May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
This rifle comes with a studio still featuring Richard Dix holding this very rifle. Dix starred in 101 films from the silent era in 1917 through 1947. The still is from the movie Man of Conquest, which was released by Republic Pictures in 1939, one of their first feature non B grade movies. It was a biopic about the life of Sam Houston, who is portrayed by Dix. This film also featured Joan Fontaine and Gabby Hayes. It is said to have been used in numerous pictures including "The Fighting Kentuckian" which featured John Wayne and Oliver Hardy. Stembridge was a prop weapons company supplying the US movie and television industry from about 1920 through 2007. During its lifetime, nearly every American movie or television set was supplied by Stembridge for their firearms needs. The left side of barrel has their large "S" stamp with inventory number 510. This full stock Kentucky style rifle was originally built by Edward Melcher of Baltimore between 1868-1874 and the maker legend is on top of barrel. Originally built as a percussion rifle, it was altered to flintlock, at least for this movie, which is set in pre-Alamo Texas of the 1830s. The gun features a full octagon barrel, dovetailed rear sight, missing front sight, double set triggers, wood rod, and full length striped maple stock with checkered wrist. Features iron hardware with brass furniture to include this distinctive patch box which is clearly seen in the movie still included. CONDITION: Good. Hammer will not stay cocked. All iron is now patina. Brass has been cleaned. The stock shows some use with scattered dents and chipping but solid. While this rifle was used in this motion picture, it would be fun to watch for it in other movies of this ilk during that time frame.
Paperwork
Framed Movie Still