To say that Teddy Roosevelt is a well-known, beloved, and important character in American history is an understatement. Though fame tends to find perspective when one's face has been immortalized with granite in the Badlands of South Dakota. TR was admired across the nation. He had a robust personality, gave profound speeches, lived his beliefs, and changed the face of this country forever with his efforts in wildlife and habitat conservation. Whether leading the legendary Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War, embarking on prolific hunting adventures, offering "Square Deals" to his constituents, surviving an assassination attempt on his life, winning the Nobel Peace Prize, or beginning construction of the Panama Canal, the tales of Teddy Roosevelt's life have become part of the fabric of this nation's great history.
Roosevelt in October 1910
It should come as no surprise that a knife once owned by President Roosevelt also has more than a few tales to tell. Its origin begins in 1909 when TR received this national treasure from his good friend New York Supreme Court Justice James W. Gerard. Both men served in the Spanish-American War, but upon leaving the service found opposite ends of the political spectrum. They likely became acquainted in the New York political scene when Roosevelt served as the New York governor for two years and Gerard sat on the Supreme Court bench. The story of the knife's presentation is recalled best in the words of U.S. Marshal Thomas D. McCarthy, whom Justice Gerard had asked present the hunting knife to Roosevelt with the following instructions,
"'Be sure to get a coin, a penny from the President when you give him the knife,' the Justice told me. 'Remember the old superstition that a gift of that sort cuts friendship unless a small payment is made for it.'
When I gave Colonel Roosevelt the knife I asked him for the penny. He didn't have one in his pocket, neither did his secretary Mr. Loeb, neither did Senator Chamberlain who was present. So I volunteered: 'Here, Mr. President. I'll lend you a cent.' He took it and put it in his vest pocket.
After ten minutes of conversation during which time he gave me an autographed photograph for myself and a book for my father who always admired him, the President suddenly reached into his pocket, withdrew the coin and said: 'Mr. McCarthy, it gives me great pleasure to hand you in return for Judge Gerard's gift this one cent coin.' Ever since then I have prized the photograph and the book Mr. Roosevelt gave me is one of the most cherished possessions of my father. And I always have been proud of the fact that a President of the United States owed me a penny."
The knife was considered an extremely lavish gift and wore a 1909 price tag of $1,250, about $33,266 in 2016 dollars. It was such a send off to the nation's youngest president, that it warranted national news coverage. In Rock Island, Illinois, the city's newspaper at that time was the Rock Island Argus. On Thursday, March 10, 1909 they printed at article on the sixth page entitled, "Fine Knife for Roosevelt." It reads as follows:
"Gem Studded Hunting Weapon Presented to Ex-President by a Friend.
One of the handsomest of the presents that have been pouring in upon former President Roosevelt from friends in every part of the United States who have wished to give him some token of their friendship to carry with him on his African hunting trip is a hunting knife given him by Justice James W. Gerard of the supreme bench of New York city, who is an old friend of the ex-president. The weapon is a masterpiece of jeweler's workmanship, the hilt being wrought in gold and platinum and ornamented with jewels. The top of the handle is carved in the shape of an eagle's head of solid gold. The eagle's eyes are garnets.
On one side of the hilt beneath the eagle's head is depicted a forest scene, with two American Indians behind a birch tree, one of them standing, rifle in hand, the other crouching. The tree is done in gold upon a platinum background. On the reverse side is set the arms of the United States, surmounting a wishbone and intertwining tree boughs in gold. Below is the monogram 'T.R.' The background on this side is also of platinum. Two bears' heads extending out from the handle form the guard at the base of the blade, which is of the finest steel and engraved as follows: 'Presented to Theodore Roosevelt by His Friend, James W. Gerard.' The knife is nearly a foot long and is said to have cost $1,250."
The knife has been passed down through the Roosevelt family for the last 107 years. It has never been made available to the public prior to this sale. When Theodore died in 1919, the knife went to his second wife, Edith (his first wife, Alice, passed in 1884). Edith in turn bequeathed the knife to her eldest daughter Ethel Roosevelt Derby. Mrs. Derby intended to present the knife as a wedding gift to her granddaughter in 1976. To secure the knife during her cross-country travels from Oyster Bay to Seattle, Mrs. Derby kept the knife in her purse. However, this was cause for alarm at the security checkpoint in John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York City. Upon seeing this incredible knife and hearing its story, security allowed the knife to be transported by the pilot in the cockpit for the duration of the flight. Upon landing, it was returned to Mrs. Derby who presented the knife to the couple several days later at their wedding. Thrilled with such a historic and beautiful gift rife with family history, the couple immediately used it to cut their wedding cake.
