Saluting the Spirit of the Legendary Apache Warrior
The Apache people hailed him as a hero. The U.S. Army called him a renegade. The Mexican Government considered him the enemy. His name was Geronimo, and he was all of those things.
For nearly four decades, Geronimo waged war in the American Southwest. First, he fought the Mexican military, fueled by vengeance for the death of his beloved wife, mother, and three young children. Later he would clash with United States soldiers and settlers who were moving westward and establishing settlements along the Western Frontier. He led raids, rushed headlong into battle and became leader of the Apache resistance, establishing his reputation as a fearless and brave warrior. He fought and kept on fighting, and with every victory, his legend grew. Many of his followers believed that he was a powerful shaman who could slow time and stop bullets.
The Geronimo myth grew so large that it almost devoured the man, but underneath all the stories and wild tales, there is the truth. Geronimo became a legend because he fought for freedom. His unwavering strength and courage came from a deep love for his family, his Native American heritage, and his homeland.
To honor the legendary Apache leader and his brave warriors who fought so gallantly to protect their freedom and heritage, America Remembers proudly presents the Geronimo Tribute Rifle. For this Tribute, we selected the classic Model 1873 Rifle, arguably America’s most famous western rifle. The Model ’73 rifles in caliber .45 LC are produced for us by the master craftsmen of A. Uberti, the world’s premier maker of historical firearm recreations. Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this project by America Remembers decorate each working rifle in stunning 24-karat gold and nickel with artwork honoring the legendary Apache leader and his brave warriors.
Widely considered to be “The Rifle That Won the West,” the Model ‘73 Rifle was a prized weapon on the frontier, combining lightweight utility and long-range power. The rugged lever-action was simple to operate and offered quick and plentiful firepower. Since its days of action in the Old West, the Model ‘73 has become a widely desired and highly collectible classic.
The Last Renegade
Geronimo was a bold military leader who became a master of surprise attacks, stealth maneuvers and narrow escapes. Although he was never a chief, he possessed a special kind of power to lead people into battle. His reputation as a medicine man and a mystic helped convince others that he was invulnerable and all-seeing.
By the late 1870s, most of the warriors of the Great Plains had stopped fighting. The Cheyenne and the Comanche surrendered to the U.S. Army, and Sioux legends Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull gave up their weapons. But Geronimo and his followers continued to fight to keep their land and preserve their way of life.
Geronimo surrendered three times, but never cared for life on the reservation. After breaking out for the third time in 1885, he and his small band of Chiricahua followers became the most wanted men, women, and children in North America.
Geronimo and his followers were hunted by 5,000 U.S. soldiers and 3,000 Mexicans. The Apaches were able to elude both forces through the rugged Southwest backcountry for months, but by late August, the sweltering summer heat and relentless pursuit took its toll. On September 4, 1886, Geronimo surrendered to General Nelson Miles at Skeleton Canyon, Arizona.In his later years, he cashed in on his celebrity by selling autographs and other items to tourists. He appeared in World’s Fairs and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Shows. On March 4, 1905, he even took part in President Theodore Roosevelt’s inaugural parade in Washington, D.C.
Perhaps the most remarkable fact about Geronimo is that he spent decades at war and survived every single battle. No soldier, bullet, arrow, knife or sword ever stopped him.
Only 500 Available
Only 500 of this Tribute Rifle will ever be produced. Each Tribute is individually numbered and shipped with a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity, which will confirm your place among the elite ranks of collectors. Order now and we will arrange delivery of your working Tribute through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. As always, you will receive your Geronimo Tribute Rifle with our 30 day guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original, unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund.
On the right side of the receiver, the center image shows a band of Apache warriors at rest beside the Southern Pacific Railway, near Nueces River, Texas in 1886. You can see that Natchez (with rounded hat) is seated front and center and Geronimo sits to his left. They were being transported by the US Army to a new location. To the left, a close-up of one of C.S. Fly’s historic 1886 Geronimo photos is shown. To the right, a Fly photograph requested by Geronimo himself is featured. The picture of Geronimo and Natchez on horseback was taken in Sonora, Mexico when Geronimo was considering surrender to General Crook, but subsequently changed his mind and became a fugitive for the final time.
The artwork on both sides of the receiver is framed with traditional scrollwork and Native American patterns that bring to mind the meticulous beadwork of Apache artisans.
On the left side of the receiver there is the famous photograph of Geronimo kneeling with a rifle. The shot was likely meant to recreate the image of the legendary Apache warrior in his native desert environment. The center image shows Geronimo (on the far right) standing with three of his bravest warriors. Each is clutching a rifle, including two Model 1873 Winchester carbines. To the right is another image of Geronimo, who became one of the most photographed Native American warriors.
Shipping Procedures
Since The Geronimo Tribute Rifle” is a working Model 1873 Rifle, we will arrange delivery through a licensed firearms dealer of your choice.
Order
I wish to reserve The Geronimo Tribute Rifle,” a working Model 1873 Rifle, at the current issue price of $2,395* Each rifle is numbered on the bottom of the receiver within the edition limit of 500 and is accompanied by a 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.
