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  • Auction Catalog #72
  • Lot #53
Lot #52
Lot #54

Lot 53: Topperwein Signed Bullet Hole Native American Chief Portrait

Historic Adolf "Ad" Topperwein Exhibition Shooter Signed Tin Bullet Hole Decorated Native American Chief Portrait Dated 1941

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 1, 2017

Lot 53: Topperwein Signed Bullet Hole Native American Chief Portrait

Historic Adolf "Ad" Topperwein Exhibition Shooter Signed Tin Bullet Hole Decorated Native American Chief Portrait Dated 1941

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: December 1, 2017

Estimated Price: $1,000 - $1,500
Price Realized:
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Historic Adolf "Ad" Topperwein Exhibition Shooter Signed Tin Bullet Hole Decorated Native American Chief Portrait Dated 1941

Manufacturer: None
Model: None
Type: Other
Gauge:
Barrel:
Finish:
Grip:
Stock:
Item Views: 2995
Item Interest: Average
Catalog Page: 42
Class: Other
Description:

Adolf "Ad" and Elizabeth "Plinky" Topperwein were exhibition shooters active as a team from 1904 to the 1940s and served as official exhibition shooters for Winchester. Their regular closing act is said to have been Ad shooting one of these tin portraits. Both of them possessed tremendous skill and were record holders. In December 1907, over a ten day period, Ad shot 72,500 hand thrown 2 1/4 inch blocks using a .22 rifle and only missed 9 shots setting a world record that was not bested until 1959 by Tom Frye. Consignor notes indicate that this display was created and signed by Ad Topperwein at the Rochester, Minnesota gun club in 1941. It measures 19 1/2 by 28 inches not including the frame. It is signed "Ad Topperwein/WINCHESTER/Western/July 9-41" in the top left corner. The design was very precisely shot and is very readable, especially compared to some by other trick shooters.

Rating Definition:

Very good with moderate wear on the metal, light storage wear on the frame, and distinct markings and design.



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