Annie Oakley's gun draws a blank at auction

The auction took place on the 99th anniversary of Annie Oakley's death

A rifle which belonged to the 19th Century American sharpshooter who inspired the musical Annie Get Your Gun has gone up for auction but failed to make its minimum asking price.

Annie Oakley was a headline attraction in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the 1880s and was famous for her rifle skills.

Born Phoebe Ann Mosey in the midwestern state of Ohio in 1860, she earned the stage name Rifle Queen for feats such as target shooting from the back of a galloping horse.

Will Ellin, of Burstow and Hewett Auctioneers, in Battle, said the £19,000 offered was under the minimum asking price and the item "would be returned to its vendor".

He told BBC Radio Sussex the George Henry Daw 408 pin-fire smooth bore target gun had a "remarkable" history.

He added: "It came to us from a private collector and is extremely well-decorated all over. It is in incredibly good condition for its age.

"It was tremendously exciting to have an item like this in our small show room."

The auction house said the gun was a "remarkable piece of American history"

The late 19th Century rifle, with original factory engraving and cartridge ejection mechanism, was made especially for the legendary female target sharpshooter.

It was constructed "to suit a smaller stature" and "profusely engraved with references to Oakley", according to the auction house.

Oakley was given the nickname "Watanya Cicilla" by her Native American counterpart Sitting Bull, which translates to "Little Sure Shot".

Both names are engraved on either side of the target gun chamber, along with her stage name "Rifle Queen" on the butt plate.

One of the most minute details can be seen when holding the gun and viewing down the sight, on which can be seen the words "Never Miss."

The gun was accompanied by its original mahogany carrying case, bearing a brass plaque on the cover, inscribed "Rifle Queen" centred with the initials "A.O.".

George H Daw supplied shotguns and rifles to many important figures, such as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, according to the auction house.

A spokesperson said: "This was an extremely rare opportunity to own a remarkable piece of American history, made for one of the most famous early American female cultural icons."

Monday's auction took place on the 99th anniversary of Oakley's death.

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