Guns of the Great Shooters from Buffalo Bill's Wild West

Reunions with old friends can be a time filled with nostalgia, laughs, and more than a few old yarns to tell. In our business, the phrase, "if this old gun could talk," is a desire commonly expressed. Firearms with rich histories find their way through our doors on a regular basis, and I've had questions on more than one occasion that I would've like to have posed to one or two of them as they passed through our hallways as part of their grand journey. The grouping of items in this article is no exception. The reunion of these trusty arms would undoubtedly result in a whirlwind of stories, knowing nods, and a list of accomplishments that require no exaggeration in their retelling. These arms all have ties to members of Buffalo Bill's Wild West show, and even the ol' scout himself, William F. Cody. Their backgrounds are as varied as the people they belong to, but time and circumstance have brought them back together at Rock Island Auction Company's 2016 September Premiere Firearms Auction for one last reunion. If only they could talk.

Buffalo Bill

Lot 1036: Historic and Well Documented John Ulrich Signed Factory Engraved Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Exhibition Special Order Finish and Features Presented by Buffalo Bill (William F. Cody) to Robbie Campbell Adams Twelve Year Old Son of Wild West Show Pamphlets Publisher for the Wild West Shows Performance at Madison Square Garden

In this case, the headline for our item is so long it almost tells the story itself. Medal of Honor recipient William F. Cody began his own wild west show in 1883, which toured annually in the United States and Europe. He had already earned a solid reputation as a prolific bison hunter, as well as a scout and Indian fighter in the Army, and his reputation continued to grow. However, it was an encounter with author Captain Edward Zane Carroll Judson that began Buffalo Bill's road to stardom. Capt. Judson often wrote under many pseudonyms, but his best known was Ned Buntline. It was a combination of Buntline's dime novels about Buffalo Bill's adventures, as well as Cody's proficiency he displayed in front of top men, such as General Sheridan, Grand Duke Alexis of Russia, and New York Herald publisher James Gordon Bennett, that resulted his star's continued rise.

In that first year, Buffalo Bill's Wild West was such a popular attraction that it was able to take its act indoors to the first iteration of Madison Square Garden, built in 1879. It had no roof since P.T. Barnum converted it into an open-air "Great Roman Hippodrome" in 1873. It was a large oval-shaped arena where he presented circuses (naturally) and other forms of entertainment and performance. It was a fantastic space that traded hands several times, and each owner had a new vision for what the space should offer: events catering to high brow clientele, illegal boxing matches, indoor track and field, dog shows, concerts, religious revivals, and one of the first indoor ice rinks in the nation. Most importantly, people knew of the venue and its attractions. The boxing matches had long drawn crowds over the venue's capacity, and an elephant purchased by P.T. Barnum from the London Zoo in 1881 readily drew enough onlookers to earn back its purchase price of $10,000. So when Buffalo Bill took his show there in 1883, he had no trouble finding crowds willing to fill its seats. Having names such as James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, Buck Taylor, Captain Adam Bogartus, Doc Carver, and Texas Jack Omohundro on his payroll couldn't hurt either. it was a time of transition for Buffalo Bill from small exhibitions and reenactment performer to an arena-filling showman and master entertainer.

He no doubt gave partial credit for the fine attendance to the man producing the publicity pamphlets for his shows at Madison Square Garden. This same man was also a partner in the Beadle and Adams publishing house, well known for producing the "yellow-back" dime novels of the day. Not to be confused with the publisher Street & Smith, also located in New York, that had published "The Buffalo Bill Stories" which led to a large part of his fame. To thank Mr. Adams for his support in several areas, Buffalo Bill presented this Winchester Model 1873 to his son 12-year old Robbie Campbell Adams. Rock Island Auction President Kevin Hogan says it best, "This is akin to receiving Michael Jordan's sneakers." It was a prized gift from one of the finest performers of the day.

The gun is a remarkable presentation grade gun with a grocery list of special order features:

- Gold plated frame, tip, and buttplate
- Nickel finish
- Ulrich engraved
- checkered, fancy walnut stocks
- short rifle
- shotgun butt
- pistol grip

On the right side of the frame is a panel scene depicting a hunter peering out from behind a tree to shoot a bull elk. The left side also bears masterfully done floral scrollwork along with the inscription that reads, "Presented by Buffalo Bill (W. F. Cody) to Robbie Campbell Adams ~1883~"

Besides being lavished with presentation grade features, the gun was clearly chosen for the boy to be able to use it if he so chose.  It's a short rifle for easier handling by a lad, it is chambered in the relatively mild yet still effective 32 WCF, and the 22-inch barrel would also not have been unwieldy for a 12-year old. Obviously, the gun never saw the typical boyhood use and it remains in very fine condition.

