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LOT 30
Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe
Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Very Scarce Full
Nickel Plated Finish and Factory Letter - Serial no. 48718, 44-40 WCF cal.,
24 inch octagon bbl., nickel finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1880, this is a
very scarce example of a Winchester deluxe Second Model 1873 rifle with a special order full
nickel plated finish. The Second Model receiver has the dust cover guide rail retained by two screws and the dust
cover with gripping serrations at the rear. Renowned Winchester author, George Madis, states in “The Winchester Book” that only one of every 600 Model 1873s received a
plated finish, either partial or full, and that only one of every 600 received special wood, making a rifle in this configuration incredibly scarce. The included factory letter lists the rifle
with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, graduated peep and globe sights, and a full nickel finish when received at the warehouse on 27 March 1880 and shipped
the same day in order number 19577. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address and King’s patent markings, and the rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, as .44 W.C.F. was initially the only caliber offered for the Model 1873. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked “XX
671” and “671” is marked inside the buttplate. The stock does not appear to have a matching assembly number but it appears to be original. It is fitted with a period replacement German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable notch rear sight. The upper tang shows evidence of once having a peep sight mounted, with filler screws now in the factory tapped holes, and the stock inlet shows
evidence of the peep sight mounting holes. It is mounted with an H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with ebony grip insert and a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% of the original nickel finish with the balance having flaked to reveal mostly a smooth brown patina with a few scattered patches of light pitting. The wood is very good with some scattered
light handling marks, a hairline crack visible in the left of the wrist, and mostly well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare opportunity to add a scarcely configured special order deluxe Winchester Model
1873 rifle to your collection! Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 31
Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 91438, 44 RF cal., 24
inch octagon bbl., blue/nickel finish, walnut stock. The legendary Winchester Model 1866 or “improved Henry” was one of the earliest and most widely used repeating rifles in the American West
and saw use in conflicts over land, gold, and other resources on the frontier in the second half of the 19th century in the hands of settlers,
Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, and hunters. It is the direct descendant of the Henry rifle and traces its lineage back to earlier repeaters like the Volcanic. This rifle was
manufactured in 1872 as a third model with the serial number stamped in block numerals behind the trigger, and the distinctive brass receiver has the more moderately curved
shape at the rear when compared to the earlier first and second models. The rifle is fitted with a German silver blade front sight, period modified two leaf rear sight, and tang peep sight with
4 inch staff. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address/King’s improvement patent marking. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and stock. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain traces of original blue finish in the protected areas with a smooth brown patina on the balance and a few patches of pitting. The receiver, forend cap, and buttplate retain 95% of the period retailer applied nickel plating. The loading gate retains 40% niter blue. The wood is also fine with an added coat of varnish, a couple of repairs on the forearm, and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
44 Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000