The James-Younger Gang thought Northfield
would be easy. When the eight criminals rode into the quiet Minnesota
town on September 7, 1876, they figured their reputations would precede
them. They figured the townsfolk would surrender in fear, the vault
would be emptied and the First National would join the long list of
trains, stagecoaches and banks pillaged by their six-shooters.
They figured wrong!
What was supposed to be another
easy score ended up a catastrophe. Some have called that fateful day,
“one of the finest hours of armed self-defense in the United States.”
Thanks to a courageous group of sharp shooting citizens, a notorious
gang of murderers and thieves was stopped cold.
America Remembers is proud to announce an exclusive
Tribute commemorating this epic chapter in the history of the American
West: The James-Younger Northfield Bank Raid Tribute Rifle. For this
Tribute, we selected the classic Rolling Block Rifle and specifically
commissioned artwork to commemorate this epic moment in the history of
the Old West. Every aspect of your handsome Tribute receives the
attention of America’s most talented craftsmen under exclusive
commission from America Remembers. Additionally, each rifle is
fully-authorized by the James-Younger Gang and the Northfield Historical
Society.
When the eight men in dusters arrived in Northfield,
they aroused immediate suspicion. It wasn’t long after the bank heist
was set in motion that everything went wrong for the outlaws. Joseph Lee
Heywood, along with Alonzo Bunker and Frank Wilcox, refused to cooperate
inside the bank. And once Heywood was shot and cries for help reached
the street, the outlaws were in a battle for their lives. It’s reported
A.R. Manning shot and killed outlaw William Chadwell with a Remington
Rolling Block, a classic rifle in the era of the Western frontier.
The James-Younger Northfield Bank Raid Tribute Rifle
is a working Rolling Block Rifle in caliber .45-70, produced by the old
world craftsmen of Davide Pedersoli. The handsomely blued, octagonal
barrel is complemented perfectly by the elegantly decorated receiver,
along with the polished and 24-karat gold decorated hammer and breech
block, buttplate and forearm end cap. The portraits and illustrations of
the James-Younger Gang and the courageous Northfield residents come to
life in sparkling 24-karat gold with a special blackened patinaed
background to highlight the details of the artwork.
Honor a Defining Moment in American History
The James-Younger Northfield Bank Raid Tribute Rifle is your chance to
own a unique memorial to a defining moment in American history.
September 7, 1876 was a day that ordinary people fought back. They used
fire against fire to protect their bank, their town and their lives. Few
moments in American history so clearly define the right of U.S. citizens
to protect their property and their lives; a right that continues to
live on across our great nation.
Only 500 of the James-Younger Northfield Bank Raid
Tribute Rifles will be produced for this special limited edition.
Reservations will be accepted in the order they are received. Because
this is a working rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed
dealer of your choice. As always, the Tribute comes with our guarantee
of satisfaction. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied
after your personal inspection, just return it in original unfired
condition to us within 30 days for a complete and courteous refund.
The James-Younger Northfield Bank Raid Tribute will
make a handsome addition to any collection. I’m sure you agree that it
represents a fitting memorial to a defining moment in frontier history:
the defiant and courageous stand taken by the residents of Northfield
against one of America’s most notorious outlaw gangs.
The rifle’s receiver is polished and decorated in
24-karat gold artwork featuring the notorious invaders of
Northfield as well as its brave defenders. Featured on the left of the
receiver are detailed portraits of the outlaw Frank James and Northfield
hardware merchant and hero, A.R. Manning. James escaped with his life
and Manning killed outlaw William Chadwell with a 100-yard shot to the
heart from his Remington Rolling Block.
Featured on the right side of the receiver are
portraits of brave bank teller Joseph Lee Heywood, who remained
“faithful until death,” and bank robber Cole Younger, who became
notorious along with his brothers for sacking banks, coaches and trains
throughout the Western frontier. Also pictured is the infamous Jesse
James, the legendary outlaw who achieved folk-hero status and managed to
evade authorities throughout his entire 16-year criminal career. The
central artwork features a detailed scene of the massive gun fight that
erupted between the outlaws and the citizens in front of the First
National Bank in Northfield.
Authorized by the James-Younger Gang and the Northfield Historical
Society
