Indian Police:

In 1883, Remington supplied approximately 1300 nickle-plated revolvers to the Indian Police.

Nothing is indicated in the Contract about particular markings, if any - but they were trying to cash in on Colt's Government Contracts and referred to the revolver as the "Model Furnished Interior Department for Indian Police".

Often - Remington-Keene rifles are seen - stamped "U.S.I.D", as are Whitney-Kennedys and Winchesters.

According to "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms" - the caliber is quoted:

"Caliber .45 Government listed in early Remington catalogs (actually .45 Long Colt), but specimens scarce and would be worth premium; buyer should exercise caution on this latter caliber."

According to Wilson's "Price Guide to Gun Collecting" - the quote reads:
"Model 1875 Army Revolver, .44 centerfire, later in .44-40 and .45 Long Colt, 7 1/2", 5 3/4" Barrels bring Premium with web below Barrel."

Government purchase figures for U.S.I.D. are as indicated.

No mention of the Model 1890 - since the Government only bought the Model 1875.

There's more - but these are readily available references.

Now as to the nickel-plated Colts - it's been pretty much disproved that they were for the Indian Scouts - but rather, they were private-purchase for Officers.


Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[Dr. Bob]

FCK,

That is a great site.  Lots of info for those of us who are unaware of this segment of the Old West!  Thanks!!

[Guns Garrett]

FCK, and St.G.:
Thanks for the input.  I had previously found the website postedb by Art Burton.  I downloade all 5 parts.  Again, the info provided is mostly biographical, but nothing on gear and/or equipment.  Being part of the BIA, I doubt they would have had much in the way of gov't supplies, and that would probably have been obsolete or surplus equipment (other than the Remingtons).  St. George, I will search out the forum posting on the Historical Society Forum.  Thanks to all for your input on this.
GG

[Books OToole]

Guns;

Check out Black, Red and Deadly; Black and Indian Gunfighters of the Indian Territory, 1870-1907, by Arthur T. Burton.

Books