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UNIQUE and HISTORIC REMINGTON MODEL 550-1 REPEATING RIFLE, PRESENTATION. CARBINE WILLIAMS

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:20,000.00 USD Estimated At:40,000.00 - 80,000.00 USD
UNIQUE and HISTORIC REMINGTON MODEL 550-1 REPEATING RIFLE, PRESENTATION. CARBINE WILLIAMS
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UNIQUE and HISTORIC REMINGTON MODEL 550-1 REPEATING RIFLE, PRESENTATION INSCRIBED “To Bob 1 – 4 – 52 From ‘Carbine’ Williams”

By Larry Wilson

Marked AXX, chambered for .22 short, long or long rifle cartridges, the 24-inch barrel with Remington trademark stamping and model designation and caliber on breech, and maker address of Ilion, New York, and patent markings, including the notation: “WILLIAMS PATENTS NOS. 2,027,892, 2,090,656 OTHERS PENDING”. Open sights, blued finish, varnished walnut half stock with composition checkered buttplate marked “Remington” marking circular border.

CONDITION: Fine; minor marks on stock.

Left side of the stock with written inscription by David “Carbine” Williams, on the occasion of his gift to Bob Saunders, whose father Robert, was assistant director in production of the MGM studio film, “Carbine Williams.” Released in 1952, Robert Saunders’ role was described by his son Bob in a statement accompanying the rifle:

"My dad, Robert Saunders, was the assistant director working with director Richard Thorpe to make the movie, and my dad got to know Williams quite well. Williams came to our home for dinner a couple of times, so I got to know him too.

The first time he came, he arrived at our home and sat for about 45 minutes in our den while I talked with my parents – without saying anything beyond “hello”. I, being fairly confident regarding myself, finally asked Williams if he was going to talk with us or just stay silent. He said he liked to learn how people think before engaging them in conversation. Looking back on this even, and considering his personal history, I tend to understand his cautious approach to opening up in conversation.

I remember several distinct things about him he was dressed like a cowboy, boots and hat included; he carried a large roll of paper money (about a three-inch diameter or large bills); he wore a large, gold and silver belt buckle, inlaid with precious stones (like a rodeo buckle, only much fancier); and he carried two pistols that were discreetly hidden . . . .

The second time Williams came to our home he was carrying a beautiful sheepskin rifle case. In it he had a Remington, Model 550-1 22-caliber, semi-automatic rifle. He took it out and presented it to me as a “thank you” gift for my parent’s friendship. He had autographed the stock with “To Bob 1-4-52 From ‘Carbine’ Williams”. He explained to me that the pen he used to autograph the rifle was given to him by General MacArthur, and was one of four pens the general had used to sign the Japanese Peace Treaty to end WWII. He had signed the treaty on the deck of the battleship Missouri, and gave the pen to Williams because he felt the M-1 Carbine was a significant contributor to the U.S. winning the war.

Williams talked with me about safe gun handling, and said if I ever used it in an unsafe manner my dad was to send it back to him. This rifle has been used primarily for target shooting and hunting jack rabbits. It is very accurate, and getting off quick shots is quite helpful when hunting unpredictable game like jack rabbits. This rifle has been in my possession continuously from the date I received it until now.

In early 1952, Williams had 64 individual patents on firearms."

NOTE: Two display panels accompany the rifle, as well as a signed and notarized statement from owner and consignor Bob Saunders. The panels measure 24 ½- x 36 ¼-inches and include images of Carbine Williams and actor James Stewart, as well as presenting text detailing the history of the film, the film career of Robert Saunders, and the story of his son Bob’s receipt of the Carbine Williams gift.

ID# 38058