Page 20 - 4093-BOOK2

18
The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured XX deluxe walnut and feature “H”
style checkering. The left side of the lower tang is marked “886,” “R,” and “XX”. The assembly
number “886” is repeated on the stock inlet. The stock comb has an inlaid oval with the
inscription “John H. Poole/Detroit.” Period publications reference J.H. Poole as the director
of Union Trust Co. in Detroit. The Detroit Free Press took special interest in Poole’s arrival to
Detroit from Washington, DC, as the paper reported on Poole’s purchase of the “beautiful
residence” of Bingley R. Fales for $39,000 in 1910, or about $1,145,000 in today’s money.
The residence was described as “fine, not only as to the exterior, but finished in the most
luxurious manner inside.” Poole was a former military officer who was described as “one of
the best known officers of the corps of engineers” and retired from the Army to “embark
in business” in his native state of Michigan. Poole was a class of 1901 West Point graduate
and had served as a military aide to the President Theodore Roosevelt. In the Engineer
Officers’ Reserve Corps he achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel and during World War I
was assigned to the 16th Regiment of Engineers. Poole’s life tragically ended in 1940 when
the wealthy retired Army officer shot himself to death at this estate in Pasadena, California.
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with
some flaking turned to brown and some pitting and light spotting on and around the
takedown collar. The engraving is crisp. 70% original nitre blue remains on the loading
gate. 70% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is very fine
with minor dings and scratches, nearly all of the original varnish remaining and overall
crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A high condition, very interesting Winchester
Deluxe Model 1886 Lightweight takedown rifle linked to a prominent Detroit resident and
military aid to President Theodore Roosevelt.
Provenance: The Quail Creek Collection.
Estimate: 65,000 - 90,000