The sharpshooter was a headline attraction in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in the 1880s and was famous for her shooting skills. 

A price of £19,000 was offered, but this was under the minimum asking price, BBC News reports.

Will Ellin, of Burstow and Hewett Auctioneers, in Battle, said that as a result, 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.”