This remarkable rifle's provenance is extensively documented, as it has been in the public eye for quite some time, appearing in numerous books and magazines. Rock Island Auction Company is proud to offer this rifle to the public, taking this oft dreamt-about gun and making the possibility of owning it a reality.

Frank Butler and Annie Oakley

Lot 1770: Documented Historic Factory Engraved Remington Model 12-B Gallery Special Model Slide Action Rifle Sold to Frank Butler Husband of Famed Exhibition Shooter Annie Oakley

Phoebe Ann Moses, better known as Annie Oakley, is a woman that needs no introduction to most Americans, let alone those interested in shooting. However, much fewer folks know about her husband, Frank Butler, or the story of how they met. First things first, there is much debate over the exact significant dates of the young couple. That in mind, precise dates will be avoided as much as possible in an effort to stick to the story.

Frank Butler was a dog trainer and exhibition shooter who, like many others, toured the country taking on challengers in shooting competitions for money, bragging rights, and an increase in reputation. On one of those trips he placed a $100 wager with Jack Frost (yes, that's his real name) who owned a Cincinnati hotel. Butler stated that he could best any local who dared to challenge him. When a challenger was found and the match was set, imagine Butler's surprise when out from the crowd walked a young lady. "The last thing Butler expected was a five-foot-tall... girl named Annie," recalled Frost. As was customary at the time, they would shoot live birds, and both sides agreed to a best-of-25 contest. Frank Butler lost that contest by a single bird, but both lives would be changed forever. Frank had fallen for the then-shy young lady, while Annie seemed more interested in his French poodle named George. Frank courted Annie by sending her postcards and letters signed by George. The two would be wed within a year.

It was 1885 when Annie Oakley and her husband, Mr. Frank Butler, became part of Buffalo Bill's Wild West. Annie's stature earned her the nickname "Little Sure Shot" in  Cody's publicity flyers and ads, a name given to her by Lakota leader Sitting Bull, himself a participant in the early years of Buffalo Bill's Wild West. There is no need to recount her numerous feats and popularity. However, she is an intriguing personality, known for fierce independence, an advocate for suffrage (as was William Cody), as well as a kind heart, a gentle word, a strong desire to maintain her sterling reputation, and to always portray herself as a lady despite her involvement in what was then a very masculine sport.

The first time Annie and Frank tried to settle down was in 1901, an attempt to alleviate Annie's terrible back pain suffered during a train accident, but such joie de vivre could not be tamed for long. Defeating an early diagnosis of paralysis after five spinal operations, Annie left the Buffalo Bill show in 1902 and began a less travel-intensive career in stage acting. She would return again to another show in 1911, "The Young Buffalo Show," while consecutively serving as a representative for Union Metallic Cartridge Co. Annie never lost a step as she aged, with one reporter quoted as saying, "Annie Oakley looks as though she had discovered the secret that Ponce De Leon sought so long in vain...She is as bright and alert, as when I saw her a slip of a girl with long braids 25 years ago when I was a kid." However, it didn't last long and the couple "retired" once again in 1912, even though Annie toured sporadically with another show.

For the most part, the Butlers were finished with life as performers (until Annie attempted a comeback in 1922). Perhaps as a retirement gift for his wife, Frank purchased this Remington Model 12-B on February 28, 1912. Designed by J.D. Pedersen, the model had been introduced three years prior and Annie would have already been familiar with it. Later she became quite prolific with the model using it to shoot apples off of the head of their beloved dog, Dave, and another Model 12 of Annie's (SN 600125) still resides in the Buffalo Bill Museum in Cody, Wyoming.

The example in Cody, while in excellent condition, is relatively plain compared to the Model 12-B currently offered by Rock Island Auction Company. The example purchased by Frank Butler has a highly grained, fancy stock, checkered forearm, half octagon-half round barrel, a folding peep sight, and is finely factory engraved with panel scenes of rabbits and squirrels.

The rifle may have been a perfect retirement gift for Annie, but it didn't help her desire to settle down. Annie often gave pointers on shooting to those around her, be it at trapshooting tournaments, impromptu exhibitions, or even fellow guests at the Caroline Hotel of Pinehurst, NC. "The lessons [at the hotel] began by accident when the shooting star had overheard a wealthy New Yorker comment to another in the hotel's ballroom, 'My, how I wish I were a man so that I could shoot.' Oakley replied, 'Your sex does not prevent you from learning to shoot.'"  It is documented in numerous sources that her skills had not faded in the slightest even into her fifties and sixties. In 1922, in a shooting contest in Pinehurst, the 62-year old hit 100 clays in a row at 16 yards. Unfortunately, her sixties was as long as Annie would live. She passed on November 3, 1926, at the age of 66, of what the doctor termed "pernicious anemia." Frank Butler went into intense mourning and refused to eat. He followed Annie in death 18 days later.

