Caldwell Rival 78
CALDWELL RIVAL 78. (See also, HENRY CALDWELL, SHOTGUN, WINFIELD REPEATING ARMS COMPANY) The Rival was the first long gun created by infamous handgun-manufacturer Caldwell, the moniker Rival a less-than- subtle gibe at competing long arms manufacturer Winfield. In response to the Rival, Winfield began work on the Adversary, a handgun that could be placed in direct competition with some of Caldwell's own best-selling arms. It followed, it is said, that Caldwell and Winfield conducted a private meeting to discuss the stand-off, and over a handshake, to have agreed to keep out of the other's territory.
The Caldwell Rival was produced between 1878 and 1889 in numbers nearing 23,000 and is a long gun refined for general shooting and hunting. The side-by-side position of its double barrels allows for easy loading of a wide range of shot, depending on the size and the nature of the target. An exposed double hammer with a double trigger and 32-inch barrel give the gun its versatility and range. The Rival and shotguns of its kind earned notoriety as so-called "coach guns,"as they were often used to defend the delivery coaches from bandits, though with a sawed-off barrel.
Correspondence, Philip Huff Jones
Typewritten, original
Undated
Esteemed Dr. Huff,
This letter accompanies another shipment per our agreement. The next will come shortly. I would waste no time. Due to an unpleasant business matter, my family's company has found itself with an excess of the Rival 78 that cannot be sold. It is an exceedingly capable shotgun, with great versatility and range. I expect that your people will adapt to them with ease. In the field, they will ensure that no one must fear coming too close to their prey. I must confess, it is with great curiosity that I await the moment when I see them for the first time with my own eyes.
Our engineers are doing further work based on the same design, and perhaps I will soon be able to send you some more experimental variations. This would serve the dual purpose of helping me to test a new design, and providing you with further arms for the fight ahead.
In highest respect,
V.C.
Records, Louisiana State Asylum at Jackson
Handwritten notes
Author: Unknown
Patient name: Dr. Y.R. LeMonnier
Date: May 13, 1895
Dr. LeMonnier was attacked by an asylum patient (William Salter, Ward C), during a routine examination and sustained extensive lesions, including multiple abrasions, lacerations (from fingernails of WS), and puncture wounds. WS freed himself from his bonds and attacked Dr. LeMonnier with tooth and nail and, finding a pencil left on a desk, stabbed Dr. LeMonnier in the thigh, arm, and neck. The pencil tip was embedded in the flesh of the neck, but was successfully removed. The saliva evident on the bite wounds was thick in consistency and of yellow hue.
LeMonnier remains in the infirmary for observation, as his wounds have become infected, though it has only been three hours since the incident. He is running a high fever.
Salter went missing in the chaos. The police have been notified, but there has been no sign of him at his former residence. Good riddance!
