EXTREMELY RARE LETTER CONCERNING THE ORIGINAL FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION.

EXTREMELY RARE LETTER CONCERNING THE ORIGINAL FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. This is a 3-page, hand written letter in ink on quality paper dated “Manchester 12 June 1861”. It is apparently addressed to Pres. Lincoln with copies to Secretary of War Simon Cameron, Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, Gov. of New York, E.D. Morgan, Col. Lefferts, Col Duryea, Prosper M. Wetmore, Samuel D. Babcock, Henry R. Smythe, Henry F. Spaulding, Alexander T. Stewart, William B. Astor, Samuel McLean, James McBride, Dean R. Tenner, James B. Arthur, James T. Ames (Springfield, Mass.) and Frank C. Howe (New York). All of the gentlemen after Col. Duryea have the sobriquet of esquire with the address New York. The letter is signed R. Gellonlton and R. Bherry. The letter, apparently written from England, strongly suggests that a National Rifle Association be formed to train riflemen and develop shooting ranges “to become good shots with the rifle” and therefore “make the volunteer an efficient soldier, not only in the present imergency (sic), but for any future danger”. The writers indicate that such an organization had been formed approximately 1-1/2 years previously in England. They were offering four of Whitworth’s finest rifles as prizes for the inaugural shooting events once the organization was formed. CONDITION: Very fine. All completely crisp & clear with some yellowing at the folds. 4-30246-1 JR435 (5,000-10,000)

Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	1256	$2,300.00	EXTREMELY RARE LETTER CONCERNING THE ORIGINAL FORMATION OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. This is a 3-page, hand written letter in ink on quality paper dated “Manchester 12 June 1861”. It is apparently addressed to Pres. Lincoln with copies to Secretary of War Simon Cameron, Lt. Gen. Winfield Scott, Gov. of New York, E.D. Morgan, Col. Lefferts, Col Duryea, Prosper M. Wetmore, Samuel D. Babcock, Henry R. Smythe, Henry F. Spaulding, Alexander T. Stewart, William B. Astor, Samuel McLean, James McBride, Dean R. Tenner, James B. Arthur, James T. Ames (Springfield, Mass.) and Frank C. Howe (New York). All of the gentlemen after Col. Duryea have the sobriquet of esquire with the address New York. The letter is signed R. Gellonlton and R. Bherry. The letter, apparently written from England, strongly suggests that a National Rifle Association be formed to train riflemen and develop shooting ranges “to become good shots with the rifle” and therefore “make the volunteer an efficient soldier, not only in the present imergency (sic), but for any future danger”. The writers indicate that such an organization had been formed approximately 1-1/2 years previously in England. They were offering four of Whitworth’s finest rifles as prizes for the inaugural shooting events once the organization was formed. CONDITION: Very fine. All completely crisp & clear with some yellowing at the folds. 4-30246-1 JR435 (5,000-10,000) Auction: Firearms - Spring 2007 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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