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LOT 3066
Documented Special Order John Ulrich Signed Factory Game Panel Scene Engraved Nickel Trim Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 127995A, 38 WCF cal.,
24 inch octagon bbl., blue/nickel finish, deluxe checkered walnut stock. This beautiful special order, nickel trim deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle was engraved by celebrated Winchester factory engraver John Ulrich. He
has signed his masterpiece “J. ULRICH” behind the trigger. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, engraving, and nickel trims when received in the warehouse on July 13, 1883 and shipped the same day on order number 5198. The letter also lists a repair and return date on May 29, 1917 on order number 83955. The rifle is stamped with a 20th century Winchester factory oval proof on the receiver at the breech.
The John Ulrich factory engraving consists of a circular scene of a bugling elk on the left side plate and a circular scene of a hunting dog on the right side plate. Each scene is depicted in a forest and surrounded by lined borders and scroll engraving with floral accents. The scroll engraving extends to the sides of the receiver, behind the cartridge elevator, dust cover, forend cap, and buttplate heel. Game scenes were John Ulrich’s
most specular trademark embellishment. The elk scene and scrollwork is consistent with other Winchesters factory engraved by Ulrich in this period, including examples shown on pages 188 and 189 of “Winchester Engraving” by R.L. Wilson. The hunting dog scene is rather unusual. Each game scene is a stunning example of Winchester’s craftsmanship and a testament to John Ulrich’s superb skills as a master engraver.
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