This is not only an incredible rifle with numerous special order features, but it remains an incredible piece of memorabilia tied to arguably the greatest American exhibition shooter from the sport's Golden Age. Opportunities like this may never arise again, and any collector or museum would be extremely fortunate to acquire this little rifle.

Buck Taylor

This remarkable Colt Single Auction Army owned by Buck Taylor, the true "King of the Cowboys" has already been covered in depth in a previous article. If you'd like to find out more about this incredible cowpuncher, his history with Buffalo Bill's Wild West, and how the important provenance of this beautiful revolver was almost lost forever to history, please read our story "Buck Taylor: The True King of the Cowboys."

Memorabilia of William F. Cody

There is also a fascinating lot in this auction that contains two items with intimate ties to Buffalo Bill.  Frankly, with all the items shown above, also with ties to the man, it could not have arrived at a better time. These items were consigned to us by someone who purchased them from an estate sale 25 years ago. The sale was being held by the niece of a man who had worked for Cody in Wheaton, Illinois. With the birthplace of Buffalo Bill a short drive away from Rock Island Auction Company, it is not surprising to hear of artifacts of the man in nearby areas. The first item is a briefcase with his name clearly printed on the closing flap. It is likely no coincidence at all that the case is designed to resemble a saddle bag. The second item is a tri-fold mirror that, according to its inscription, was a Christmas gift from Cody to "my darling wife Louisa."

Both items are a simple reminder of the wonderfully ordinary life of a man more known for his spectacle, crowds, and showmanship. They would be welcome in any accomplished collection of the man or his storied show.

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These marvelous items revolving around the America legend that is Buffalo Bill's Wild West, are only the beginning of the historic and presentation grade items available in the 2016 September Premiere Firearms Auction. With items from celebrated figures such as President Teddy Roosevelt, to infamous Nazi leaders, the selection has never been better. Two juggernaut groupings among several other accomplished collections lead the way, but they are accompanied by hundreds of single gun consignments from around the country. They all combine to make a sale that collectors will be talking about for years to come. Visit www.rockislandauction.com today to browse the items and see for yourself.




-Written by Joel R. Kolander






SOURCES:

http://www.annieoakleycenterfoundation.com/faq.html

https://centerofthewest.org/explore/buffalo-bill/research/annie-oakley/

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/oakley-new-york/

Sorg, Eric V. "Annie Oakley." Wild West Feb. 2001: n. pag. Historynet.com. Web.

Dashing Derringers

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Concealed carry is a big topic in the firearms community right now.  People discuss which calibers are best, which position is safest to carry, pros and cons of holsters, and any number of topics that, more often that not, end up involving a degree of subjectivity.  However, concealed firearms as a whole are nothing new. They go back to flintlock ammunition systems and there would probably be matchlock versions if people didn't have to worry about setting their clothes on fire when they carried.

Prior to calling them derringers, these pint-sized pistols were referred to as pocket pistols, muff pistols, palm pistols, and various other pseudonyms.  Only the advent and popularity of the Philadephia Deringer (note the spelling with a single 'r') developed by Henry Deringer, did the term become a generic, ubiquitous, term for any small, concealable handgun.  It also adopted a second letter "r" in the spelling, perhaps to differentiate it from the original Deringers.

While some of the earliest pocket pistols have have been flintlock, true Deringers were percussion style handguns produced from 1852 - 1868.  Around 15,000 of them were produced in that time in a variety of barrel lengths, and factory records imply that they were nearly all sold in matching pairs.  After all in the case of a missed shot or a misfire, one wouldn't reload a Deringer, but simply draw a "fresh" one.  The average price was around $15 - $20 for a pair, with embellished versions bringing higher prices.  Not only would they spawn dozens of imitators, but the gun's popularity would also inspire many gun makers to come up with derringers of their own design.  This article will look at pocket pistols of several makers, in an attempt to show the wide variety produced to satisfy a voracious demand by the public.

Lot 1144: Outstanding Presentation Cased Set of Philadelphia Deringer Percussion Pistols with Accessories

This set of Deringers was featured in last week's article regarding the Lincoln assassination, but it is also appropriate to include here.  The pistols seen above are the style Deringers are most known for: the bird's head stock, pineapple-style finial engraving on the trigger guards, and mounted with German silver.  Both are some of the smaller Deringer designs, but the one appearing upside-down in this photo is also known as the "Peanut" Deringer for its extremely small size and only 1 7/8 inch barrel.

