November 28th 2021 This antique lever gun is a special item — it’s the most expensive rifle ever sold at an auction according to the Rock Island Auction Company, the world’s largest firearms auction house. The rifle was sold for $1,265,000.00 in 2016, the highest auction price for a rifle ever recorded (and twice what RIAC expected). This rifle sold for such a high amount because it was Serial Number 1 as well as its special connection with the Wild West, Indian Wars, and other historical events. SEE: RIAC’s Most Expensive Guns. Rock Island Auctions: This 1886 Winchester was the world record holder for the most expensive single firearm sold at auction… the particular model 1886 happened be the number one! The gun was also presented by Lieut, a firearms designer. George E. Albee to Capt. Henry W. Lawton after Lawton’s surrender of Apache leader Geronimo. The historic Winchester Model 1886 Serial Number 1 was presented to Captain Henry W. Lawton in honor of Lawton’s successful raid against Geronimo, the renegade Apache leader. His friend, Lt. George E. Albee who worked with Winchester, gifted the rifle. Both Army officers were Medal of Honor recipients. This rifle “represents 25 years of bloodshed in the Southwest between the U.S. Army, the Apache Indians, and the end to the Indian Wars.” A serial number one rifle in such exceptional condition would be enough to bring six figures at auction. Kevin Hogan, President of RIAC, stated that when you add one the most well-known names in the history and Old West, you have a tremendous crossover appeal.” The full, illustrated story of Geronimo’s capture in the hands of Captain Henry W. Lawton can be found below. FULL Story: Part I of The Prize for Capturing Geronimo. FULL Story II: The Prize For Capturing Geronimo. Lawton was a “soldier soldier” who fought in the Civil War and Indian Wars. He also fought in the Philippine-American War. He retired as a Major General. He led an Army contingent that traveled 1300 m to capture Geronimo in 1886. He was killed in combat at the battle for San Mateo in the Philippines in 1899. Ironically, the leader among the Philippine Revolutionary troops against which he was faced was Gen. Licerio Geronimo. Strange, but true. Rock Island sells more than 23,000 firearms each year. But, “never before has Rock Island offered Serial Number 1″ of a production-grade, investment-quality firearm,” stated RIAC. The rifle’s rich history and provenance make it a national treasure. This is the first Winchester model 1886 to be produced, and it bears the single digit “ONE” on the lower tang. The barrel also bears the inscribed “Albee-to-Lawton 45-60?” According to RIAC, “The rifle’s history begins with two brothers in arms during the Civil War. One chose to continue a long military career while the second pursued firearms development and firearms.” “Captain Henry Ware Lawton captured Geronimo 1886. Lieutenant George E. Albee was working for Winchester, and was able to secure serial number 1 of their newest rifle design. To commemorate Lawton’s extraordinary achievement, he presented it to his friend and war buddy.
Similar Posts: Tags : Apache, Captain Henry Lawton and George Albee. Geronimo. Indian Wars. Most Expensive Rifle. Rock Island Auction Company. SN 1 Model 1886. Winchester 1886.
