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LOT 3087
Outstanding First Year Production Winchester
Model 53 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Rare Stainless Steel Barrel in Desirable .44-40 WCF - Serial no. 1346, 44-40 WCF cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1924, the first year of production. The rifle is fitted with a rare stainless steel barrel with Japanned black finish. These stainless steel barrels were very short lived and unpopular because the finish tended to wear off very easily. The finish on this barrel remains
excellent. The left rear of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 53-WINCHESTER/-TRADEMARK-” and “-STAINLESS STEEL-” followed by “.44 WCF.” The rifle also features a
Lyman beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, Winchester factory oval proof on the barrel and receiver at the breech, plain walnut forearm and straight grip stock, and a serrated steel shotgun type buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel retains 98% plus original Japanned black finish with a few minor handling marks. The remaining metal retains 95% original blue finish with a small patch of spotting on the forend cap and a few scattered patches of brown. The wood is also excellent with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 3089 Winchester Model 71 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 38928, 348 WCF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1954. Ramped beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear sporting notch sights, standard barrel markings, and Winchester “WP” proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Smooth forearm and pistol grip buttstock with a checkered steel buttplate. CONDITION: Very fine. 95% original blue finish remains with some visible edge wear near the muzzle, some scattered light surface scratches, and mild handling marks overall. The wood is fine with scattered small dings and scratches, partially refinished buttstock with a darker stained area on the right side of the comb, and some light chipping around the upper tang. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,250
LOT 3090 Winchester Deluxe Model 71 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 23080, 348 WCF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1946 with standard markings including Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Fitted with ramped and hooded blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight. Mounted with a checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with hard rubber
grip cap and checkered steel shotgun buttplate. CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 97% plus original blue finish with slight light spotting on the upper tang and buttplate and very minimal handling marks. The wood is very fine with
a noticeable divot on the comb, a hairline crack on both sides of the upper tang, minimal minor handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3088 Early Production Winchester Model 55 Lever Action Takedown Rifle - Serial no. 2682, 30 WCF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1925, the second year of production. Standard markings including Winchester factory oval
proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Fitted with Lyman beaded blade front and
elevation adjustable notch rear sights and mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a ribbed shotgun buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus original blue finish with a few scattered noticeable areas of smooth brown patina. The wood is also excellent with minimal minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
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