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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK WINCHESTER ENGRAVING BY WILSON
LOT 3065
Desirable Documented Ulrich Attributed Factory Engraved, Nickel Plated
Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter - Serial no.
134443, 44 RF cal., 20 inch round bbl., nickel finish, walnut stock. The
accompanying factory letter confirms that this
carbine had a nickel finish and engraving when it was received in the warehouse on January
24, 1877 and shipped on March 24, 1877. The receiver has attractive floral scroll engraving on punch dot background along with a circular game panel scene depicting a stag on the left side plate. Flourishes
of scrollwork extend to the cartridge elevator and buttplate tang. The carbine is pictured in “Winchester Engraving” (page 95) where firearms historian R.L. Wilson identified the carbine as “Ulrich engraved.” In the book the carbine is used to show “three distinct grades of coverage” Winchester used during the period. “Although considerable variance is evident in Winchester engraving during this period,” wrote Wilson, “a definite graduation of grades is apparent (c. 1875-77)”. While this carbine features the least profuse coverage compared to the other two Model 1866s, the engraving retains the highest level of artistry as expected from an Ulrich. The Ulrich family created some of the most spectacular masterpieces of American firearms art. Brothers John and Conrad Ulrich were engraving for Winchester at the time this carbine left the factory. The carbine is fitted with a blade front sight integral to the front barrel band, a two leaf rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel has the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight, and the serial number is stamped behind
the trigger. As noted in the factory letter, the carbine has a full nickel plating. Mounted to a standard grade carbine stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The left side of the lower tang is marked “444” and “R.E. VINCENT-PERKINS.” The stock inlet and buttplate have the assembly number “4443.”
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel, magazine tube, and barrel bands retain 60% original nickel finish with a smooth brown-gray patina on the balance. The receiver retains 97% original nickel finish with tool-like marks behind the trigger and top rear of right side plate. The engraving is crisp. The remaining metal surfaces retain 95% original nickel finish. The wood is also fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A well documented Ulrich family factory engraved full nickel Winchester Model 1866 carbine that will be a welcomed addition to any lever action or firearms art collection.
Provenance: The John F. Miller Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 14,000 - 22,500
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