|
WINCHESTER
THE MAJOR PARTS ONLY OF A .44 WCF MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE
26-inch octagonal barrel with full length magazine tube, the receiver with many missing parts, the magazine follower with presentation inscription, "Presented to My Friend Charles A. Gillig by Dr Wm F. Carver, Dec 14 1880", the tang fitted with a stock taken from a double barrel shotgun, 8lb. 6oz., rusted and worn overall
William Frank "Doc" Carver (1851 to 1927)
"Doc" Carver, "Champion Shot of the World" was a well known sharpshooter and contemporary of Buffalo Bill Cody. Although trained as a dentist it was his career as a showman and champion rifle shot for which he is remembered. As a friend of Cody's he acquired considerable notoriety as a rifle shot. In 1877 he issued a challenge to all comers: he would use a rifle and the challenger could us a shotgun, and the targets would be the newly invented "Bogardus" glass balls thrown from a trap. He contended that he could hit more targets from horseback than his challenger could hit while standing on the ground. One of his first significant awards was for breaking 885 glass ball out of 1,000 thrown at San Francisco Feb 22, 1878. Following his success he toured extensively and arrived in Europe in 1879 shooting at matches and exhibitions in front of Nobility and Royalty. He had a significant engagement in London at the Crystal Palace round the time that this rifle was presented.
Upon his return from Europe he entered in to partnership with Buffalo Bill to produce a Wild West show, "Wild West". After the first season they parted ways, and the show now known as "Buffalo Bill's Wild West" went on to achieve international recognition. Carver continued to tour on a smaller scale for the rest of his life, famously incorporating a Diver Horse act in to the show. This element was famously continued by members of his family until the 1970's.
For further information please see "Buffalo Bills Wild West", by Richard Wilson & Greg Martin. |
Sold for £1400
|
 |
| Fine Modern and Vintage Sporting Guns |
| Sotheby's, New Bond Street, London |
| 12 December 2012 |
| Commission is 25% ex. VAT. Artist's Resale Right may apply |
|
|
