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LOT 1026
Historic Deluxe Factory Engraved and Gold Gilt Winchester Second Model
1866 Lever Action Rifle with Henry Patent Marked Barrel and “Daniel C.
Murphy San Francisco 1868” Inscription - Serial no. 19192, 44 Henry RF cal.,
24 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/gilt finish, deluxe walnut stock. This incredible
deluxe Winchester Model 1886 lever action rifle was manufactured in 1868 early
in production. It is a Second Model and features the Henry patent marking on
the barrel as well as factory engraving in the early “Samuel Hoggson” style used
by Winchester in the 1860s. Similar examples can be seen on page 66 and 67 of
“Winchester Engraving” by R.L. Wilson. The engraving on the forend cap, frame, and
buttplate primarily consists of scrollwork on beaded backgrounds, and there are also
additional floral designs and borders on the frame. In addition to the engraving, this
rifle has a gold plated finish on the brass/gunmetal components and a beautifully
figured deluxe walnut stock. Adding to this rifle’s already high desirability is the
inscription on the frame: “Daniel C. Murphy” on the upper left and “San Francisco
1868” on the upper right. Winchester Model 1866s with such inscriptions are very
scarce. This rare rifle features a Beach combination blade and globe front sight which
was then a brand new innovation given it was covered by U.S. patent no. 63690 of
April 9, 1867, granted to Edgar B. Beach (1837-1925) of West Meriden, Connecticut,
for an “Improvement in Convertible Rifle Sights.” The Beach sight gives the option
of a blade, globe, or a post on top of the globe as sighting options. This rifle is also
equipped with a Henry pattern notch and folding ladder rear sight and an elevation
adjustable tang mounted peep sight. The blued octagonal barrel is marked with the
Henry and King’s improvement patent markings in two lines ahead of the rear sight.
The serial number is marked on the lower tang behind the trigger. The nicely figured
deluxe walnut wood has a high polish varnish finish, and sling swivels are mounted
to the underside of the forend cap and the buttstock. The crescent buttplate has a
trapdoor for the stock compartment which contains a takedown cleaning rod. This
rifle was advertised in “Arms Gazette” in January 1975 by Alan S. Kelley.
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