September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
In 1941, as America entered another World War, Warner Bros. produced one of the most famous and lovable Gary Cooper films ever made. Probably made to boost enthusiasm among new soldiers, this motion picture was based on the real life of World War I Medal of Honor winner Sergeant Alvin York of Tennessee. The all-star cast included Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie, George Tobias, Dickie Moore and Ward Bond. The early parts of the movie relate York's conversion to Christianity to his position as a conscientious objector then onto France, where his heroics for the taking of a machine gun nest and 128 prisoners was awarded the Medal of Honor. The real Sergeant York served as a supervisor on set. It is a heartwarming film that has been seen and remembered by millions. The offered rifle has been completely photo documented to being the very weapon that he used in the famous Turkey Shoot. Top of the barrel is marked "WB" for Warner Bros. with an inventory number of 89601. Several copies of movie stills accompany this rifle, showing the unique patchbox and 1862 Springfield action on this custom movie prop made rifle. The rifle itself features a custom 52" heavy octagon barrel in .44 caliber percussion. Lockplate is an 1862 US Springfield Civil War type. Has a custom stained hardwood stock with distinctive homemade copper facsimile patchbox. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire the very rifle that Gary Cooper used in one of his most famous roles. Along with movie stills, this gun is accompanied by articles on Sergeant York and a biography of Gary Cooper.