Rifle owned by Apache leader Geronimo's captor sells for record $1.2m
This Rifle Just Became the Single Most Expensive Gun Ever Auctioned
https://www.outdoorhub.com/news/2016/05/04/rifle-just-became-single-expensive-gun-ever-auctioned/|
On the last Saturday of April, the Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC) broke the world record for the most expensive single gun ever sold at auction as bids for a Winchester Model 1886 concluded at a $1.265 million.
Initially estimated to bring in only half that price, the rifle is considered among the rarest ever auctioned by RIAC due to it being the first of its kind ever produced (serial number 1) and because of its connection to famed Apache warrior Geronimo.
According to documents that provided the gun with its provenance, the rifle was gifted to US Army Captain Henry W. Lawton following the raid that led to Geronimo’s capture.
The Winchester 1886, which was fresh off the production line, was gifted the Lawton by Lieutenant George E. Albee.
The capture of Geronimo was the highlight of Lawton’s military career. Indeed, it was an honor much desired by any US Army officer at the time.
In September of 1886, Geronimo and his band was being fiercely pursued across 1,300 miles from Mexico to Arizona.
Lawton, who commanded B Troop, 4th Cavalry, constantly harassed Geronimo and eventually wore the legendary raider down.
Geronimo finally surrendered on September 9, ending 25 years of revenge and bloodshed.
