BOGARDUS, Adam Henry (1834 - 1913). Capt. A. H. Bogardus trunk. Circa late 19th / early 20th century. Leather-covered wooden trunk, intricately covered on sides with metal and brass studs arranged in various motifs, nameplate on lid lettered "Capt. A. H. Bogardus." Stamped on front and side "Property of Buffalo Bill's Wild West." Lined with floral paper. 

Capt. Adam Henry Bogardus was a world champion and the U.S. champion trap shooter. He was born in Berne, N.Y. and moved to central Illinois in 1856, where he became the world’s wing shot champion.

Bogardus got his big lift when he joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in the early 1880s and traveled the world. His skills impressed queens, kings, presidents, tsars and many other leaders, along with millions of show attendees.

Bogardus was credited with romanticizing live pigeon shooting, then later with balls containing feathers; around 1880 he added clay targets. Bogardus produced the first practical glass ball in 1877, along with a cheap and practical ball trap. These targets became known as "Bogardus balls."

One of Bogardus's most memorable feats was his January, 1877, shooting at 5,000 glass balls over eight hours and 20 minutes, hitting 4,844 of them (which bested Annie Oakley's tally of 4,722). Bogardus accomplished the feat at Madison Square Garden, using two guns and enlisting the aid of a man to cool off his guns in a bucket of ice water.

22 x 41 x 22".

Leather peeling in some areas; some losses to paper lining. Overall very good, clean condition.