Reata Pass Auctions 2024 Auction: Original Kentucky Rifle used by Fess Parker

 

In his role as Davy Crockett in the iconic television series and film by Disney. This rifle was made circa 1820-1830's in Reading, Pennsylvania area. It is signed with two fancy illegible makers initials at rear of barrel and shows a James Golcher lock. The reverse at breech end of barrel is marked "S" denoting rental by Stembridge Gun Arsenal. Also used in the "Last Command" by Arthur Honnicutt as Davy Crockett at The Alamo. Further use by Fred McMurray as Meriwether Lewis in the "Far Horizons" (1955), Mike M. Azurki as Big Foot Mason IV Everglades Sequence in "King of Wild Frontier" and other Golden Age productions not identified Stembridge #520 Listed in the sale by Little Johns of the Stembridge Arsenal Collection Lot #85 in 2007. The rifle has seen studio repairs and alterations to the pan, replacement of the side plate with sheet brass, browning to the metal, brass wedges replaced to secure the barrel, some wood repairs as well. Fair to Good condition. (NRA Antique Gun Condition.) NVSN Provenance - Stembridge Gun Arsenal (Founded in 1919 on Paramount Lot) Little John's Antique Arms & Auction Service 2007 Joseph P Musso - John R. Gangel, 2022 Antique Rifle +++ Display Items Included

SOLD: $26,000. plus buyer's premium and applicable fees & taxes.

Video above or attachment here.

Robert Weil and Fess Parker

Robert Weil and Fess Parker in 1992 

Weil,  Fess, and David Zucker 1992

How Did Fess Influence You?

My Friend Bill Chemerka is writing a tribute article on Fess Parker and has asked me to answer this question:

To what extent did Fess Parker's portrayal of Davy Crockett (and/or Daniel Boone) influence you as a historian, writer, gun smith, painter, educator, historical interpreter (re-enactor), etc.?

Since most everyone agrees that Disneys Davy Crockett was a huge influence in their lives, I thought I would pass this around and see if you can put in your two cents!

We will publish the Chemerka article on the Contemporary Makers blog when it's finished.

Please respond directly to WRCHEMERKA@aol.com

Thanks So Much,

Robert Weil

Fess Parker

Fess Parker's star-making portrayal of frontiersman Davy Crockett on television in the mid-1950s made him a hero to millions of young baby boomers and spurred a nationwide run on coonskin caps.

Parker plays Davey Crockett in 1956. TV's "King of the Wild Frontier" touched off a merchandising frenzy: 10-million coonskin caps were sold, along with toy "Old Betsy" rifles, buckskin shirts, T-shirts, coloring books, guitars, bath towels, bedspreads, wallets -- anything with the Crockett name attached.

Parker is shown in a scene from the Walt Disney Treasures volume "Davey Crockett" from Walt Disney Home Video. Buddy Ebsen, playing Crockett's sidekick George Russel, is at left. TV viewers fell in love with the show's catchy theme song. Bill Hayes' version of "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" soared to No. 1 on the hit parade and remained there for 13 weeks.

Parker and actor Jay Silverheels have at it on an episode of "Daniel Boone" in 1965.

Copy and photo from Los Angeles Times.

So Long Davy....and Thanks For All!

Fess is up there now with the real King of the Wild Frontier and all the other reel Davys, hittin' a lick for what for.

Joe Musso