A Handsomely Decorated Rifle of the Old West
When the American explorers Lewis and Clark went west, they spoke of a “moving multitude that darkened the whole plains.” It has been estimated that perhaps as many as 30 million bison once roamed North America, and when they ran, the earth shook with an awesome thunder. In the wide open West, anyone crossing the Plains quickly learned to admire and respect the power of the mighty buffalo.
And no people revered or relied more on the magnificent creatures than the Plains Indians. To them, the buffalo was a gift from the Creator, and they depended on the buffalo for all their necessities of life. Besides the meat, the hides were cleaned and tanned for use as clothing, bedding and teepee covers, and the bones were fashioned into tools for farming, eating and digging.
Tribes celebrated their almost mystical bond with the buffalo through tribal legend, sacred ritual and art. Buffalo hunts were surrounded by ceremony. Religious rites occurred before the first warrior mounted his horse and after the last carcass had been picked clean. For young braves, the hunt was a rite of passage, the ultimate test of skill and courage.
Now, America Remembers is proud to honor the Plains Indians and the buffalo with The Guardians of the Plains Tribute Rifle. For this Tribute, we selected a rifle that was held in the highest esteem by the Indians of the Western frontier – the legendary Model 1866 rifle. The Tribute is a working firearm in caliber .44-40 with a handsomely blued, 24 ¼” tapered octagonal barrel.
A Legend of the American West
The Model 1866 Rifle was the first firearm to ever bear the Winchester name. Affectionately known as the “Yellow Boy” for its bright brass frame, the Model 1866’s ability to fire 15 successive rounds made it a favorite among Native Americans, cowboys, lawmen, and outlaws of the Old West. It was widely used in the Old West, and was a favorite for riders on horseback.
Production of the Model ’66 by Winchester ceased years ago. Therefore, rifles for this Tribute are produced for us by the master craftsmen of A. Uberti, who have expertly created this classic firearm just as they have created so many of the Western classics since 1959, establishing themselves as the premier maker of historical firearms recreations. The Model ’66 rifle is always in demand, as only a limited quality can be produced each year.
Each Tribute is decorated by craftsmen commissioned specifically by America Remembers in 24-karat gold, with the artwork featured in nickel with a blackened patinaed background to accentuate all the details. In addition, the hammer, lever, forearm, and buttplate are also polished and decorated in stunning 24-karat gold to add a finishing touch of elegance to this museum-quality masterpiece.
A Masterpiece Honoring the Plains Indians
and the American Buffalo
This handsome Tribute features artwork honoring the Plains Indians and the majestic American buffalo. The central image on the left side features a scene of Plains Indians sharing the land with the buffalo. The largest land mammals native to North America, mature buffalo bulls were an impressive sight. Some stood six feet tall at the shoulders and weighed a massive 2,000 pounds. At the far left, you’ll find a warrior with his bow raised high above his head giving thanks after a successful hunt. The buffalo were an important part of life for the Plains Indians, and Sitting Bull captured their dependence on the buffalo when he reportedly said, “A cold wind blew across the prairie when the last buffalo fell… a deathwind for my people.”
The right side of the receiver features a massive American buffalo bull, along with a cow and her new calf. The scene on the far right depicts a warrior pursuing a buffalo with his bow and arrow. Before warriors were able to obtain repeating rifles for hunting, braves on horseback had to maneuver at close range in order to take a buffalo. Both sides of the receiver feature a buffalo skull with Indian teepees in the background, symbolizing the bond between the Indians and the buffalo. In addition, each Tribute features a polished walnut forearm and shoulder stock.
Secure Your Guardians of the Plains Tribute Today
Only 500 Guardians of the Plains Tribute Rifles will be issued in this exclusive edition. This is your opportunity to own a classic Old West Model 1866 rifle, with artwork capturing the magnificence of the Plains Indians and the American buffalo. The legendary status of the 1866 Rifle, combined with the handsome artwork celebrating the buffalo and Plains Indians, will certainly appeal to firearms collectors and Old West enthusiasts.
Act now to secure your Tribute today. Call us toll-free at 1-800-682-2291 so we may prioritize your order and confirm availability, or you can order online below. We will arrange delivery of your working Tribute rifle through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice. And as always, you will receive the Guardians of the Plains Tribute Rifle with our 30-day guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not fully satisfied after your personal inspection, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund.
This Tribute will surely take you back to an era when proud warriors on horseback were masters of the endless plains and when the frontier rumbled with thunderous herds of buffalo, so large that they darkened the land like massive, rumbling clouds. It’s a time and place that lives on today in the paintings, photographs, and the written accounts from the fascinating era of the Old West. In magnificent detail, this handsome Tribute captures the bygone era when the Plains Indians were the Guardians of the Plains, living freely on the open prairies in harmony with nature.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “Guardians of the Plains Tribute Rifle” is a working Model 1866 rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve the “Guardians of the Plains Tribute Rifle”, a working Model 1866 rifle, at the current issue price of $2,395.* Each Tribute is numbered within the edition limit of 500, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Thirty-day return privilege.
Please charge my credit card a deposit of $195 per rifle. I will pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest or carrying charge.
* All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Sales tax is required in certain states and will be added. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.
