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LOT 20
Stunning Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Presentation Cased,
L. D. Nimschke Master Engraved, and Silver and Gold Plated
Winchester Deluxe Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle with
Ammunition Attributed as Presented to Railroad Tycoon
James J. Hill, “The Empire Builder” - Serial no. 46027, 44-40 cal.,
24 3/8 inch octagon bbl., blue/silver/gold finish, highly figured
varnished walnut stock. This incredible rifle dates to 1870 and
is identified as passed down through the family of Canadian-
American railroad tycoon “The Empire Builder” James J. Hill and
is attributed as presented to him. The stunning rifle is certainly fit
for a millionaire from the Gilded Age with its beautiful engraving
from legendary Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke of New York
City, silver plated frame and mounts, gold plated hammer, trigger,
and lever; and a stunning deluxe walnut stock and forearm. It
comes in rare and desirable Schuyler, Hartley & Graham rosewood
presentation case with silver plated hardware and ammunition.
The engraving compares beautifully with Nimschke’s other master
engraved Winchester Model 1866 rifles we have had the pleasure
of cataloging, including the solid silver frame Model 1866 made
for presentation by President Jose Balta of Peru to President
Mariano Melgarejo of Bolivia sold by Rock Island Auction Co.
in December 2021 for nearly $1 million. The engraving consists
primarily of finely detailed interlacing scrollwork with beaded
backgrounds similar to the patterns shown in pulls on pages
48-51 of “L. D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver” by R. L. Wilson.
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