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18PT-1 AUDIE MURPHY TENTON RIFLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,500.00 USD
18PT-1 AUDIE MURPHY TENTON RIFLE
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Movie prop musket featured in the movie "The Red Badge of Courage" carried by Audie Murphy throuout the production in most major battle scenes from the iconic Walter O'Connor Arms Collection. Walter O'Connor was employed by David Weiz Co, the auctioneers, who produced the Metro Goldwyn Mayer auction on May 3, 1970. Mr O'Connor was the first collector to identify and actively collect "movie memorabilia firearms" in the Hollywood and Culver City area where he lived and worked occasionally. John R. Gangel, our president, knew "Mr. O'Connor" at this time and became friendly with him during the period of this auction. Walter specifically targeted this musket to purchase for his movie arms collection and it is listed and cataloged (5 volume set included). Also, the barrel is marked "MGM CB 28". Mr. O'Connor's characteristic hand written notes for reference, also included, along with still that matches marks and cracks. We have 100% certainty that is the exact prop used by Audie Murphy, "America's Hero" in the 1951 production which helped launch the young stars movie career. Audie Murphy of course was America's most decorated soldier of WWII who's feats are an American legend. Murphy was a native son of Texas and gave a stellar performance in this epic film. Walter O'Connor went on to identify and catalog the majority of the "star" firearms in the Stembridge Arsenal along with other rental and production companies. In this catalogers opinion, Walter O'Connor's ownership of any movie arm is impeccable provinance as he was the prominant and foremost authority.

Physical Description

.58 cal. Model 1863 Musket by Trenton stamped "MGM CB 28" on left side of the barrel near rear sight. Good to very good overall condition with minor bumps, bruises and storage marks from the prop house. The stock shows identifiable crack and break near the nose cap shown in included movie still and mentioned in O'Connor's notes.

A rare opportunity to own a historic prop used by a real American hero and movie star. Mr O'Connor valued this arm at over $20,000 when stored for him in the 1980's by Little John's, who often acted as safekeepers for O'Connor. In fact, we have a prop from "Gone With the Wind" in the warehouse for 33 years! Est. $5,000-10,000