Chuck Connors Personal Gun Cabinet
American Memorabilia is pleased to present Chuck Connors' personal gun cabinet, arguably the centerpiece of his personal collection. Although Connors was born and raised in Brooklyn, when he relocated to the West and portrayed Lucas McCain, the “Rifleman,” a part of that character stayed with him. When Connors adopted Tinseltown, he wasn't absorbed by the glamour or the estates in Beverly Hills. In fact, he purchased an 80-acre ranch outside Bakersfield. In reviewing photos of Connors at home, his appearance was that of a rancher. As reported by author David Fury, “The telephone pole fence that encompassed this ranch was built by Chuck and his son Jeffery.” According to Maurice “Moe” Hunt, Chuck had a passion for guns. Moe, an accomplished gunsmith, had been commissioned on several occasions to make firearms for Chuck, and they were close friends. This gun cabinet, that stored his priceless relics has a rich history that bridged Connors' professional life with his home life. The cabinet was given to Connors in 1963 by Jerry Wilder, a prominent writer for “The Rifleman.” Wilder presented Connors with the pine cabinet, which displays a design and finish that's as fashionably rustic as the Old West. The cabinet measures 71" high by 28" wide by 16 1/2" inches deep and it weighs 80 pounds. It has a glass door on top and two drawers below. The interior backing of the case has been lined in green felt, similar to that of a fine billiard table, with wooden separators to store up to five rifles. On the top front of the cabinet is a small brass plaque that reads “To Chuck Connors From JW.” Hand-engraved on the outside wood surface are the initials “JW” and “CC.” On the right panel there appears a hand-engraved “Doc.” Though unconfirmed, it's our guess that this was done by or for Ralph Moody, who played the role of Doc Burrage from 1960-63. On the ledge that separates the top from the bottom there's another etching that reads “1810-1890,” the significance of which is unclear. For nearly 30 years, this gun cabinet was prominently displayed in the Connors home and was a furnishing of utmost endearment.
Authenticators
100% Authentic/Steve Connors
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