Bill Lawrence wrote on Oct 26
th, 2018 at 2:02pm:
That may well be, Vall, but one of Oakley's early cabinet cards does show her with a fancy Lord pistol and a hi-grade tip-up, and I seriously doubt those guns and the other go-withs were photographer's props. Moreover, did Marlin (or anyone) have an exclusive contract with her in the early-1900s?
Bill Lawrence
Bill,
From the early 1890's to just after WWI Marlin provided a number of highly embellished guns to Annie Oakley. She shot nothing but Marlin rifles in her act during that time.
There are numerous letters from Annie Oakley to Marlin dated from the early 1890's to 1917 where she acknowledged receiving these guns made for her and thanked Marlin.
In 1894 Marlin announced in newspapers that they had shipped the first of guns Annie Oakley would be using in her exhibitions, and a stage act.
Shortly after she received an engraved Model 1889. rifle.
In a letter dated Nov. 23, 1906 she sent the following letter to Marlin, after receiving her gold plated and engraved 1897 .22.
"Gentlemen,
On my return from Chicago I found the beautiful rifle you so kindly sent me. I am indeed pleased and will see that full justice is done just as soon as I am through with seven more cases similar to the enclosed.
With many thanks for your kindness, and every good wish for the future of your company.
I am sincerely,
Annie Oakley"
In 1917 she received her next Marlin for exhibition shooting. Another highly engraved Marlin on the model 1893.
Annie died in 1926 after a train accident left her paralyzed, but not before she made a full recovery from that accident.
She may have shot Stevens in earlier years, but she was a dedicated Marlin shooter from the early 1890's to the end of her career.