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1981.61 a-b; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1981.61 a-b; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
The Bicentennial Rifle
1981.61 a-b; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
1981.61 a-b; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum
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The Bicentennial Rifle

Artifact ID1981.61 a-b
Object Type Rifle, Repeating
Gifter
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.

(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.
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