Lot
229 
The National Rifle Association. Illustrated design on 1873 cover showing Soldier with Rifle, postmarked with Hussey's Post/Paid/54 Pine St. handstamp, cover with original matching printed invitation from Wm. C. Church, President of the N.R.A., to the Formal Opening of the Rifle Range at Creedmoor, Queens County, Long Island, "Military guests are requested to appear in uniform.", cover with hint of small toned spot at top, Very Fine and choice, an important & historic item, ex-Beals. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Dismayed by the lack of marksmanship shown by their troops, Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate formed the National Rifle Association in 1871. The primary goal of the association would be to "promote and encourage rifle shooting on a scientific basis," according to a magazine editorial written by Church.
After being granted a charter by the state of New York on November 17, 1871, the NRA was founded. Civil War Gen. Ambrose Burnside, who was also the former governor of Rhode Island and a U.S. Senator, became the fledgling NRA's first president.
An important facet of the NRA's creation was the development of a practice ground. In 1872, with financial help from New York state, a site on Long Island, the Creed Farm, was purchased for the purpose of building a rifle range. Named Creedmoor, the range opened a year later, and it was there that the first annual matches were held.
Realized: $1,500