Page 17 - 4093-BOOK3

LOT 3015
Rare and Highly Desirable Factory Engraved Winchester Model
1866 Lever Action Rifle with R.L Wilson Letter - Serial no. 38583,
44 Henry RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock.
Accompanied by a letter from world famous author and firearms expert
R.L. Wilson, this is a scarce example of a factory engraved Winchester
model 1866 lever action rifle that was manufactured in 1869. As Wilson
writes “The model 1866 lever action was the first of the company’s
products not only to carry the Winchester name, but to excel in the
profusion of embellishments, and the quality and quantity of decorated
arms. The first 1866’s bearing factory engraving appears in the early
27,000 serial number range which is approximately the same time
the Ulrich’s: Conrad F, John, and Herman all migrated to New Haven
from Hartford. While the Ulrich’s engraving patterns show influences
of Gustave Young they developed patterns, styles and techniques of
their own now synonymous with the Winchester name.” This rifle serial
number 38,583, followed soon after the earliest example of factory
engraving 1866’s and many of the panel scenes exhibited on this rifle
can be traced through already published images and text of other
factory engraved Winchester rifles. Two particular examples can be
viewed in: “Winchester Engraving” by Wilson. The first appears on page
77, see serial number 38,594 which is exactly 11 numbers off this rifle.
The work on this rifle is attributed to Conrad F. Ulrich and compares
closely to No. 38,583. The second appears on page 80, serial number
38,586, note it’s only three numbers off the rifle offered here. Also
attributed to an Ulrich, the panel scenes, in particular the “zig-zag”
and scalloped border appear nearly identical. For another comparison
reference “The Winchester Book” by Madis, pg. 116. That rifle, serial
number 38,589, falls only six numbers away and also appears nearly
identical. Madis states: “because a number of guns would be chosen for
engraving at one time, certain serial series of many Winchester models
will have a number of engraved guns. In the 35,000 and 36,000 series we
find a comparatively large number of Model 66’s. This is also true in the
38,000 series.” being manufactured in 1869, we can now attribute the
engraving of this rifle to the hand of John Ulrich. The rifle has a octagon
barrel, full-length magazine with brass forearm cap, frame, and crescent
buttplate. The barrel has a dovetail mounted sporting style front sight
with nickel-silver blade and a Henry style folding leaf rear sight with 900
yard center notch. Factory sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap
and stock. The stock and forearm are walnut with a varnished finish.
15