Will Primos Auctions Rare Shotgun Set to Benefit Conservation Efforts

This weekend, a significant event in the world of hunting and conservation is taking place: the auction of a truly remarkable collection of firearms owned by the esteemed hunter and turkey caller, Will Primos. This sale is not just about rare guns; it's a profound gesture to benefit wildlife conservation, with all proceeds dedicated to preserving natural habitats and wildlife populations. The auction also shines a light on another historical artifact, a rifle potentially linked to the legendary Buffalo Bill, adding an extra layer of intrigue and value to the event.

The auction highlights the intersection of valuable collectibles and philanthropic endeavors, showcasing how passion for the outdoors can translate into meaningful support for its future. Both the modern, bespoke shotgun set and the antique rifle represent not only exquisite craftsmanship and historical significance but also a shared commitment to the values of hunting, heritage, and the enduring effort to protect our natural world for generations to come.

Will Primos's Unique Shotgun Collection for Conservation

A truly exceptional set of five Purdey & Sons side-by-side shotguns, personally owned by the legendary hunter Will Primos, is being auctioned this weekend at the Rock Island Auction. This unparalleled collection, estimated to be worth an impressive $800,000, is set to generate substantial funds for vital conservation causes. The proceeds from the sale will be meticulously distributed among five leading conservation organizations: the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and Pheasants/Quail Forever. This initiative underscores Primos's deep commitment to wildlife preservation, leveraging the value of his unique firearms to create a lasting positive impact on the environment and hunting heritage. The rarity and significance of this collection are further emphasized by its unique configuration, making it a highly coveted item for collectors and conservationists alike.

The centerpiece of this auction is the one-of-a-kind shotgun set commissioned by Will Primos from Purdey & Sons in 2012. This collection is particularly notable because it comprises five consecutively numbered hammer/ejector shotguns, each in a different gauge: 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410. Such a complete and consecutively numbered set across these five gauges is unprecedented in Purdey's illustrious 200-year history, making it an incredibly rare and valuable acquisition. The aesthetic appeal of these firearms matches their rarity, with sides featuring a brushed bright finish and intricate traditional English scrollwork. Furthermore, the bottom actions are adorned with beautifully detailed wildlife scenes, including rock pigeons, drake mallards, and Mearn's quail, adding an artistic dimension to their mechanical excellence. Primos expressed his hope that this auction would inspire a 'ripple effect,' encouraging others to contribute valuable items for the benefit of conservation, thus amplifying the collective effort to protect our natural resources.

The Mysterious Evans Rifle Linked to Buffalo Bill

Beyond the impressive shotgun collection, the auction also features a remarkable antique firearm: a Deluxe Evans lever-action rifle with a potential historical connection to the legendary Buffalo Bill. This rifle, a Transition Model manufactured by the Evans Repeating Rifle Company of Mechanic Falls, Maine, is chambered in .44 Evans and boasts a rich walnut stock. The Evans rifle was renowned in the 19th century for its innovative repeating mechanism and held the distinction of having the largest capacity among mass-produced repeating rifles of its era. Historical accounts suggest that notable Western figures, including Texas Jack and Buffalo Bill himself, were users of these distinctive firearms. The presence of a presentation plaque on the rifle's forearm, inscribed "This Rifle Presented to/William F. Cody/May 12, 1877/By the Evans Rifle Co./Mechanic Falls, Me.," adds a compelling, albeit unconfirmed, layer to its history. This rifle is not just a piece of engineering history but a tangible link to the American Old West.

While the allure of the Buffalo Bill connection is undeniable, the Rock Island Auction acknowledges that official documentation to definitively prove his ownership of this specific Evans rifle is lacking, as forgeries associated with famous personalities were common in that period. However, the author Dwight Demeritt, Jr., in his 1973 work “Maine Made Guns and Their Makers,” detailed the practice of the Evans company presenting specially crafted rifles to prominent individuals, much like the five-shotgun set gifted to Will Primos. Demeritt specifically mentioned a rifle, described as a "transitional model gun" with an "old model action with the two-piece buttstock," that was allegedly presented to William F. Cody on May 12, 1877. This description perfectly aligns with the characteristics of the Evans rifle up for auction, lending strong credibility to its potential authenticity. Regardless of its direct link to Buffalo Bill, the rifle remains a valuable antique firearm, with Rock Island estimating its sale price to range from $70,000 to $110,000, underscoring its historical importance and collectibility.