WHAT: When a firearms auction grosses more than $18 million, that’s big. When one of the guns, linked to a celebrated sharpshooter, sells for $207,000, that’s newsworthy too.
Recently, in a sale so packed it took four sessions, James D. Julia sold Annie Oakley’s circa 1893 12-gauge William Cashmore boxlock shotgun for six figures. During her career Oakley, dubbed “Little Sure Shot,” used a number of different guns. Some she ordered; others were gifts from gun makers. This one was made after she completed a three-year European tour.
MORE: Oakley first gained fame at age 15 when she won a shooting match against her (later) husband, marksman Frank Butler. The couple joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show a few years later.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: A direct line of provenance to fame, celebrity and, sometimes, notoriety is always a plus. This firearm is directly linked to Oakley by a silver shield engraved “AO” at the rear of combs. An “Oakley” stamp on one side of the trigger plate copies the die that she used to mark coins in trick shooting.
HOT TIP: Oakley’s gun has all the desirable marks of use, including old repair.
BOTTOM LINE: Watch for the gun to appreciate in value. Oakley’s popularity and populist appeal, plus good provenance, will carry the day
