Today, there is an image that takes us back to the days of freedom on the frontier, and that image features Native American warriors on horseback. We have painters and photographers from the 19th century to thank for this indelible image. As artists and storytellers, they were fascinated by the figure of warriors in action, astride their horses at full speed or majestically scanning the horizon. To them, the warriors of the Western frontier represented freedom, dignity, and the untamed frontier of the American West. They were the lords of the American frontier.
In honor of the legendary Warriors of the Old West, America Remembers presents The Warriors of the Old West Tribute Rifle. The Tribute features artwork by Mort Künstler, an acclaimed Western artist. For many years, Mort studied and created artwork capturing daily life of Native American tribes. For this Tribute, America Remembers worked closely with Mort to select six of his favorite paintings featuring Native American warriors of the Old West era. The Tribute pays homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the proud warriors who fought for their land and their way of life.
For the Tribute, we selected a legendary Old West classic; the Model 1866 Rifle originally produced by Winchester Repeating Arms Company. It was a favorite on the Western frontier. This Tribute is a detailed recreation of the Model 1866 Rifle, each produced by the incomparable artisans of Uberti, whose master craftsmen have painstakingly reproduced the greatest firearms of history for more than five decades. Each rifle is a working firearm in caliber .44-40 with a blued, 24 1/4 inch octagonal barrel with a tubular magazine.
Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this Tribute by America Remembers capture Mr. Künstler’s original artwork in minute detail, with the 24-karat gold and nickel decorated background serving as the canvas for the artwork, which is highlighted with a special blackened patina for maximum detail. You will find Künstler’s own stylish signature laser-carved into the stock, adding additional authenticity to the Tribute. As you review the artwork, you’ll see the artwork is surrounded with symbolic Native American beadwork and geometric designs.
Only 500 Available
Only 500 of the Warriors of the Old West Tribute Rifles will ever be produced. To be assured of acquiring the Tribute before the edition is fully subscribed, please mail your reservation promptly. Reservations will be accepted in the order they are received. We will arrange delivery through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute within 30 days in original, unfired condition for a courteous refund. You can mail in your order, or to prioritize your order and confirm availability, call us toll-free at 1-800-682-2291. You may also order online at www.americaremembers.com. Your Tribute will be individually numbered, and a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity will accompany your Tribute.
This Tribute will take you back to an era when proud warriors on horseback were masters of the endless plains. It’s a time and place that lives on today in the paintings of Mort Künstler and in the hearts and minds of all Americans. This stunning Tribute captures an era when proud warriors on horseback were masters of the Western frontier, pursuing roaming herds of buffalo, and protecting their families and territories from any danger that might approach.
The Tribute captures America’s legendary Old West era, and magnificently honors the strength and spirit of the proud warriors who rode like lightning on the wild frontier.
The receiver is polished and decorated in 24-karat gold and nickel, and the illustrations are featured in gold with a blackened patinaed background to highlight the detail. In addition, the hammer, lever, forearm cap, and buttplate are also polished and decorated in stunning 24-karat gold. The official signature of Mort Künstler is laser-carved into the buttstock.
The Tribute features artwork from six of Mort Künstler’s favorite paintings of Warriors of the Old West. Each image is framed by decorative patterns that recall some of the symbolic beadwork and geometric design used by tribes across North America.
The right side features a trio of scenes. The center image features a scene from Storm Clouds. Three warriors on horseback gaze across the plains from a rocky outcrop. The title refers both to the menacing sky overhead and the brewing conflict between the tribes and settlers. War Cry features warriors charging into battle at full gallop with weapons raised. The illustration conveys the speed and fearlessness of these Plains warriors. Many of the warriors carry stone-tipped lances, war clubs, and the long, curved coup stick weapons used in battle. The third image features Survivor, and shows a warrior on horseback leading another horse across a shallow creek. One can imagine this lone survivor returning to his tribe after battle with the mount of a fallen warrior.
The left side of the receiver also showcases three of Mort Künstler masterpieces. On the left is a war party from Painted Horse. The horse at the center was known as a “pinto” or “paint.” At the center is a scene from The Chase, showing a hunter closing in on a herd of buffalo, with his bow & arrow aimed at a prized target. Native Americans believed buffalo were a gift from the creator. They depended on the animal for all necessities of life. For young braves, the hunt was a rite of passage, the ultimate test of skill and courage. The final image on the left side is Brave Warrior. This scene depicts a warrior charging on horseback with his coup stick raised high. In battle, among the bravest things a warrior could do in combat was touch or strike an enemy with his coup stick.
©2016 Mort Künstler, Inc.
Shipping Procedures
Since the “Mort Künstler Warriors of the Old West Tribute Rifle” is a working rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve the “Mort Künstler Warriors of the Old West Tribute Rifle,” a working Model 1866 Rifle, at the price of $2,495*. Each rifle is numbered within the limited edition 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.