Lot 1311: Attractive Engraved and Silver Plated Colt Third Model Derringer with Pearl Grips

This Colt Third Model derringer is silver plated, features mother of pearl grips, and is possibly New York engraved.  These tiny shooters were manufactured 1875 - 1912 and this particular model has a front sight for the optimistic user.  It remains in very fine condition and quite attractive.

Lot 1160: Extraordinary Factory Engraved Gold and Silver Plated Williamson Derringer with Maple Stock

Here the stylistic references to the Philadelphia Deringer are undeniable.  The checkering on the stock is nearly identical!  Less than 10,000 of these Williamson derringers were made and this is one of very few to survive at all, let alone in this excellent condition.  A fine maple stock holds a silver plated barrel and a gold plated, engraved trigger guard.  These were produced for Williamson by the Moore's Patent Firearms Co (which didn't last long after being sued by Rollin White for patent infringement) and National Firearms Co. in the late 1860s.

Lot 81: Remington Over/Under Derringer with Chicago Retailer Marked Case

It's difficult to determine which part of this case is the most beautiful, the outside or the inside.  The outside is a honey colored birdseye maple with a centered brass plaque, while the inside bears a velvet purple lining that must have been exceptionally vivid upon its creation.  Please click on the link to this gun to see an additional photo of the case's exterior.  The gun itself is worthy of such a case.  The Remington Type II (a.k.a. Model 3) derringer would have been made around 1888-1889 and still has its original nickel plating.  Adding to its high condition are sharp checkering on the grips and nitre blue parts.  Its low serial number of 413 adds to its collectablity.

Lot 90: Fine Nimschke Engraved W. W. Marston Superposed Three Barrel 32 Derringer

Collectors find Marston derringers desirable for any number of reasons: their size, the "barrel selector dial," the superposed triple barrels, and often some fine embellishments, as seen on the example shown above.  Made between 1864-1872, this little pistol has antique ivory grips, silver plating, and most notably, engraving by renowned Master Engraver L.D. Nimschke.

Lot 1298: Exceptional K.C. Hunt Signed Master Custom Engraved Colt Third Model Derringer

The second of the Colt Third Model derringers in this article is a masterfully done piece.  Its copious factory engraving was performed by Master Engraver K.C. Hunt, one of the finest Master Engravers of our time.  I strongly recommend visiting the item's listing to see even more angles of his incredible work.  The frame having been left bare after the engraving shows a handsome brass, but under the grips and barrel the original nickel plating may still be seen.  This is absolutely phenomenal work!  With all this rich engraving, one might wonder where the artist signed his work.  Wonder no more.

Lot 1159: Elaborate Exhibition Grade Gold Embellished and Relief Engraved Sharps Patent Style Pepperbox Pistol

Showing that not only Deringers were copied, this Spanish pistol attempts to replicate the Sharps Model 2A four shot pistol in rather spectacular form.  Gold inlays cover the barrel, floral engravings curls around the receiver, and it all ends in a sharp black hard rubber grip.

Exhibition Quality Factory Engraved Marlin Model 32 Standard 1875 Revolver with Desirable DeGress "Tiffany" Style Grips

The advent of cartridge handguns spelled doom for the percussion, single shot, breech-loaded Philadelphia derringer.  Multiple barrels came into play as did an endless number of designs, because while the Deringer did not live on, the popularity of small, concealable firearms certainly did.  This Marlin Model 32, borrowing heavily from the early Smith & Wesson revolvers, is one example of how cartridge ammunition put more firepower into the hands of derringer users.  Firing smaller, 32 long cartridges, gave users less "oomph" that the Deringer did, but it made up for it with the ability to take multiple shots at their target.  Very stylish, this Marlin has a gold plated cylinder, "New York" style engraving, nickel plating, and the DeGress "Tiffany" style grips.  Our describers say it best in this pistol's official description, "This is a beautiful gun and belongs in a serious Marlin collection. This combination of grips and master engraving is rarely available especially in this condition."

Honorable Mentions

Lot 1172: "The True Companion" Double Shot Percussion Knuckleduster Pistol

Lot 1162: Scarce Blue Chicago Fire Arms Co. Protector Palm Pistol with Scrimshaw Side Plates

Lot 112: Scarce Engraved Marston Three-Barrel Derringer with Desirable Sliding Spear Point Dagger

Lot 1313: Colt Third Model Derringer with Leather Case

As you can see, with the huge selection of rarity, beauty, and fascinating designs, this could have just as well turned into its very own book.  With any number of barrels, finishes, grips, sizes, calibers, embellishments to choose from, collecting derringers can be a highly personalized endeavor.  As I've heard jokingly mentioned at several gun shows, "The best part about collecting derringers, is that you can transport a whole collection in a shoe box."  This same sentiment is often echoed by collectors who display their much larger, heavier guns.  Looks like these pocket guns have put their diminutive size to yet another good use, even in the 21st century.

