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LOT 1031
Highly Desirable Documented Special Order Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 141120, 44-40 WCF cal., 24 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. The factory letter lists this beautiful special order Winchester deluxe Model 1873 rifle with 1/2 octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, 1/2 magazine, shotgun buttplate, casehardened receiver, and factory engraving at the extra cost of $2.50 when it was received in the warehouse on November 27, 1883, and shipped the next day. The engraving consists of a circular scene of a stag with trees and foliage in the background, lined borders, and scroll engraving with floral accents, and the engraving extends to flourishes on the elevator, dust cover, forend cap, and buttplate tang. The engraving is consistent with other Winchesters factory engraved by the Ulrichs in this period, including an example shown on page 190 of “Winchester Engraving” by R.L. Wilson. According to Wilson, “The deer motif was the most popular game scene for lever action Winchesters of medium calibers.” Per Winchester expert and author
George Madis, one of each 700 Model 1873 were engraved or inscribed (“The Winchester Book,” page 212). The rifle has a third model receiver with the dust cover guide rail integral to the top of the receiver and the dust cover has the serrated finger grip on the rear. The rifle is fitted with a blade front sight with light engraving on the base, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a vernier tang sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight. The rifle correctly lacks a caliber designation. The lower tang has the serial number in script between the lever catch and tang screw. The receiver is fitted with a single set trigger as confirmed in the letter. The XX deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock feature factory “H” style checkering. The buttstock features an ebony grip insert and a steel shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked “XX 1058 S.” The assembly number “1058” is repeated on the stock inlet.
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