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Something Old, Something New…
There isn’t a gun collector, a fan of American history, or probably any American who isn’t familiar with the legendary name of Winchester. In the lore of the American West, it’s a name as well-know as Annie Oakley, Sitting Bull, Geronimo, or Billy the Kid. Settlers, Indians, lawmen and bandits all coveted the Winchester rifle, which has earned its place in history as “the rifle that won the West.”
The Model 1894 was the first rifle produced by Winchester that used smokeless powder. Today, the Model 1894 is the oldest version of Winchester still produced by the factory. It is the grandson of the Henry Rifle and the famous 1866 Winchester which were used extensively in the West.
From the gold embellished receiver to the handsome checkered walnut stock, the American Indian Tribute is produced with the same solid craftsmanship that’s made Winchester a legend in firearms. Each carbine has a blued 16-inch barrel and the authentic saddle ring and large loop lever call to mind images of the wild American West. (John Wayne and Chuck Connors made the large loop recognizable to all movie buffs.)
Honoring Plains Indians
America Remembers is proud to sponsor projects honoring American heroes, as well as legendary historical moments and individuals. We cannot change history, but we can do our part to honor those whose contributions have been overlooked or distorted. As we end the 20th century, special recognition is being paid to the special role of the Native Americans. The lives of the American Indians are a special part of America’s heritage and America Remembers is proud to honor the Plains Indians with this tribute.
The American Plains Indians had their own admiration for the Winchester rifle which became a vital part in their nomadic life on the Plains. Winchesters were used for defense and hunting. The lives of the Plains Indians centered around the massive herds of buffalo that were a main source of food, clothing and shelter. Whole tribes moved to follow the herds, and tales of bravery in the hunt became a central element in their legends and the selection of their leaders.
You can see one of these traditional buffalo hunts highlighted in nickel on the left side of the carbine’s 24-karat gold decorated receiver. In this dramatic recreation, a hunting party rides on horseback among a herd of stampeding buffalo. In the foreground, a brave draws closer to one of the buffaloes and aims the killing shot. All the speed and fury, all the excitement and fear of that long ago moment are recreated in this detailed etching.
On the right side of the receiver, a very detailed illustration portrays the majestic American buffalo on the Western Plains. The Indians felt a kinship to this powerful and noble beast, honoring it spiritually and in traditional dances. But to settlers it was the object of sport at best, a mere nuisance at worst. Sadly, they slaughtered the animals by the thousands, dwindling their numbers from around 20 million to near extinction.
The detail in the artwork on the rifle is powerful, and the spectacular blend of nickel and 24-karat gold perfectly highlights the tribute.
A final touch that’s especially exciting is a pair of vintage U.S. coins that have been bonded to either side of the receiver. On the left, by the Indian hunting scene, is a genuine Buffalo Head Nickel, on the right, an Indian Head Penny complements the majestic buffalo.
The blued steel barrel is highlighted with 24-karat gold lettering. On the right side is the inscription, “The American Indian,” while on the left, the carbine’s edition number, from 1 to 300, is etched in gold.
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