The stories this knife can tell after scant more than a century are enough to endear it to the heart of any collector or history enthusiast. Even without the tales that have truly given this item a personality all its own, its provenance alone elevates its status to that of National Treasure. A hunting knife given to arguably the greatest conservationist and one of the most well-known hunters of the 20th century? What could be more perfect representation? Rock Island Auction Company is honored to present this perfect slice of American history to the public for the first time in its existence, and cannot wait to hear of the new adventures in which it partakes.
- Written by Joel R. Kolander
Sources:
"Fine Knife for Roosevelt." Rock Island Argus 11 Mar. 1909: 6. Print.
Herbert, Thomas. Theodore Roosevelt: Typical American, His Life and Work. United States: L.H. Walter, 1919. 341-42. Print.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Not many people today know the name of Ira A. Paine. No further proof of that fact is needed in this information age than when the man doesn't even have his own Wikipedia page. Now that's obscure! He has no biography, official or otherwise, and few readily available materials exist on the man outside of a handful of early 20th century articles of his contest results and his eventual obituary. Even information as basic as the man's middle name is disputed (Anson? Albert? Abner?). Unsung as Ira Paine is today, he was far from some nobody off the street. In his day, he was nicknamed, "The Master Shooter of the World" and "King of the Pistol." His feats with rifle, shotgun, or pistol were legendary and seldom has such proficiency existed then or since. He was showered with awards and heralded by heads of state and royalty the world around. Truly a forgotten master of the shooting arts, Mr. Paine has largely gone the way as his hobby and descended into obscurity.
Ira Paine
In the limited materials available on Paine, it is never specifically mentioned that he was born into
wealth, however, this is no doubt the case. On February 11, 1837 he was born in Hebronville, Massachusetts to Ira Sr. and Elizabeth Paine. Hebronville was a mill village in southwestern, Attleboro, very near the larger towns of Pawtucket and Providence, both located in nearby Rhode Island. This has often resulted in some confusion as to the man's true birthplace. Little is mentioned of Paine's young life other than he became an accomplished plumber and gas fitter, specifically mentioned in his obituary as "one of the finest in the state." Granted, this does not initially sound like a blue blood upbringing, but soon his interested ventured into solo voice and young Ira became a highly educated professional vocalist with an outstanding tenor sound. His professional performances with a vocal quartet are documented and brought him further acclaim. It is claimed in several sources that Paine performed in minstrel shows, but this author has not seen any evidence to either confirm or deny.
His education already varied from plumbing to vocal technique, yet Paine was satisfied by neither. He took a strong interest in the outdoors, which branched into firearms. He would retreat to the woods and practice shooting voraciously when not at work, resulting in his rapid ascension at a local yacht club's pigeon shoots. At the time, target shooting was considered a refined sport for gentlemen and ladies. Most universities fielded shooting teams and the popularity of the sport was immense. Such popularity has not escaped the eye of history; noted Smith & Wesson Historian Roy Jinks once wrote, "The rivalry between the Harvard and Yale pistol teams was as great as it was in football."
Young Paine quickly became a top member and the club would pit him against the top shots of other clubs, earning both the yacht club and Paine many accolades. Not just satisfied with his proficiency with the shotgun, he quickly also became a crack shot with the rifle as well as the pistol. Paine took a particular delight in his expertise with a pistol, because while numerous sharp shots existed with a rifle or shotgun, very few showed mastery over the pistol. Ambidextrous with any firearm, Paine was performing shots that witnesses had previously thought impossible and this was to be a common theme throughout his illustrious career. Around this time Paine married his wife who would play a large role in his early shows. Not documented until now, vital records from Massachusetts show that Paine was married to Margaret E. McLaughlin on August 21, 1856 in the city of Worcester. The very next year, they had their first child, a daughter named Marietta F. Paine.
It was at this time of incredible local success that Paine decided forgo his career in the arts to take his guns on the road to become a professional exhibition and competition shooter. The transition from competitive shooter to exhibition shooter may be lost to time, but it is easy to assume that Paine went on to experience further success at larger, regional contests to further build his fame and draw. A 1917 copy of the Nation Rifle Associations "Arms and the Man" magazine states the following of Paine's first tour.
