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In the Locke book, this revolver is described as “presented to Annieta Mitchell by Annie Oakley.” Annie Oakley was arguably
the most famous sharpshooter in the world in the late 19th century and into the 20th century as part of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show as it toured the U.S. and Europe. She was also one of
the most popular women of the period, and she used her celebrity status to advocate for women’s rights and various charitable causes. A
presentation by Oakley to another woman in this period is certainly very fitting. Both Oakley and Buffalo Bill are known to have presented firearms
to friends. Precisely who Annieta Mitchel was is unknown. Jim Mitchell (also spelled Mitchel in many sources) of Texas was a bronco rider and the head of the cowboys in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show at the same time as Annie Oakley which certainly makes you wonder if the recipient was related to him, perhaps his wife
or daughter. In 1887, Annie Oakley exhibited wing shooting and Mitchell was part of the “Cowboy’s Fun” segment of Buffalo Bill Cody’s Wild West Show performed before Queen Victoria as part of the American Exhibition which was part of the celebrations for Victoria’s golden jubilee. Oakley and Mitchell were also both part of the show as it continued
to tour Europe, including when Oakley knocked over Prince Luitpold of Bavaria to protect him from a bronco named Dynamite that broke loose during a rehearsal. The prince had been admiring her guns and had asked her to shoot a coin out of the air for a souvenir. The following day he presented her a diamond bracelet and gave Mitchell a cigarette case as a thank you.
This revolver is also attributed by the consignor as having been part of Colt’s famous “wheel” display which debuted at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. The revolver shows all the telltale signs of having been a part of the “wheel” display, and is one serial number away from another New Line .41 revolver documented as being a part of it. The fair presented a tremendous advertising opportunity for American arms companies like Colt and Winchester, both of which displayed elaborate exhibition arms and took in orders, including for high end deluxe arms. Colt’s famous display was perhaps the factory’s most spectacular display in its history, and Colt’s new smaller pocket revolvers were highly represented. This revolver is one number away (5026, as this revolver was incorrectly listed by Sellers) from a revolver listed on the Oct. 15, 1877, ledger listing revolvers received by Henry Folsom & Co. from and returned to Colt that were previously part of Colt’s display at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Also listed on the Folsom & Co. ledger are New Line .41 revolvers serial number 5020, 5021, and 5022, making it highly likely this revolver was also among them. A revolver further down the ledger is listed with a nickel and gold finish and ivory grips, and may have
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the serial number 5025, though that portion of the ledger is faint.