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Gun Ads from Christmases Past

Christmas sure has changed over the years and so have Christmas ads.  While Santa has changed from a saintly philanthropist to an surly curmudgeon, and eventually into the "jolly old elf" that we know today, gun ads have been equally varied throughout the decades.  Some are written for women to buy firearms for the sportsman in their life, others encourage a wholesome family activity, and other cut straight to brass tacks to utilize children themselves as little salespeople to mom and dad.

Here are some gun ads that revolve around Christmas and while some are well done, some border on downright silly in their approach.  Take a look and see if one of your childhood guns appears in the ads below, and when you're done leave a comment on your first gun and who gave it to you.

Hi-Standard made a very bright a colorful ad that sure got the point across and catches the eye.  OK, they convinced me, I'll go get one right now.  This is the best ad of the bunch.

As much as it may seem like a great idea to teach each kid some responsibility according to their age/ability, this looks like the makings of a temper tantrum.  That kid is only happy with that bow and arrow set until he turns and sees his brother with a sweet new .22 rifle.  Then the water works start.  Johnny was always their favorite, kid.  Learn to live with it.  At least you both got pajamas that make you look like escaped inmates.

My wife would hate this Christmas ad.  As if I needed any additional excuses to do some Christmas shopping for myself.  It's almost like Colt has been eavesdropping on my personal shopping habits, which I'm surprisingly OK with if they keep making ads that help me justify firearms purchases.

First of all, no kid cares why you're giving them a gun and they don't need a paragraph explaining it.  No child's first thoughts are, "Oh boy!  Now I can go build up my strength, health, resourcefulness, and independence!"  All they see is blued steel, wood, while envisioning endless punched out bull's-eyes.  I promise that the only part of this ad any kid ever took in was the picture of the kid wearing a smoking jacket holding his own rifle, and the list of rifles below for them to select their favorite.

You have to love an ad directly addressing children, how they can acquire what is being sold, and where they can send for additional sales materials so they can sell the idea to their parents even more.  Oh, don't worry, see that fine print underneath the rifle butt?  That's in case the parents actually read this ad for themselves.  I guess Red Ryder knows what side his bread is buttered on!

This headline says it all.  Though this is another ad that has your attention, has you reading it, and then says there's not enough space to tell you about the gun so you should probably request a "circular" so they can sell you on it further.  This is apparently the norm for gun ads in this period.  Also was it the norm for young boys to wear highway patrolman leather coats?  Or maybe he's a motorcycle cop and the dog helps him fight crime?  The ad doesn't say, but I'm sure they clear that up in the circular.

The National Archives lists this as a 1942 creation of the War Production Board, a sub-office of the Office for Emergency Management.  So it's not so much an ad, but it is really weird.

It somehow manages to combine M1 carbines, a Christmas advertisement, a World War II propaganda poster, and Santa Claus.  Am I supposed to make more M1 carbines after seeing this?  Was it only hung in M1 producing factories?  Should I try to buy one?  Because I'm pretty sure they're all going to a higher cause at this point in history.  There's just no call to action, accept that Santa has left to fight in some cold European theater battle and we should somehow make sure that he is well armed.

 If I was a kid that read that "Santa Claus has gone to War!" I would immediately start weeping.  What if Santa takes some shrapnel and is lying in a war hospital in France when he's supposed to be delivering my new BB gun?  Or worse!  Perhaps I shouldn't worry as much because Old Saint Nick appears as jolly and ruddy-cheeked as ever as he tightly grips his longarm and waves farewell to his loved ones just outside the scene.  It's like people making this just saw stuff around them in their office and decided to make an ad from it.

With all the subtlety of a jet engine, this ad screams at kids to "GET THIS COWBOY CARBINE WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS MONEY!"  After all that's how Bill got his, never mind if Bill is even someone we'd should consider as a role model for financial behavior.  Although I do enjoy the inset comic which depicts a boy, departing from his parents, counting a fistful of cash even though the rifle shown largest in the ad only sells for $2.95, sprinting to a retailer presumably to throw the money directly at a store clerk, and then sprinting back with his new Red Ryder to his group of peers to show Bill he's not such hot stuff after all.  I assume the horse Red Ryder is depicted riding used to be Bill's high horse, because Bill won't be needing it anymore.

