Artifact No. 1981.61 a-b, The Bicentennial Rifle; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum (Grand Rapids, MI)
The Bicentennial Rifle
Artifact ID1981.61 a-b
Object Type
Rifle, Repeating
Gifter
Fred D. Henderson
Maker
Marlin Firearms Company
Date
ca. 1975
Medium
wood, steel, gold, brass, plastic, velvet
DimensionsOverall (a) H 37 3/16 in x W 11 1/2 in x D 1 3/4 in x Diam 2 3/8 in (94.5 cm x 29.2 cm x 4.4 cm x 6 cm )
Overall (b) H 41 13/16 in x D 3 1/4 in x Diam 1 1/8 in (106.2 cm x 8.3 cm x 2.9 cm )
Physical Description(a) Engraved scrollwork and images associated with American history decorate the wooden heel and hand guard of a rifle. Overall (b) H 41 13/16 in x D 3 1/4 in x Diam 1 1/8 in (106.2 cm x 8.3 cm x 2.9 cm )
(b) Carved scrollwork and dog blossoms decorate a wooden case. Brass tips cover the case's corners.
Historical NoteMaster craftsman Fred D. Henderson gifted this shotgun to President Ford in honor of the American Bicentennial. It took Henderson over 1,000 hours to carve and engrave the rifle by hand. The engravings include scroll work and dogwood blossoms on most of the steel components. The wooden stock has images of the Liberty Bell; a scene titled “Moving West”,” which depicts a covered wagon; Charles Lindberg’s airplane the Spirit of St. Louis; the lunar landing; an image of President Lincoln, and a depiction of Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima. Henderson is also known for engraving a shotgun for Hank Aaron in celebration of his homerun record and a miniature cannon for Jimmy Carter while he was governor of Georgia.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Ford during his term in office. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.
National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)
National Archives Catalog SeriesBicentennial Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74627594)
Use Restriction Status
Unrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.