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LOT 3085
Attractive Winchester First Model 1873 Lever
Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter
- Serial no. 15927, 44-40 WCF cal., 20 inch round bbl.,
nickel finish, walnut stock. The Model 1873 is one of the most famous of all American firearms and has
been popularly known as “the Gun that Won the West” due to its popularity with pioneers. For collectors
there are three basic variations to the Model 1873 with the primary differences between the styles found in
the design of the dust cover guide and dust cover. Offered here is a highly desirable first model. These first
models saw hard use, especially among pioneers headed westward, and are becoming difficult to find. The first
model began the legacy of the Model 1873 that has endured to this day. This carbine features the distinctive
dust cover held in place by grooved guides on either side of the receiver, dust cover with a checkered oval finger grip
on top, and lever latch with visible screw threads. The barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking
ahead of the rear sight. “MODEL 1873” is stamped on the upper tang. The carbine correctly lacks caliber markings. The
front sight is integral to the barrel band, and there is a two leaf rear sight and a saddle ring mounted on the left side of the
receiver. Mounted on a carbine stock with trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Sling swivels mounted on the
underside of the forend cap and stock hold a leather sling. The included factory letter states the carbine was received in
the warehouse on January 24, 1876 and shipped on February 1, 1878.
CONDITION: Very fine, retaining 85% of the period retailer nickel plating with some scattered series of surface scratches, typical of guns that saw Western use. The revarnished wood is fine with minor dings and scratches, all signs of a gun that was considered a trusted companion and was well-cared for. Mechanically excellent. A highly sought after Winchester First Model 1873 saddle ring carbine. Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
LOT 3086
Documented Half Nickel
Winchester Model 1866 Lever
Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 133330, 44 cal., 24 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/nickel finish, walnut stock. The Winchester Model
1866 is often cited as one of the primary “guns that won the west”, and it is not hard to imagine this example having been ordered by a lawman, outlaw, or
rancher who required a reliable rifle but also desired a bit more flare. The included factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel and 1/2 nickel finish and
indicates it was received in the warehouse on January 31, 1877, and shipped the same day in order 8178. The barrel has a dovetailed nickel-silver blade front sight
and is roll-stamped: “WINCHESTER’S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED MARCH 29. 1866 OCTOBER 16. 1860.” in two-
lines ahead of the elevation adjustable sporting rear sight. The serial number is stamped behind the trigger. The barrel, magazine tube, and loading gate
are all blued. The brass receiver, crescent buttplate, hammer, trigger, loading lever and cartridge elevator all have the very rare nickel-plated finish. The
stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut.
CONDITION: Fine with 75% plus untouched original nickel plating, aged patina on the exposed brass, traces of original blue, mostly smooth brown
patina on the balance, and light oxidation/pitting, typical of a gun that saw Western use. The top flat of the barrel shows two deep scribe lines incised
into the barrel, one covered by the replacement rear sight. The refinished wood is also fine and has light scratches and dings, some filler, and a long scrape on the left side of the butt, signs of
efforts being made to keep a working gun serviceable. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Collection of David L. DeLullo.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3087
Rare Engraved
Smith & Wesson
New Model 3 Single Action Revolver with Pearl
Grips - Serial no. 3193, 44 Russian cal., 6 1/2 inch solid
rib bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips. Introduced by Smith &
Wesson in 1878 the New Model 3 Revolver was an improved design
of the original Model 3. Although this model was cataloged into
the early 1900s, all frames were manufactured by 1898. These revolvers were a direct
competitor with the Colt Single Action Army on the Western Frontier, and much like
today, there were strong personal preferences for each. This New York engraved example
has a floral scroll pattern featured on the barrel, frame and cylinder flats along with a
zig-zag line engraving on the cylinder flutes and barrel rib sides. A floral blossom is engraved
behind the hammer while the back strap features a line and dot engraving. The top of the barrel rib is marked with the two-line address and patent dates information. Equipped with a pinned blade front sight and a notch rear sight on the barrel latch. This single action revolver built on a top-break action has a short ejector housing, 6-shot fluted cylinder and knuckle on the back strap. The matching serial number is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, barrel and barrel latch with the number on the butt covered by lanyard ring. Fitted with smooth pearl grips.
CONDITION: Fine. The revolver retains 40% original nickel plating with the balance a smooth gray patina. There are some very scattered patches of minor pitting. The engraving on the back strap is weak, otherwise the engraving is crisp. The grips are fine, showing slight shrinkage at the top and a minor chip on the bottom of the right panel. The pearl has a very attractive color. Mechanically fine. It is not difficult to imagine an embellished revolver such as this in the hands of a Western gunslinger or wealthy rancher, who had a penchant for flare!
Estimate: 5,500 - 7,500
LOT 3088
Collector’s Lot of Two 14K Gold Vintage Automatic Pocket Watches, One of Them Tiffany & Co. Marked - Offered here are two vintage gold pocket watches. Watches such as these would have been highly valued in the American West well into
the 20th century, whether for checking when
the next train might arrive, or for keeping track of
how much time one had spent out on the range. The first is a
Hamilton Watch Co. with a dial marked for the famous New York
jewelers Tiffany & Co. with gold Arabic numerals. The case is
marked on the back with “EFXS” in a rectangle with cut off
corners. The inside of the backplate is marked “HAMILTON WATCH
CO./LANCASTER PA.” with the 14 Karat marking between the
lines. The 17 jewel movement is marked with the specifications.
A “14K” marked heavy gold chain weight approximately 17 grams
is decorated with ebony colored bands and has an affixed with a
Credit Suisse 2.5g fine gold 999.9 bar affixed. The second is an Illinois
Watch Co. with “Illinois” marked dial with blue Arabic numerals. The 14 Karat marked gold
case has light floral engraving on the border of the front and back with “RWD”. The inner
case lid is etched with “ILLINOIS WATCH CO./SPRINGFIELD” around the outer edge and hand
engraved inscription: “From Mother/Xmas 1923”. The 17 jewel movement is marked with
the specifications and “The Autocrat” model marking in a fancy font. Includes a leatherette
style case embossed “ILLINOIS in Olde English font.
CONDITION: Both watches are very fine with age related wear and handling marks. Mechanically fine. Watches such as these would certainly have stories to tell if they could speak, possibly of the American West quickly being tamed, and would make
an excellent addition to any timepiece collection!
Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000 57