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National Treasure Celebrating the American West; Presented to Captain Jack Crawford,
DEPICTION OF THE BATTLE OF SLIM BUTTES
- THE BATTLE OF SLIM BUTTES WAS FOUGHT ON SEPTEMBER 9 AND 10, 1876, IN THE GREAT SIOUX RESERVATION IN THE DAKOTA TERRITORY, BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES ARMY AND THE SIOUX. THE BATTLE OF SLIM BUTTES WAS THE FIRST U.S. ARMY VICTORY OF THE GREAT SIOUX WAR OF 1876 AFTER GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER'S DEFEAT AT THE BATTLE OF LITTLE BIGHORN ON JUNE 25 AND 26, 1876.
BUFFALO, NEW YORK PAN-AMERICAN EXHIBITION OF 1901
and Later to Fellow Poet James Barton Adams
In addition, a copy of a detailed description by Winchester expert R.L. Wilson discussing the rifle’s history and confirming its originality is also included. The 1902 presentation is commemorated by a
silver oval plaque inlaid in the left side of the stock that reads “Presented to Capt. Jack Crawford/by W.R.A. Co./1902”. A silver inlay shaped like a heart is engraved with “Xmas 1903/To Jim from Jack/
Go sweetheart mine/Look bright and shine/for naturs bard,/And take a sip/From bitter cup/Of my old/‘PARD’”. This rifle and a .22 rimfire Model 1873 also presented to “Capt. Jack” are the only two Winchester’s known with factory inscribed poetry.
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The rifle features factory scroll and panel scene engraving that includes a buck on the left side plate. The engraving patterns were likely executed by John Ulrich according to
R. L. Wilson. The finely figured, XX fancy grade walnut stock and forearm have style H checkering and a high polish “piano” finish that contrasts beautifully with the gold and nickel plated finish on the metal. Aside from the exhibition engraving and finish, the plaques, and the deluxe wood, the rifle has the standard Model 1873 markings and features.