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As California’s sesquicentennial draws near, America Remembers brings you a golden opportunity to honor the heritage of the Golden State.

They call it “The Golden State” – a land of sunshine and prosperity, with a name that excites the imagination like the glitter of gold – California. Its nickname derives from the gold in its mountains and streams, whose discovery resulted in one of the most important milestones in American history.

It has been 150 years since the discovery of gold in California, an even that culminated with the admission of California as the 31st state a short time later in 1850.

America Remembers pays tribute to the Golden State with the “California Sesquicentennial Tribute,” commemorating the three great events that formed the cornerstone of California history:  the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848, the ensuing Gold Rush of 1849, and the granting of statehood in 1850.

This remarkable Tribute takes the form of a working Winchester Model 94 rifle, enhanced with 24-karat gold, nickel, and blued artwork commissioned specifically for this Tribute by America Remembers, and available nowhere else.

Right side of the receiver shows the dramatic migration to California during the Gold Rush of 1849. “CALIFORNIA the 31st State” and an outline of the state is featured along with the date of statehood (1850) and the Sesquicentennial year of 2000. Images of a clipper ship and covered wagon are shown bringing settlers from around the world. To the right, a frontiersman is shown with a representation of the Bear Flag flowing freely behind him. Winding around the receiver are vines of California grapes, representing the Napa Valley and the many fine California wines.

Left side features a mighty grizzly bear, the tenacious symbol of the California spirit that will not back down. “The Golden State” is in  a banner above the grizzly, and the state motto, “Eureka,” meaning “I have found it,” is in a banner below. To the left is an image of the mission at Carmel, signifying the Spanish influence on California’s heritage. To the far right, a pair of 49ers are shown panning for gold. Again, California grapevines encircle the entire scene. All artwork is etched in a combination of 24-karat gold, nickel, and blueing.

Barrel bands, elevated sight, and lever are hand polished and finished in 24-karat gold. Barrel is inscribed “California Sesquicentennial Tribute Rifle” on both sides, while the edition number is located on the tang.

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