Few chapters in history inspire like the
settling of the American frontier. The taming of the Wild West is a story as
wide-ranging as the land itself. It’s a story of opportunity and adventure,
destiny and exploration, romantic legends and grim realities. Although at
heart, it’s ultimately a story about the dream of our nation.
In the 19th century, the rugged land west of the Mississippi
was wide open for exploration and inhabited by numerous Indian tribes. But
this was going to change rapidly as multitudes entered the Western
territories to build new livelihoods. There are countless tales about
cowboys, cattlemen, lawmen, gamblers, prospectors, and trappers who moved
West seeking opportunity and adventure in the open frontier. To this day we
thrill to the exploits of legends like Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, Jesse
James, and Billy the Kid; military heroes like George Custer and Sam
Houston; and brave Native American warriors like Geronimo, Sitting Bull,
Crazy Horse, and Cochise.
But there are even more untold stories about ordinary men and women who saw
the frontier as their chance for a new beginning. Many would risk everything
on the perilous journey toward the Pacific, learning quickly that life in
the rugged West was about survival. For the American Indian tribes, their
days of wandering freely across the sprawling prairies would come to an end.
In honor of these brave adventurers and their
contributions to America’s legacy, America Remembers is proud to announce
the Winning the West Tribute Rifle, a handsomely decorated rifle celebrating
legendary moments in the history of the Wild West. This distinctive firearm
is a faithful recreation of the legendary Winchester Model 1873 rifle, in
caliber .44-40, produced by the master craftsmen of Uberti. Craftsmen
commissioned specifically by America Remembers decorate each rifle in
spectacular 24-karat gold and nickel with blackened patinaed highlights to
accentuate the details of the artwork.
Often called “the rifle that won the West,” the Model ‘73
has been admired for decades as an engineering landmark, representing
light-weight utility and long-ranged power. This firearm was one of the most
coveted rifles of its day, and was the ultimate prize for settlers, lawmen
and Indians of the frontier. When you hold this splendid Tribute in your own
hands, you’ll recapture those exciting days of exploration and adventure.
Only 1,000 of the Winning the West Tribute Rifle will ever
be produced. Reservations will be accepted in the order received. Your
Tribute will be individually numbered, from 001 to 1,000, confirming your
place among the elite ranks of collectors. A matching numbered Certificate
of Authenticity also accompanies your Tribute. We will arrange delivery of
your working rifle through a licensed dealer of your choice. And, as always,
the Tribute comes with our guarantee of satisfaction. If for any reason you
are not fully satisfied after your personal inspection, just return the
Tribute in original unfired condition within 30 days for a complete and
courteous refund.
There are few periods in American history as rousing as
the Old West; a time when a sprawling country, with unmatched natural
beauty, was being discovered. Order now and you can obtain this classic
firearm that will enable you to relive the dreams of a nation energized by
the exciting tales of adventure on the Western frontier. The Winning the
West Tribute Rifle is an exclusive treasure that you’ll proudly cherish for
generations to come.
The left side of the receiver features classic portraits
of Lewis and Clark and a map retracing the route of their landmark journey,
which began on May 14, 1804. Starting up the Missouri River from St. Louis,
Lewis and Clark led an expedition of about fifty brave explorers on a
journey to discover the elusive Northwest Passage. This expeditionary force
was called the Corps of Discovery, and their journey set the stage for a
generation of pioneers to follow. Prominently featured in the central
artwork are covered wagons and settlers heading West. These adventurous
pioneers began trekking West as early as 1835, making their perilous
journeys over rough terrain and facing danger throughout the course.
Overlooking the encroaching settlers are two Indian warriors whose way of
life would be forever altered by the changes which were to take place on the
Western frontier. On the right side is a scene of prospectors panning for
gold. In 1848, gold was discovered in California, and this discovery would
play a monumental role in the history of the Old West. When the news of the
discovery of gold reached the East, thousands of adventurers headed West to
seek their fortunes.
The right side of the receiver features the Alamo, the
epic battle in Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico, where General
Santa Anna and his troops reached San Antonio and drove less than 200 Texans
into the former mission. Inside, Jim Bowie, William Travis, Davey Crockett
and a courageous band of defenders heroically battled against overwhelming
odds. Prominently featured in the central artwork is a scene from a typical
Western cow town, as cattle are herded through the dusty streets at the end
of a long trail drive. Cattle trails, like the Shawnee, the Chisholm, and
the Goodnight-Loving, were used to move the cattle to railheads. Getting the
herd to market was a dangerous job, and cowboys learned to rely on
lever-action rifles like the legendary Model ‘73. Also, prominently featured
to the right is artwork capturing the linking of the Union Pacific and
Central Pacific Railroads. A grand celebration took place at Promontory
Point, Utah on May 10, 1869, when officials drove the last spike to complete
the transcontinental railroad, an event which would forever alter the West.
No longer faced with difficult and dangerous journeys, settlers could now
migrate West in style and comfort. Displayed in the foreground of this
setting are the American buffalo. A lasting symbol of the Western frontier,
the buffalo’s fate was doomed by the changes taking place.
