Originally featured in Points West magazine in Fall 2014
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Winchester Model 1894 lever action repeating rifle
The graduating class of 1915 at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point came to be known as “the class the stars fell on,” because fifty-nine of its members became generals during their military service. None of them had a more illustrious career than Dwight David Eisenhower, known familiarly as “Ike.” While he was a strong average in his academic pursuits, Eisenhower excelled in athletics. He was a varsity starting running back on Army’s football team. Remarkably, he was also a varsity linebacker who had the distinction of once tackling the legendary Jim Thorpe. Not satisfied to be a star just at football, Eisenhower was also a boxer, fencer, horseman, and gymnast—truly an athlete “for all seasons.”
It is well known that he went on to become a Five-Star General in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe. Both were fitting preludes to his outstanding service as the thirty-fourth President of the United States, 1953 – 1961.
During the seventh year of his presidency, Ike was presented with this Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Repeating Rifle. It was superbly engraved and gold inlaid with animal figures by Master Engraver John Kusmit, and it bore serial number 2500000, the first sporting rifle to reach such a lofty production number. To say the least, the gun was worthy of the man, and the man was more than worthy of the gun.
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Repeating Rifle, 1960. Gift of Olin Corporation, Winchester Arms Collection. 1988.8.7
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