Well, that's weird.  This is a firearms ad that's not speaking directly to boys.  It is, however, speaking to anyone that might be buying a gift for a male.  Also, for a color Christmas ad, this is pretty terrible.  It might as well be in black and white, and while they talk about "giving" the only mentions of Christmas are the pine tree needles making a cameo in the upper left hand corner.  That might be forgivable as at least its not three different fonts all screaming at me to spend my Christmas money, but its drab, boring nature is something I cannot look past.  Check that, everyone probably looked past it and on to a catalog or magazine page that didn't make you feel like taking a nap.

Speaking of seizure-inducing colors, here's another ad from Daisy and Red Ryder.  While their depiction of Native Americans leaves much to be desired from today's point of view, I do have to give them credit for trying to get kids to memorize TEN rules of firearm safety.  The rules are to the left of the red dividing line and to the right, they include the following stern message (all emphasis appears in the original ad):

"Learn and follow the Sportsman's SAFETY Code - explained here in Little Beaver's language - printed in complete form inside the famous Daisy Handbook!  If you do not obey the Code or otherwise abuse the privilege of Daisy ownership - your parents or police should take your Daisy away from you.  Show this message to your folks.  Tell them you'll shoot safely with a Daisy - the fun gun MILLIONS of American DADS shot safely when they were boys!"

On top of the rules and a stern message, they also offer a 128-page safety handbook in the right hand inset.  Good on you Red Ryder.  Now for the criticism (besides Little Beaver).

1.  I'm not sure about anyone else, but shouldn't Red Ryder be shooting a Red Ryder BB gun?  Take a look at the carbine he is holding.  I don't know about you, but my Red Ryder BB gun never had a loading gate or a hammer on it.

2.  While rule three describes an aspect of trigger discipline, apparently the finer points of it had not yet been developed or explained to Red Ryder when this ad was written.

3.  Why on earth does Little Beaver have a quiver full of arrows and a BB gun?  It's pretty much the worst weapon set-up choices possible!  What's he going to do, give someone a welt before heaving an arrow at them?  Without a rifle like Red Ryder or a bow, I feel that Little Beaver's time left on this earth is remarkably short.

Ah, the mid-20th century - when freckled, tussle-headed, red haired little boys were the darling of ad agencies everywhere.  While this one looks slightly manic, the ad does a good job of playing toward a father's desire to make his boy happy and help him grow into a responsible man.  Though, admittedly, I'm not sure how dressing him like a candy cane moves toward those goals.

I'd say something bad about this ad, but at least the parents aren't dressing their kids like prison inmates or candy canes.  Plus everybody got a gun and no one was stuck with a crummy bow and arrow.  Good work, Daisy!

Red Ryder is getting pretty pushy.  Although, I'm sure that if I were an 8-year old that wanted his first BB gun, there could be no greater ally in the siege against mom and dad's patience.  According to the hand-written note at the top of the ad, this pledge by Red Ryder appeared in 1940 again offering a color palette that requires sunglasses and a promise to send you a "FREE Christmas Reminder Kit," undoubtedly filled with Red Ryder propaganda to "casually leave" where your parents will find it.  I'm inclined to think that if a kid actually sent in for all these kits and pamphlets that the house would look like an Allied warplane had just air-drop blanketed it with leaflets.

Remington, not to be outdone in the "leaving less than subtle hints for your parents to find" game, made this little ad with clip-out sections you could place somewhere for your parents to find or, heaven forbid, give it to them outright.  Just kidding, they would never want a kid to do something so straight forward.  Instead they give some recommendations on where you should leave these little "hints."  Plus, you didn't have to mail in for anything.  Take that Red Ryder!  The headline implies that this is some sneaky tactic, but I'm pretty sure leaving a note with a color picture and full product details, is not exactly CIA grade "sneakiness."

OK, last one here, and yes I'm aware it's not a "Christmas gun ad" in the way that the others are, but based on its content, I not only had to include it, but also save it for last.  Apparently at one time, this was an acceptable form of snow removal.  Please note that this is listed as the "English" flame gun, not that boorish American model (despite the stars and stripes border).  Also according to the ad, this model is "4 times more effective than the standard model!  Burns longer.."  Looks like those boots she has on aren't just for show, but also double as a heat shield against third degree burns.  I doubt they covered that in the verbiage.  What is covered in the verbiage?  Well, it is apparently, "perfectly safe and easy to use."  In that case, I'll let my four-year old have at it.  It is also usable

"come summer and this super flame gun is your friend.  What a quick way to destroy weeds.  This flame gun is so great... it doesn't stop at weeds.  It virtually burns up into smoke old tree stumps..."

