ORIGINAL WINCHESTER PRESENTATION MODEL 06 EXPERT SLIDE ACTION RIFLE TO FAMED TRICKSHOOTER “TWO GUN” NANA GABLE

 ORIGINAL WINCHESTER PRESENTATION MODEL 06 EXPERT SLIDE ACTION RIFLE TO FAMED TRICKSHOOTER “TWO GUN” NANA GABLE

| Cal. 22 S, L, LR. | S# 566579. | Mfg. 1919. | 26-3204/BH |

Factory presentation Winchesters are tremendously rare today, these guns were typically reserved for prominent political figures, notable celebrities, famous trick shot artists and marksmen. Nan Gable (1880-1964) catapulted into the limelight while performing in both Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show and Pawnee Bill’s Far East Troupe as an expert trick shooter, roping expert & Oriental dancer. Included with this lot is a copy of the April 1923 Winchester Herald article picturing Gable holding two Model 06 Experts with oval presentation plates in the left side of the buttstocks. Excerpt from article states “She uses Winchester exclusively and is proud of her pair of 06 rifles, specially finished and mounted with engraved nameplates.” This rifle appears to be one of the two pictured. Gable’s performing career began in 1899 as Oriental dancer “Princess Omene”. Following her marriage to fellow performer, Frank Gable, Nan began appearing in shows as a cowgirl “Lariat Expert” alongside Frank. Eventually the pair would go on to perform in both Buffalo Bill and Pawnee Bill’s show with Nana taking on the moniker “Montana Girl”. At one point Nana Gable was the highest grossing performer amongst exhibition shooters. In September 1910 Nana Gable departed on a ride which would propel her into legendary status, beginning in San Francisco with the final destination being New York. The feat resulted in Gable becoming the first documented individual (male or female) to ride coast to coast solo. The trip gained nationwide attention and lasted 180 days. Newspapers across the Country advertised the venture as a 4,496-mile excursion. Barrel 20″ round with standard sporting sights. Blued bbl. & mag. tube. Receiver is nickel plated. Smooth walnut “milk pail” style slide handle & pistol grip stock with Winchester “wagon wheel butt plate”. Left side of stock in-letted with silver oval presentation plaque reading “Presented to our friend NANA GABLE BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. Dec. 1922.”. This rifle was the recipient of the “Best Single Weapon Display” at the 50th Anniversary Winchester Arms Collectors Association show Cody, WY 2025. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: WACA award plaque. Biographical book of Nana Gable by Mary Higginbothem. Framed copy of Winchester Herald article featuring Gable. Two reproduction promotional posters featuring Gable’s likeness. An awe-inspiring throwback to the turn of the century Wild West American Cowgirl. CURIO GUN