THIS ISSUE IS CLOSED.
Wild Bill Hickok was one of the greatest gunmen of the American West. He was the “Prince of Pistoleers” and one of the most exciting Americans ever to carry a firearm. Hickok’s advice about shooting: “Whenever you get into a row, be sure not to shoot too quick. Take time. I’ve known many a feller to slip up for shootin’ in a hurry.” He didn’t believe in shooting people in the back or unnecessarily: “I never killed one man without good cause.” Few men embody the brazen spirit of the frontier like James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok. Back when Hickok was a lawman in Abilene, Kansas, it’s reported that he spent most of his time at the poker table. Like many of the romantic personalities of the Wild West, Hickok’s life (and legacy) is clouded by half-truths and fairy tales.
The truth is that Hickok was a professional gambler who liked to stack his tall tales alongside his chips. He had plenty of genuine escapades, but he loved to embellish. Even respected newspaper reporter Henry M. Stanley took the bait. He once wrote that Wild Bill “is endowed with extraordinary power and agility. He seems naturally fitted to perform daring actions.” As for his appearance, Harper’s Monthly (February 1867) described him: “6’2″, long flowing hair, chest like a barrel, thin waist adorned by twin Colts, graceful, dignified bearing…” Hickok’s choice of guns? His former commanding officer, General George Armstrong Custer, said: “Wild Bill always carried two handsome ivory-handled revolvers… he was never seen without them.”
Yes– his favorite gun was the Colt .36-caliber, six-shot, 1851 Navy revolver. Its smoothness of operation, terrific balance and natural aiming quality were never equaled in its time. Even after cartridge revolvers came along, many gunslingers continued to prefer the Colt Model 1851, and many experts consider it to be the most famous handgun ever made. It was the most popular firearm of its day among military men, peace officers and civilians.
Now, as a tribute to this great American, The American Historical Foundation is proud to present the Wild Bill Hickok Revolver, a handsomely hand-engraved firearm based on his Colt Model 1851 Revolver. Designed by Samuel Colt himself, this .36-caliber, six-shot, Model 1851 revolver is one of the most famous handguns ever made, and one of the most highly-prized classic guns in American history. Like many adventurers of the American West, Wild Bill selected the 1851 as his favorite “equalizer” – in fact, he often carried two of them–just to be sure things were as “equal as possible”– butt forward, in the “Plains” or “Twist” draw fashion.
Deluxe Engineering Features
Each Wild Bill Hickok Revolver is custom-made exclusively for The American Historical Foundation in a very special, collectors limited edition of only 500. For this edition, we selected the 1851 Navy Revolver produced by the gunsmiths of Uberti, who are considered to be absolutely the world’s best at duplicating the old Colt presentation guns.
Each revolver is polished to a mirror finish. Each component is hand fitted together for extra smooth operation. The genuine hard nickel plating across the revolver is not only beautiful, but it also enhances the fine workmanship of the engraving.
The grips for the revolver are similar to the grips on Wild Bill Hickok’s revolver. The handsome faux ivory grips are sculpted in bas relief with a bold American eagle and the word “Liberty” below it on the presentation side. The inscription “J.B. Hickok 1869” is inscribed on the backstrap, just as on James Butler (“Wild Bill”) Hickok’s original.
Limited Edition: Only 500
This is a strictly limited edition of only 500 guns. Each revolver is serially numbered between 001 and 500 and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, attesting to the edition limit and your individual number.
The Limited Edition Wild Bill Hickok Revolver is hand built exclusively for the Foundation by the skilled gunsmiths of Uberti, world-renowned as the best at replicating original Colt presentation guns. The engraving is being done by some of the very best hand engravers in the world. The hand engraving requires many careful, tedious hours of a master engraver’s time. Each component is hand fitted together for extra smooth operation.
Optional Display Case
Also available is a custom made, luxuriously lined Display Case with locking glass lid and engraved identification plaque to display and protect your Tribute from dust and unauthorized handling.
Shipping Procedures
Since the Wild Bill Hickok 1851 Navy Revolver is a working blackpowder revolver, we will arrange delivery through UPS to ship directly to your home with age verification (NJ residents must ship to FFL dealer).
Order
I wish to reserve the “Wild Bill Hickok 1851 Navy Revolver“, a working revolver, at the price of $1,995*. Each revolver is numbered and registered 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 revolver. I will pay the balance prior to delivery at the rate of $150 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.