Also great for burning down your neighbor's house, your own house, charring your siding, or turning your car into a rolling fireball.  "Keep it in your car and you will never get stuck again."  They never offer a solution for how to safely store it IN your car after you use it, so hopefully your Ford Pinto came with that asbestos interior.



That's all for today gang.  I hope you enjoyed a little lighter-hearted article than we usually write.  If you liked looking at all these old ads, click here to look at a whole lot more gun ads, both old and new, on our Pinterest page.  If you did not enjoy this at all, don't worry.  We'll soon be returning to our usual articles on beautiful firearms and fascinating histories.  Hope everyone's Christmases were merry and your New Years are safe and cause for celebration.

- Written by Joel R. Kolander

The Pedersen Device

We here at RIAC love Winchester rifles and rightly so.  Only one manufacturer can claim the title "the gun that won the West," and played such a huge part in our "Manifest Destiny" as American settlers tamed the frontier.  However, attention must also be paid to its American firearms counterpart, Remington Arms.  Remington has produced such notable and widely-used weapons as the Model 1858 New Model Army revolver, Model 700 bolt-action rifle, the Rolling Block Rifles, and the 870 pump-action shotgun.  In fact, in 2012, the U.S. Army awarded Remington the contract to produce 24,000 of the M4A1 and has been designing other exciting guns such as the MSR, ACR, and the RSASS.

However, today's post is not going to talk about their accomplishments, but rather one of their technological marvels that never had the chance to enjoy the success it deserved.  It was a top secret military project that was completed too late to have any true effect in WWI, was mothballed for over a decade, and eventually all but completely destroyed.  The last time a Pedersen Device went to auction at RIAC with its metal carrying case (a rarity!) and an M1903 Mark I rifle capable of firing it, it sold for $48,875!  To up the ante even further, the Pedersen Device we are offering in our April Premiere Auction is even more complete than the aforementioned listing and includes everything shown below.

 Two original 40-round stick magazines, the disassembly tool, a web pouch to carry the stick magazines, which are marked "R.I.A./6-19; a web case to carry the 1903 Springfield bolt when removed from the rifle, which is marked, "RIA/1919," with an original WWI era leather sling.

And the rifle.

What a beautiful piece!  Great colors!  Not pictured: the 1906 dated bayonet

In 1917 a man named John Pedersen called Chief of Ordnance General William Crozier, a few of his Ordnance Officers and some Congressmen to Washington DC for a weapons demonstration he claimed would be of great interest to the War Department.  They were all sworn to secrecy.  At the Congress Heights Rifle Range, before his audience, Pedersen began firing ordinary .30-06 rounds through what appeared to be a standard issue Springfield M1903 rifle.  Very quickly Pedersen removed the bolt, inserted his Pedersen Device, locked it in place with the rifle's existing cut-off switch, slammed in a 40 round magazine, and began filling the air with lead as fast as he could pull the trigger.  He emptied the magazine, replaced it with a full one and repeated his feat.  After the onlookers pulled their collective jaws off the ground, they immediately gave the device a top secret clearance.  In fact, to ensure the utmost secrecy they gave the device a very lengthy and misleading name: "The US Automatic Pistol, Caliber .30, Model of 1918."  In addition to its top secret classification, it also received the immediate recommendation that 100,000 of the devices be procured for the infantry.  On March 26, 1918 that recommendation became an order placed with Remington and the number was soon upped to 133,450.  In June that same year, Pedersen adapted his device for the British Enfield M1917 and an order of 500,000 was placed to be completed once the order for the Springfields had been completed.  These were to be used in a surprise offensive against the Germans in the spring of 1919. However, since World War I was officially ended on November 11, 1918 (Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day), the Pedersen Device had no chance to truly make its impact felt on the battlefield.

Orders were cancelled, but production continued until 1920 in case further conflicts arose.  Remington eventually produced around 65,000 units in total.  In the late 1920's the M1 Garand was developed which negated the need for the Pedersen Device and in 1931 the Pedersen Device was declared surplus, five years before the M1 Garand even started production.  Existing M1903 Mk. I's were converted back to their original configuration with a now vestigial ejection port.  The government, no longer wanting to pay to store the device ordered them all destroyed.  Nearly all were burned in a large fire, resulting in less than 100 estimated to be surviving today, let alone with their full accessory kit!


More close-ups can be found in the auction listing! Click here!