"During his first tours of this country he used a Stevens pistol exclusively. Some of his favorite shots at that time included breaking a small glass ball at 12 yards; shooting glass balls the size of a walnut from the top of a helmet worn by his wife while she walked about the stage; smashing swinging balls; shooting the "spots" from playing cards held by his wife, and then splitting the card, when held edgewise by a single accurate line shot."
These dangerous and outstanding exhibitions of skill with his Stevens Lord Model pistol earned Paine his well-deserved fame and he was soon holding performances in every major city across the country. This new career began in 1860, but it is not documented how the 23-year old Paine avoided service in the Civil War.
In this early stage in his career, the .22 caliber sized holes in his targets from his Stevens pistol were often too small for the audience to clearly see. Even though using a smaller caliber was more difficult, he switched to a larger cartridge. He first used a dueling pistol made by fine Parisian gunsmith Gastinne Renette, but apparently found it unsatisfactory. Historian Roy Jinks states that Paine worked tirelessly with the manufacturer to determine the most accurate revolver. Reportedly after the two had fired thousands of rounds and carefully documenting their results, they came to the conclusion that the Smith & Wesson New Model No. 3 would be Paine's new tool of his trade. Renette and Paine shared a mutual respect and would remain friends.
By 1866 he had traveled to Europe to take on the top shots of the British military in head-to-head competition. He bested their Captain Patten and Captain Skelly and now the fame of the one-time plumber spanned nations. He would spend the next several years in Europe performing and showing his skills before kings, queens, czars, military men, and other sharp shots. Paine remained in Europe for over six years performing in every capitol city and royal palace, astounding his audiences along the way.
From available sources one infers that Paine then returned to the states to give his homeland another taste of the shows his European audiences had so enjoyed. His obituary states that the same year of his return, 1872, that Paine "became champion pistol shot of the United States." Throughout the 1870s he enjoyed a good many challenges and rivalries, most notably against Captain Adam Bogartus, an expert with the shotgun. The exploits of the two and their competitions defines a level of expertise that defies comprehension. Bogartus won the majority of the matches, but even those were seldom by more than 2 birds. The high publicity matches between the two, dating back to 1871, were also an excellent chance to develop some of the new inventions of recreational shooting such as the glass ball, the trap, and the clay pigeon. Both Cpt. Bogardus and Paine made contributions to the trap device and ball, but neither can claim either invention, despite claims in both camps to the contrary. Paine took to the glass balls early, as did audiences, and he would often fill them with feathers that would erupt in a spectacular burst that thrilled the crowds that still liked to "see the feathers fly" from when live birds were used in the shooting exhibitions.
However, it is also in the 1870s that Paine's life takes some unexpected personal turns. After hiatus from census records for some time, he pops up on the 1870 Federal census with his wife Margaret and their daughter Marietta F. Paine, as living in Rhode Island and with Ira's occupation listed as "gas fitter." On August 12, 1872, Marietta married one Mr. Albert Henry Wakefield in Johnston, RI where the marriage certificate lists her age as a tender 15. Mr. Wakefield was 23. A quick scan for marriage licenses reveals that the Ira Paine married Annie Ratlidge Parker Collins, a 29-year old widow from Massachusetts. The two were married on January 20, 1875, in Brooklyn. Unfortunately there was not adequate time before this article published for a proper investigation for the result of Mr. Paine's first marriage to Margaret. It may have ended in her death, a divorce, or may have even been supplanted by the beginning of a second family during Paine's many travels. No death record exists for Margaret in Massachusetts, so she may have died in nearby Rhode Island, or the two could've simply divorced. To muddy the waters even further, Paine's obituary also mentions a marriage to "Miss Anna Marchant while abroad," around 1883. No further information could be located on this potential third marriage (or confusion of his second marriage) at this time.
