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Only one earlier serial number Model 1876 Express rifle was found
in our sales records, sn. 7746, but that rifle was not shipped until May
13, 1879. The next lowest example we have sold was sn. 8732 shipped
on June 3, 1879. Winchester no doubt had high hopes for these powerful
rifles, but they did not catch on, and only a small number were made.
The total production of the Model 1876 was also rather limited with only
63,871 manufactured. This limited production leaves very few Centennial
Model Express Rifles for collectors today, and this early example is certainly
particularly desirable.
The rifle has a dovetailed German silver blade front sight, adjustable
sporting rear sight, the two-line address and King’s improvement patent
marking on top, “.50 CAL EXPRESS” is factory hand engraved on the top
barrel flat at the breech, “WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 Cal. 95 Grs.” is also
factory inscribed on the thumb print dust cover, screw affixed guide
rail, blank cartridge elevator, plain trigger, “MODEL. 1876.” on the upper
tang, the script serial number “8097” on the lower tang, checkered deluxe
walnut forearm and buttstock with a steel forend end cap and crescent
buttplate with a brass trapdoor (cleaning rod absent). The left side plate is
inscribed in alternating scripts with “Prize won in the/FOREST & STREAM
TOURNAMENT 1879/And presented to/L. V. SONE. by the N. Y. RIFLE CLUB/
In appreciation of his services as Captain.”
Louis V. Sone was a leading member in the New York Rifle Club in the late
1870s and in the 1880s. The New York Times on May 2, 1876, announced
his victory in the rifle tournament held in aid of St. John’s Guild and on
December 1, 1878, reported that at the annual election of the New York
Rifle Club he was elected president and intended to present 10 gold
badges to the club for presentation to members of their team. On March
17, 1879, and October 25, 1879, he is listed as achieving records in rifle-
shooting in galleries, including 99 out
of 100 at 12 yards. Forest & Stream
reported that at “The Everybody’s Match” at Conlin’s Shooting Gallery
ending on November 20th, 1879, Sone won first place and notes that he
had “a record of forty-three consecutive bull’s eyes at a ‘Creedmoor target’
reduced for gallery practice, and there is no better ‘holder’ in the country
than he...”
Outside of his marksmanship accolades, Sone was a successful inventor
and businessman. He formed the petroleum company Sone & Fleming
Mfg. Co. Ltd. with Francis C. Fleming. He was a pioneer in kerosene
production, including patenting designs for transportation. Sone &
Fleming’s “astral oil” is said to have pushed whale oil off the market. The
company’s refinery was purchased by Standard Oil in 1879. Sone was also
presented an L. D. Nimschke engraved Smith & Wesson .32 Double Action
Revolver by the New York Rifle Club when he visited Europe in 1884. See
Lot 323 in our November 2018 Premier catalog as well as p. 192 of both
“Steel Canvas” and “The History and Art of the American Gun: The Art of
American Arms” by R. L. Wilson. The records for the arrival of the steamer
“City of Paris” in 1891 list Sone as a 45 year old merchant. Also on board
was his 19 year old son L. V. Sone Jr. He lived various locations in New York
over the years, including
at his Ridgelawn estate in White
Plains and a summer cottage at Sone
Park, and he died at the age of 61 in 1907 at his
home at No. 43 West 68th Street in New York City.
CONDITION: Fine overall with crisp totally original inscriptions and
markings, 60% of the attractively aged original case colors, particularly
vibrant original case colors on the protected areas at the rear of the frame,
40% original blue finish visible on the original dust cover, strong traces of
original blue finish remaining elsewhere among the even brown patina
minor oxidation/pitting, and generally minor wear. The wood is also fine
and has some attractive figure, crisp checkering, and minor marks and
scratches. Mechanically excellent. Overall, a fascinating Winchester Deluxe
Model 1876 Express lever action rifle lettered as a “Forest & Stream Express”
and presented to a noted New York marksman and businessmen. It was
even identified in the period as the first of its kind, what a monumental
discovery and opportunity!
Provenance: Louis V. Sone; Private Collection.
Estimate: 35,000 - 55,000 19