This is the original painting that was the basis for a print series titled "A Collection of Colt Historical Prints 1836 - 1873" that was first issued in 1943 during the height of World War II. It is most interesting to note that on those print issued by Colt, that the artist signature and who the painting was attributed to was "Stickney" on the prints, but the actual artist on these paintings is an "H. Liedtke Cap."
I can only assume that the reason they used a psuedoname is probably because of the German sounding name of the original artist, and realized the stigma associated with this at a time we were at war with Germany. This was common at that time and German-Americans faced this often during the war.
I tried to closely inspect the prints I saw online and it appears that there were two printings. And I believe on the second printing they removed the name entirely. Other differences which makes me confident that these are original (I have the entire set of 6) is obviously the color, the fact there are no trademarks in the bottom corners and that there is a drawn frame to make it look matted which is not on the prints.
One of the paintings is missing it's glass which allowed me to inspect the signature and paint very closely, and it is definitely an original signature and painting. They appear to be pencil/pen and watercolor.
And incredible find, one of a kind, that changes the history of the prints themselves.
I have the other paintings in the set so be sure to check them out on my other listings.
The area of the print measures about 11.5 x 7 inches, with the total frame at about 14.5 x 12 inches.