Unclear personal life aside, Ira Paine left the United States again in 1881, and set out again once more to thrill the crowds of Europe. He again made appearances in nearly every major city "such as Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Bordeaux, Madrid, Barcelona, Lisbon, Hanover, Breslau, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Warsaw," and many English cities. However, it was General Von Kameke, the German Minister of War, who on March 12, 1882, "in the presence of the Royal Family and 4,000 troops, pronounced him 'the most wonderful shot the world has ever seen.'" On December 8 of that same year, "he was knighted and decorated by the King of Portugal at Lisbon in the presence of the American Minister," - a reward for Paine's fine exhibition for the King who joined Paine in some shooting after the show. It was during this same performance that the King of Portugal made Ira a chevalier of an ancient military order. When researching Paine it is impossible to not find him referred to as Chevalier Ira Paine.
He would shoot at the most prominent European armorers and manufacturers of the day. He defended his honor in Paris after accusations flew that his wife was little more than a magician's assistant, and aiding Paine's "shots" via trickery or slight of hand. He bested famed duelist Henri Cartier at the Gastinne Renette gallery, and demolished Josef Schulof in Vienna. It is documented that when leaving Vienna, Paine, "was fairly loaded with souvenirs" and that "the five judges of the great pistol match... presented him with a magnificent gold medal, inscribed, 'The Master Shot of the World; from Vienna Friends.'" After four years abroad, Chevalier Paine again returned home to the United States and began plying his exhibition shooting act in a traveling circus known as "Frank A. Robbins' New Shows, Museum, 2-Ring Circus, and Monster Menagerie."
The general manager of this circus was one Mr. William L. Loper. According to Mr. Loper's descendants, one summer around 1888, "Robbins and his girlfriend absconded with the season's receipts and fled to Canada," leaving Loper to "pay off the performers and help get what was left of the circus to Frenchtown, New Jersey, where the circus wintered." Robbins would go on to form other circuses and carnivals until his untimely death in 1920 after falling through a skylight and plunging 20 feet to his doom.
William Loper on the other hand would become a fast friend of Paine. It could've been the two were natural colleagues or perhaps Paine was showing his appreciation to Loper for holding the circus together after Robbins' ill-advised departure, but whatever the case, Paine gave this Winchester to Loper at that time and it has remained in the family ever since - approximately 128 years. Loper passed this incredible rifle on to his daughter, who in turn bequeathed it to her grandson. This rifle has never been seen or offered to the public in that time.
Chevalier Ira Paine passed away suddenly the very next year, in 1889 while in Paris, France. It is thought to have been heart trouble attributed to his stout figure and obesity, though a conclusive cause of death is not documented for history.
The Gun
This incredible Winchester likely began its life in 1870 based on its 36200, hand engraved serial number. The notes of its factory record state that it is a
"Special gun transferred from back book
Received in warehouse on (no date recorded)
Shipped from warehouse on May 6, 1878"
This may indicate that this gun was held and maintained at the factory and was likely used as an exhibition piece. One look at the rifle clearly shows that this is a distinct possibility. Upon first glance, the gun may appear to have a silver plating. However, after careful inspection Rock Island Auction Company is astounded to reveal that this 1866 rifle possesses a solid German silver frame, one of two known. Engraving is attributed to Gustave Young and is some of his finest work. Not coincidentally, it could be considered a companion piece to Winchester 1866 serial number 26283, also attributed to Young by R. L. Wilson. SN 26283 is generally considered Young's masterpiece and one of the finest Winchesters ever created. Both unsigned rifles appear to be cut by the same master, a distinction inferred from their scroll similarities, the light hand used in each, and the unique depth of field utilized in the panel scenes. Both rifles are also marked by a distinct rear sight.
A comparison between the Ira Paine rifle and Winchester SN 26283. Top photo taken from
R.L. Wilson's book "Winchester Engraving"
Floral scrollwork covers nearly every surface of the silver frame, creeping up the barrel and forend before reappearing at the muzzle in abundance. In fact, barrels featuring this level of work are frequently seen on the vaunted "1 of 1,000" rifles. While solid German silver comprises the frame, cartridge elevator, and forend cap, other parts are plated in nickel such as the barrel and lever. The loading gate remains a vivid nitre blue and the hammer still displays hues of its case hardening.
But enough of what can be shown to you in photos. What makes this gun so incredible? Why is it so benchmark breaking? Besides the aforementioned solid German silver frame, a barrel that would not look out of place on a 1 of 1,000, and some of Gustave Young's finest work?
