12 Gauge Parker Brothers Shotgun-Formerly owned by Annie OakleyAnnie Oakley was world famous as an e

12 Gauge Parker Brothers Shotgun-Formerly owned by Annie OakleyAnnie Oakley was world famous as an exhibition shooter and entertainer.  With a larger than life personality and reputation, she is one of the icons of the old west. Born in August 13, 1865, Annie had a very tough start in life.  Her father died at the age of six from pneumonia and the family soon slid into desperate poverty.  At first she was sent to the Darke County Infirmary, where she was bound out to care for another families child.  She was promised fifty cents a day and an education, of which she would recieve none.  For two years she worked in slavery for the family under harsh treatment and abuse.Annie began hunting and trapping at an early age, selling the animals to locals.  By age fifteen she had paid of the mortgage on her mothers farm.  In 1876 a competition was arranged between Annie and traveling sharpshooter Francis E. Butler.  Butler missed his target on the 25th shot and Annie had won the competition, signaling the start of her showman career.  After marrying, Butler and Oakley traveled the East coast as exibitions shooters, performing acts such as shooting a target behind the back with a mirror, and shooting a cigarette out of a persons mouth.In 1885 the couple were recruited by Bufallo Bills Wild West Show, then the most famous entertainment troup next to the Barnum Circus.  Oakley and Butler performed world wide to large audiences as well as kings, queens, emperors, and presidents.  She set many world records, included shooting 100 hundred clay targest in a row from 16 yards.  Annie Oakley died on Nov. 3, 1926 at the age of 66.  Francis Butler would pass away 18 days later.On June 10, 2012 Annie Oakleys Parker Brothers shotgun was offered up for auction by the Oakley family, as well as several other pieces of memorabilia.Winning Bid: $143,400. -- source link

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