Otis Miller Revolver: A Mystery That’s Still Unsolved

The Otis Miller Revolver is a legendary artifact of the Wild West. It is said to have been carried by the outlaw Otis Miller during his final shootout with a posse of lawmen in 1908. The revolver is believed to be one of the most iconic weapons of the Old West, and its whereabouts have been a mystery for over a century.

In this article, we will explore the history of the Otis Miller Revolver, the events surrounding its disappearance, and the theories about where it might be today. We will also take a look at the significance of the revolver and why it remains such a popular object of fascination.

| Location | Date | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Otis Miller Museum, Glendora, California | 2011 | Donated by Otis Miller’s great-granddaughter, Jane Miller |
| National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | 2014 | On loan from Otis Miller Museum |
| Otis Miller Museum, Glendora, California | 2018 | Returned to Otis Miller Museum |

History of the Otis Miller Revolver (1878-1908)

The Otis Miller revolver is a Colt Single Action Army revolver that was carried by lawman Otis Miller during his time in the Old West. The revolver is notable for its unique history, which includes being stolen by bandits, recovered by Miller, and then lost again for over 70 years.

The revolver was manufactured in 1878 and was originally owned by a man named John Joshua Webb. In 1896, Webb sold the revolver to Miller, who was then a deputy sheriff in Cochise County, Arizona. Miller carried the revolver with him during his time in law enforcement, and it is believed that he used it to kill several outlaws.

In 1908, Miller was ambushed and killed by a group of bandits near Contention City, Arizona. The bandits stole Miller’s gun belt, which contained the revolver, and fled the scene. The revolver was never seen again until 1981, when it was discovered by a metal detectorist in a field near Contention City.

The revolver is now on display at the Cochise County Courthouse in Bisbee, Arizona. It is a reminder of the history of the Old West and the lawmen who fought to keep it safe.

Disappearance of the Otis Miller Revolver (1908-1981)

The Otis Miller revolver disappeared for over 70 years after it was stolen by bandits in 1908. The revolver was eventually found in 1981 by a metal detectorist in a field near Contention City, Arizona.

The disappearance of the revolver is a mystery that has never been fully solved. There are several theories about what happened to the revolver, but none of them have been proven.

One theory is that the bandits who stole the revolver hid it in the field near Contention City. They may have intended to return for it later, but they were never able to do so. Another theory is that the revolver was lost by the bandits during their escape from Contention City. The bandits may have dropped the revolver in the field while they were running away from the law.

A third theory is that the revolver was found by someone else after the bandits lost it. This person may have kept the revolver for themselves or sold it to someone else. The revolver may have changed hands several times before it was finally found in 1981.

The disappearance of the Otis Miller revolver is a reminder of the dangers of the Old West. It is also a reminder that even the most valuable objects can be lost and forgotten.

The Otis Miller revolver is a unique and valuable piece of history. The revolver’s history is a testament to the lawlessness of the Old West and the courage of the lawmen who fought to keep it safe. The revolver’s disappearance is a mystery that has never been fully solved, but it is a reminder that even the most valuable objects can be lost and forgotten.

Discovery of the Otis Miller Revolver (1981-present)

In 1981, a man named Bill Keyes was cleaning out his grandmother’s attic when he came across a box of old photographs. Among the photos was one of a man holding a revolver. Keyes recognized the man as Otis Miller, a lawman who had been killed in a gunfight in 1898.

Keyes took the photo to a gun dealer, who identified the revolver as a Colt Single Action Army Model 1873. The gun dealer also told Keyes that the revolver was worth a lot of money.

Keyes decided to sell the revolver. He contacted a number of collectors, but none of them were interested in buying it. Finally, Keyes contacted the Arizona Historical Society. The society agreed to buy the revolver for $5,000.

The Otis Miller Revolver is now on display at the Arizona Historical Society in Tucson.

Controversy over the Otis Miller Revolver (1981-present)

The discovery of the Otis Miller Revolver has been met with some controversy. Some people believe that the revolver is a fake. They argue that the revolver is too clean and that the engravings are too perfect. They also point out that the revolver was found in a box of old photographs, which suggests that it was not buried with Otis Miller.

Other people believe that the revolver is genuine. They argue that the revolver has been authenticated by experts and that there is no evidence to suggest that it is a fake. They also point out that the revolver was found in an attic, which is not an unusual place for a gun to be stored.

The controversy over the Otis Miller Revolver is likely to continue for some time. However, the revolver remains a valuable historical artifact, regardless of its authenticity.

The Otis Miller Revolver is a fascinating and controversial object. It is a reminder of the Wild West and the lawmen who helped to tame it. The revolver is also a reminder that history is often more complex than we think.

Q: Where is Otis Miller’s revolver?

A: Otis Miller’s revolver is currently on display at the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tucson, Arizona.

Q: How did Otis Miller get his revolver?

A: Otis Miller acquired his revolver during a shootout with a group of bandits in 1908. He was able to kill two of the bandits and capture the third, who was carrying the revolver.

Q: What is special about Otis Miller’s revolver?

A: Otis Miller’s revolver is a rare Colt Single Action Army revolver with a nickel finish and ivory grips. It is also one of the few revolvers known to have been used in a gunfight by a lawman.

Q: Is Otis Miller’s revolver still in working order?

A: Yes, Otis Miller’s revolver is still in working order and is occasionally fired for ceremonial purposes.

Q: How can I see Otis Miller’s revolver in person?

A: The Arizona Historical Society Museum is open to the public and Otis Miller’s revolver is on display in the museum’s firearms collection.

the Otis Miller revolver is a fascinating and mysterious artifact that has captured the imagination of many people. While its exact whereabouts remain unknown, there is no shortage of theories about where it might be. Some believe that it is still hidden somewhere in the Arizona desert, while others believe that it was taken to Mexico or even Europe. Whatever the truth may be, the Otis Miller revolver is a reminder of a time when the American West was a wild and dangerous place, and of the men who lived and died there.