Auction Description

Outstanding All Complete Model 1903 Mark I U.S. Springfield Bolt Rifle with Ultra Rare Original Pedersen Device with Metal Case Magazine Canvas Pouch and 1906 Dated Bayonet

"Wow what a fantastic find! A complete 1919 dated U.S. Springfield Model 1903 Mark I rifle rig with an original "Remington-Bridgeport" 1918 Mark I Pedersen Device that is in its entirety with the original Pedersen device metal carrying case, disassembly tool, two original stick magazines, canvas pouch for the magazines, and an original canvas pouch for the 1903 bolt when removed from the rifle. What a complete turn-key type set up. As we all know these rare Pedersen Devices were developed at the end of WWI in early 1919. They were officially designated the "Automatic Pistol, Caliber .30, Model of 1918- Mark I", and the Pedersen Device itself consisted of a semi-automatic bolt assembly and detachable stick magazine that was designed to replace the standard bolt in a modified Model 1903 Rifle, that would convert the rifle into a semi-automatic weapon. The device fired a low velocity 30 caliber type pistol sized cartridge designated the "Caliber .30 Automatic Ball Pistol". The device used a 40-round stick magazine, that would have been inserted from the right side of the receiver, with the spent cartridges ejected through the port on the left side of the receiver. The Pedersen Device was classified as a secret weapon and was intended to provide the infantry man with a close range, semi-automatic rifle for assaults on enemy trenches, but still retain the capability of converting the rifle back into a high powered, bolt action rifle for long range combat. The Army planned to introduce the Pedersen Device in the offensive against the German Army in the spring of 1919, however when  WWI ended in November 1918, the Pedersen Devices were placed in storage. In 1931 the security classification was removed from the Pedersen Device and all of the devices were ordered to be destroyed. The destruction was nearly complete as fewer than 100 Pedersen Devices are estimated to be in collections and museums today. The metal case is even more rare than the Pedersen Device itself; most existing Pedersen Devices lack the issue metal case. This Model 1903 Mark I rifle was manufactured by Springfield Armory in April 1910 and has the special "Mark I" receiver markings and the oval ejection port in the left side of the receiver. In addition to the special receiver these rifles had a special stock, magazine cut-off, cut-off spindle, trigger and sear, all required for use with the Pedersen Device. After all the Pedersen Devices were destroyed, the Mark I rifles had the special components removed and were converted back into a standard Model 1903 configuration rifle. This beautiful Pedersen Device has the original dark black-green parkerized finish with the top of the cocking piece roll-stamped: "U.S.A. 1918-MARK I/42384" in two lines on the left side, with the right side marked: "REMINGTON-BRIDGEPORT/PEDERSEN'S PAT'S. PENDING" in two lines. The U.S. Ordnance final inspection proofs of "E.E.C./Eagle Head/S28" are stamped on the back of the cocking piece. Each device was issued with a small stamped metal carrying case. The metal case has the same black green finish as the device. This super rare device is accompanied by an original, Model 1903 Mark I rifle. The receiver is marked in five lines: "U.S./SPRINGFIELD/ARMORY/MODEL 1903/MARK I/1091435" and the barrel is stamped "SA/4-19". The rifle is fitted with a correct WWI Mark I finger groove stock, that has the correct lower left side, that provides clearance under the receiver ejection port; a WWI handguard and fine checkered buttplate. The stock has a small boxed "D.A.L" cartouche on the left side with a small circled "P" proof in the pistol grip area. The rifle is fitted with a correct "W L 3" marked WWI bolt. This excellent rifle still retains the original magazine cut-off, cut-off spindle, trigger and sear, as noted above. This beautiful rig is complete with two original 40-round stick magazines, the disassembly tool, a web pouch to carry the stick magazines, which are marked "R.I.A./6-19; a web case to carry the 1903 Springfield bolt when removed from the rifle, which is marked, "RIA/1919 with an original WWI era leather sling. Also included with this beautiful and very rare rifle is an original M1905 bayonet and second type leather scabbard. The bayonet is marked: "R.I.A./Shell and Flame mark/1906" with the obverse marked "U.S.". The leather scabbard has the long throat with the leather covered hanger intended for the Garrison belt. The back of the scabbard is stamped: "R.I.A./1907/E.E.B.".


What a great piece of American and firearms history!




-written by Joel Kolander

The Pedersen device installed with magazine extending skyward from the receiver.

"This goes where?"

"In total the device added 14 pounds to the infantry's standard load, although this was considered to be well worth it at the time."

SOURCES:

Hatcher, Julian S., Hatcher's Notebook, Military Service Publishing Co., 1947, Ch. 15 The Pedersen Device, pp. 361-372.

http://www.nramuseum.org/the-museum/the-galleries/america-ascending/case-57-world-war-i-allies-the-world-at-war,-1914-1918/wwi-secret-weapon-the-pedersen-device.aspx

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedersen_device

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remington_Arms

All black and white photos from:
http://www.remingtonsociety.com/questions/Pedersen.htm