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LOT 1656
Exceptional Bottega C. Giovanelli Signed Engraved and Gold Inlaid Winchester U.S.
Constitution 200th Anniversary Model 94 Lever Action Short Rifle - Serial no. IOWA, 44-40 cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue/coin/gold finish, walnut stock. Offered here is an elaborate United States Constitution 200th Anniversary Model 94s that is the only example this writer can recall we have offered. These short rifles were
built exclusively for Cherry’s of Greensboro, North Carolina. An example of this extremely rare issue is found on pages 300 and 358 of R.L. Wilson’s “Winchester: An American Legend” where it is stated that only eight were made. The barrel features two bands of gold inlay at the muzzle,
one thick and one thin, a single band at the breech, gold inlaid barrel markings with “We The People of the United States” on the top flat, and a spray of floral scroll on all of the upper flats.
The coin receiver is engraved on the right side with floral scroll engraving surrounding an oval with a gold inlaid raised relief bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows with ribbons reading
“UNITED STATES of America” and “1787 200th Anniversary 1987” above and below respectively and a patriotic shield ahead of the loading gate. The whole of the right side is engraved with a scene showing twenty-five members of the Constitutional Convention with George Washington at the center. The scene is surrounded by floral scroll intertwined
around a gold inlaid raised relief border. The upper tang has a ribbon engraved with a raised relief “IOWA” inlaid. The
underside and lever are also engraved to match. The left side under the scene is signed by the world renowned Italian Master Engraver Bottega C.
Giovanelli. Mounted with exhibition quality multipoint checkered walnut forend with engraved nosecap and straight grip stock with engraved crescent buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent overall, retaining 99% plus original blue, gold, and coin finishes with limited light handling marks, some spots of discoloration on the buttplate, and crisp engraving and stock checkering. Mechanically excellent. This would make a standout piece in any modern Winchester collection!
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER:
AN AMERICAN LEGEND BY WILSON
LOT 1657
Attractive Engraved and Gold Inlaid Milestone Serial Number 40000 Winchester Model 71 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 40000, 348 cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue/gold finish, fancy checkered walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1954 and subsequently custom engraved. The barrel has a gold inlaid band at the muzzle and breech with a spray of floral scroll coming from the muzzle on either side of the ramped beaded blade front sight, and one coming up the center from the breech. The sides of the action are outlined with gold with large leaf floral scroll on a punch dot background on either side of the loading gate, and a central spray in the middle of the left side. The loading lever is gold inlaid to match with a light curl of gold at either end of the wire inlay. Mounted with a magnificently figured multipoint checkered walnut
forend with engraved nosecap and pistol grip stock with Old English recoil pad.
CONDITION: Very fine as custom engraved and gold inlaid, retaining 99% plus professionally refinished blue finish with a few minor handling marks, a softened
barrel proof, and crisp engraving. Wood is also very fine with a hairline crack coming off the right side of the upper tang, a few minor scuffs and dings, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1658
Game Scene Engraved Pre-64 Winchester Model 94 Lever Action Carbine - Serial no. 2565859, 30-30 Win cal., 20 inch round bbl., blue finish,
walnut stock. Manufactured in 1963 and subsequently engraved. The barrel is fitted with hooded beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear sights, standard barrel address and a thin engraved band at
the breech with light open scroll engraved up to the rear sight. The receiver displays a game scene on either side of
white-tailed deer in a forest scene, the left bounding away and the right standing proud. The scenes are surrounded by
floral scroll engraving with zigzag line and punch dot borders with a thin band at the front and rear of the receiver from which single curls of floral scroll
flank the serial number and trigger. Mounted with a nicely figured, checkered walnut forend and buttstock with checkered steel butt.
CONDITION: Very fine as custom engraved, retaining 97% plus professionally refinished blue finish with limited handling marks, and slightly softened engraving. Wood is also very fine with scattered dings and scratches and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
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