1. This is one of 24 Winchester 1866 rifles that letters.
2. Factory letter also states this gun has "3x checkering"on its "varnish finish" and highly figured walnut stock.
3. Not listed on the factory letter is the shotgun buttstock, another highly desirable, special order feature.
4. After Paine gave this rife to William P. Loper (circa 1888), it remained in that family ever since. That's 128 years! It has not been photographed or offered to the public in over a century!
5. Did we mention that Chevalier Ira A. Paine is actually photographed with this wondrous Winchester? With the abundance of silver, nickel, and the presence of a shotgun butt, the rifle offered by Rock Island Auction Company is unquestionably that seen in the below photo.
The Mystery
There are also some curious markings on this Winchester. The collector fortunate enough to take this masterpiece home will have some interesting detective work ahead of them.
1. Working hours?
When disassembling the firearm to verify its solid German silver frame, Rock Island Auction Company came across some utterly fascinating markings located on the side of the tang. Not visible when the gun is fully assembled, they indicate a daily occurrence in the month of July. Is this is a list kept by Gustave Young himself of the time spent on this gun? It is unknown at this time, but that certainly seems a reasonable speculation. If that is the case, it is also interesting to note how Young worked so diligently for so long, but then began taking breaks from this work before finishing it toward the end of that same month (the last scratching indicates July 27).
2. Roman Numerals?
Under the forestock is another curious marking: what appears to be the Roman numeral 14. Were this marking done in an area that disassembly was not required to access, one could safely assume it would have been "added" after it left the factory. After all, why would Winchester visibly mark one of their prized exhibition rifles in such a way? However, since this resides in a "hidden" area of the rifle, this author feels it safe to assume that the marking was placed their during its creation or time in the factory. Also, given some of the other markings in hidden areas, this could be yet another marking by Gustave Young. Debating its meaning is another matter entirely.
3. C 20?
Opposite the Roman numerals, on the corresponding barrel flat, under the forestock, appears "C 20." Is this another factory designation? Another message from Young? All the other markings on the gun, including the serial number and address, are hand engraved, yet these are clearly stamped, especially when one sees the faint "0" behind the clearly stamped one. But were these stamped over Young's original markings? Looking closely at the "2" we can see a more "ghosted" two behind it. Is this another missed strike of a stamping or an attempt to clarify Young's writing, which in #1 was shown to have been quite informal at times?
This is truly an exceptional rifle, owned by a man nearly lost to history, that sets a benchmark all its own when it comes to rare, fresh, and absolutely incredible high end Winchester rifles. It's unclear what determines whether a famous shooter will be remembered. Why do we know names like Annie Oakley, the Famous Topperweins, Bob Munden, Jelly Bryce, or Herb Parsons and not sharp shots such as Paine or several of his contemporaries also mentioned in this article? The floor is open for theories and suggestions, but one thing remains certain: this ground breaking Winchester, finally revealed to the collecting public, will not be forgotten anytime soon.
-Written by Joel R. Kolander
SOURCES:
Himmelwright, Abraham Lincoln Artman. Pistol and Revolver Shooting. New York: Macmillan, 1915. Print.
https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:24Z2-8JH "Ira Paine Dead." Evening Bulletin [Providence] 1889: n. pag. Print.
Jinks, Roy G., and Sandra C. Krein. Smith & Wesson: 1852-1965. Charleston, SC: Arcadia Pub., 2006. Print.
"Thirty Years Ago With the Hand-Gun, Part 2 - The Story of Ira Paine." Arms and the Man 16 June 1917: 225-26. Print. Vol. LXII, No. 12.
The knife has been passed down through the Roosevelt family for the last 107 years. It has never been made available to the public prior to this sale. When Theodore died in 1919, the knife went to his second wife, Edith (his first wife, Alice, passed in 1884). Edith in turn bequeathed the knife to her eldest daughter Ethel Roosevelt Derby. Mrs. Derby intended to present the knife as a wedding gift to her granddaughter in 1976. To secure the knife during her cross-country travels from Oyster Bay to Seattle, Mrs. Derby kept the knife in her purse. However, this was cause for alarm at the security checkpoint in John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York City. Upon seeing this incredible knife and hearing its story, security allowed the knife to be transported by the pilot in the cockpit for the duration of the flight. Upon landing, it was returned to Mrs. Derby who presented the knife to the couple several days later at their wedding. Thrilled with such a historic and beautiful gift rife with family history, the couple immediately used it to cut their wedding cake.
