Page 40 - 4094-BOOK2

38
LOT 1033
Iconic, Well-Documented L.D. Nimschke Exhibition “Bank Note” Engraved Bust of Columbia Winchester Model 1866
Lever Action Rifle Masterpiece - Serial no. 28737, 44 RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1869, this Model 1866 masterpiece, arguably the most recognizable of L.D. Nimschke’s Winchesters, has been well-documented
in R.L. Wilson’s “Winchester Engraving” on page 56 and “Antique Arms Annual” on page 56. Wilson proclaimed that this rifle along
with Model 1866 carbine no. 66601 are “two of the finest examples of L.D. Nimschke engraving.” Each Winchester shares masterful
scrollwork and highly detailed figural vignettes. For this Model 1866 the exhibition quality engraving on the gold plated receiver
consists of mostly profuse floral scrollwork on a punch dot background. Amongst the scrolls on the right side plate is a blank
inscription panel. The left side plate features the most spectacular bust of Columbia, the female personification of the United
States, which Nimschke copied from the Civil War era 15 cent fractional currency note. A similar pattern of engraving showing
the exact engraved bust appears as a smoke pull found in Wilson’s “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” on page 58. This pull is
dated December 1869 in Nimschke’s own hand. Another smoke pull of Columbia appears on page 60. The bust of Columbia
alone stands as a testament to Nimschke’s undisputed title of America’s foremost 19th century master engraver and why so many
past and present engravers have chosen to emulate his style. Additional scrollwork appears on the forend cap, cartridge elevator
and buttplate tang. Like the receiver, the forend cap and buttplate are plated in gold. The barrel is fitted with dovetail blade and
notch sights and is stamped with the two-line Winchester address/King’s improvement patent dates marking ahead of the rear
sight. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock. The forearm and stock are nicely figured
walnut. The trapdoor buttplate contains a four piece cleaning rod.