THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED
War Hero, Western Star, Great American — Audie Murphy
America Remembers is proud to offer this Audie Murphy Tribute Rifle in commemoration of the distinguished movie career of this unique American hero. Audie Murphy personified the moral value and selfless valor that Americans admire.
On May 28, 1971, a tragic plane crash ended the life of a man whose war-time exploits and western movie roles inspired a generation of Americans. Audie Murphy played the role of a hero in dozens of Hollywood westerns, and it was a role that suited him well. He was in fact a genuine hero, America’s most decorated combat soldier of World War II, a man who had set an unmatched standard for courage and heroism on the horrific battlefields of World War II.
Unlike most of his Hollywood leading man counterparts, Audie Murphy had stared death in the eye on many occasions. Boyish and unassuming despite his incredible military record, Audie Murphy personified the moral values and selfless valor that real Americans admire. When genuine heroes and legitimate role models seem few and far between, we at America Remembers are proud to offer this Tribute in commemoration of distinguished movie career of this unique American hero.
Proven In Battle
History has chronicled Audie Murphy’s incredible acts of bravery. His decorations included the Congressional Medal of Honor and many other acknowledgements. It says much for this man’s character that in his autobiography “To Hell and Back,” Audie Murphy never once mentioned receiving any medals.
A Rising Star
At the end of World War II, Audie Murphy returned home, a seasoned combat veteran and a national hero before his 21st birthday. Audie Murphy got his first starring role in a film called Bad Boy, in which he played the part of a troubled youth at a Texas Boys Ranch. The movie was a financial success, and Audie Murphy was very quickly picked up by Universal-International, who starred him as Billy the Kid in The Kid From Texas. This was the movie that established Audie Murphy’s reputation as a Hollywood western star and he was a natural.
Audie Murphy went on to make a total of 44 feature films, including 32 Hollywood westerns. He usually played the good guy, but was equally convincing in a “black hat” role, such as John Gant, the cold-blooded hired killer in No Name On The Bullet. His last movie, the only one in which Audie Murphy also served as producer, was prophetically entitled A Time For Dying. In it, Audie played an aging Jesse James.
In many of Audie Murphy’s western movie roles, audiences would see him riding into town with his trusty rifle cradled in his arm or thrust into a saddle scabbard. It was as much a part of his everyday gear as his single-action revolver or his road-brimmed Stetson hat. It seemed only fitting to select this enduring lever-action classic as the medium for America Remembers’ Tribute to this unforgettable Hollywood legend. The design and issuance of the Tribute has been officially authorized by the family of Audie Murphy, and we are indebted to them for their invaluable comments, input, and advice.
Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this Tribute by America Remembers have embellished the receiver with 24-karat gold artwork capturing Audie Murphy’s career in western films. The handsome blackened patinaed background adds a dramatic, three-dimensional effect, while the laser-carvings on the walnut stocks add the perfect touch to this museum-quality masterpiece.
The “Audie Murphy Tribute Rifle” is a sculpted celebration of an unforgettable western movie legend.
The right side features a magnificent close-up portrait of Audie, capturing his boyish good looks and sensual smile, which made him a Hollywood star and a favorite of the fans. Also featured is a scene with him crouching behind a boulder, sixgun at the ready, and the inscribed legend, “Audie Murphy-June 20,1924-May 28, 1971.”
The left side features Audie Murphy astride his horse, slowly moving through a typical western town. His name is featured in a flowing banner, and elegant floral scrollwork surrounds the scene. All artwork is featured in 24-karat gold with a special blackened patinaed background highlighting the details of the artwork and elaborate scrollwork.
The rifle’s hand-polished stocks are laser-carved on both sides. A striking portrait of Audie Murphy is featured on the shoulder stock, while the forearm features Audie Murphy’s name in old western typeface. Both scenes are surrounded by elegant scrollwork, adding a finishing touch to the design. From the gold embellished receiver to the handsome laser-carved walnut stocks, the Tribute captures Audie Murphy’s career as a western film star in magnificent detail. The hammer, trigger, and magazine end cap are all decorated in 24-karat gold. The lever is decorated in gold with nickel scrollwork.
