Barney Day was a real historic figure and documented buffalo hunter. The SCA magazine features Barney and some of his guns. I happen to have the post card that Barney sent to Sharps in 1874, asking about his new rifle. I know what he felt like all those years ago, I am waiting for one myself...

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That's pretty cool. It also reminds me of a day when even average folks could neatly write in elegant cursive.

Today I am amazed how many people discard the boxes of collectible guns, or supporting paperwork, even though they're worth good money when it's time to sell them. I was at a Cabelas a while back, and one of the Gun Library salesmen was showing a nice S&W ~1960's vintage, which was mint in the original box, with all accessories. The salesmen discovered an original bill of sale in the box, and said, "Oh! this is confidential information! We can't leave that in there!". He put the gun away, ran in the back room, and I guess, shredded it right there. So much for that piece of history.

Musta been alot of alligators in Kansas in those days!

The surprising thing about the post card is that it survived all these years, and to be in such good shape...