Legendary Black U.S. Marshall Honored

FORT SMITH, ARK.—Wellington, LTD a Fine Firearm marketing company from Loveland, Colorado, in cooperation with the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative will unveil the Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves Special Edition Uberti-Winchester .38-40 cal. Carbine Rifle.

This unique collector’s firearm is modeled identical in make and model to the one carried by Marshal Reeves for the major of his historic career. It is engraved in 24-karat gold and nickel with scenes taken directly from the life of Bass Reeves. Crafted to the highest standards and engraved in Arkansas, the carbines are true works of art.

“This is a project that has been over two years in the making and we at Wellington LTD could not be happier with the result,” stated company president Jim Combs. “We believe Bass is finally starting to receive the respect and recognition he so richly deserves and we’re honored to be do our part in raising awareness of this real-life western hero.”

Combs will be in Fort Smith for the unveiling and will remain in the region showcasing the special edition carbine at several community events and during the week at the 77th Annual Old Fort Days Rodeo. After first being unveiled and previewed exclusively in the Fort Smith area, the collector’s rifle will go on sale nationally.
As a part of its commitment to raising awareness about Bass Reeves, Wellington LTD will donate to the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative Statue Fund a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each of the 100 limited edition historical carbines sold nationally. Once the 100 are sold, it will become a “closed edition.”

ABOUT BASS REEVES:
Bass Reeves was a man born into slavery and never taught to read or write, yet who became a legend of the U.S. Marshals Service. He is now considered by many to be the finest frontier lawman the nation has ever seen. An expert rifleman, horseman, and tracker who served 32 years for Federal Judge Isaac C. Parker, Deputy U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves was feared among outlaws in the Indian Territory and revered throughout many states as a legend in his own lifetime. Bass Reeves was one of the first, if not the first African-American to be sworn in as U.S. Deputy Marshal. He is credited with arresting more than 3,000 frontier outlaws in his storied career.

ABOUT THE LEGACY INITATIVE:
The mission of the Bass Reeves Legacy Initiative is to support projects that commemorate and exemplify the legacy of U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves. This legacy includes education and awareness through the themes of law enforcement, leadership, civil rights, literacy, and American history from slavery through westward expansion. The organization's first priority is funding the Bass Reeves Legacy monument, a 25-ft. bronze equestrian statue in downtown Fort Smith's Pendergraft Park near the grounds of “Hangin’ Judge” Isaac C. Parker’s court, where Reeves served for 32 years.

For more information:
deputybassreeves.com

wellingtonltd.com

Van Buren/Fort Smith, NA, NA, AR NA United States