The lot features a Winchester Model 1873 .44/40 caliber recovered 50 yards from Cochise Cowboy Johnny Ringo’s grave on the Sanders Ranch in Turkey Creek, Arizona, a known hangout for the Cochise Cowboy’s and Outlaws of the day; from the Tombstone Western Heritage Museum. John Peters Ringo was an American Old West outlaw loosely associated with the Cochise County Cowboys gang in frontier boomtown Tombstone, Arizona Territory. He took part in the Mason County War in Texas during which he committed his first murder. He was affiliated with Cochise County Sheriff Johnny Behan, Ike Clanton and Frank Stilwell; all three having been closely involved with the Cochise County Cowboys outlaw gang in the events leading up to and following the legendary Gunfight at the O. K. Corral on October 26, 1881. The following July, Ringo died by his own hand according to the coroner's inquest. Many stories have circulated as to the cxircumstances of Ringo's death with some claiming Wyatt Earp killed Ringo, others claiming Doc Holliday was to blame, while still others claimed Frank Leslie pulled the trigger. Ringo's body is buried near the base of the large tree where it was discovered in West Turkey Creek Valley, near Chiricahua Peak in Arizona Territory. His body was discovered 75 yards from the ranch home of John "Bill" Sanders. During his lifetime out West, John Sanders (1866-1932) knew and was well acquainted with many of Arizona's notorious historical characters. William "Curley Bill" Brocius, Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and all the Clantons. He also knew famous outlaw Johnny Ringo. Developed from the 1860 Henry rifle, the Winchester Model 1873 repeating rifle was particularly successful in its day, being marketed by the manufacturer as "The Gun That Won the West". The rifle came to symbolize the American Old West frontier because of its reliabilty and firepower. Along with the Colt 1873 Peacemaker revolver, the Winchesster 1873 repeater was on the map of the Wild West alongside the frontiersmen. The rifle barrel is stamped on the top, "WINCHESTER-REPEATING-ARMS NEW HAVEN CT. KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-March 29, 1866 October 16, 1860." Barely visible is stamped, "44-40" on the barrel in front of the receiver. Top of the receiver is stamped, "MODEL 1873", bottom of receiver is stamped with the serial number, "218604B". The Tombstone Western Heritage Museum label is marked, "WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 .44/40 found by John "Bill" Sanders around 1906. It was found about 50 yards south of Ringo's grave.", museum code, "G-078". Ringo's grave sits on the Sanders Ranch, John "Bill" Sanders built a rock monument on the grave which still stands. The condition of this Winchester receiver shows heavy oxidation and patina consistent with the rifle being left out in the open weather for 20 years. Missing are the buttstock, the forearm, the dust cover, side plates, the magazine tube and both sights. Measures 5"W x 31.5"L, weight is 5lb, 2oz.