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LOT 1016
Highly Attractive Documented Antique
Presentation Inscribed, Ulrich Signed Factory
Game Scene Engraved, Gold and Nickel Finished
Winchester Deluxe Model 1892 Lever Action
Saddle Ring Carbine - Serial no. 45843, 44 WCF cal.,
20 inch round bbl., gold/nickel finish, walnut stock.
The serial number of this carbine dates to 1895,
this is a highly attractive example of an extensively
embellished, special ordered, Ulrich signed, factory
engraved, gold and nickel plated Winchester deluxe
Model 1892 saddle ring carbine. These deluxe and
highly embellished Model 1892s are quite scarce
given that the model was often viewed as a tool
and used for a working gun. Engraving, special
order finishes, and deluxe wood particularly on
Model 1892 carbines are even more scarce than on
the rifles, as is the case with most other models of
Winchester lever action. A very similar example to
this one (serial number 60909) is pictured on p. 90
of “Winchester: An American Legend” by R.L. Wilson,
where it is noted as likely a factory sample piece and
that the combination of nickel and gold finishes is
seldom observed. George Madis estimates in “The
Winchester Book” that only one out of every 825
Model 1892s has a plated finish, one out of every
900 was engraved or inscribed, and one out of every
800 had checkered or carved wood. The included
copy of a factory letter lists this carbine in .44 caliber
with “$6.25 engraving”, nickel receiver, gold plated
band and buttplate, and fancy checkered stock when
received at the warehouse on 12 September 1895, and shipped the following day in order number 17821. Additionally
it lists a repair and return date of 7 April 1899 in order number 25244. The buttplate is inscribed to lieutenant J. Kennedy
Tod of the 71st New York National Guard. John Kennedy Tod (1852-1925) was born in Glasgow, Scotland, attending school
there and playing rugby, making two appearances for the Scotland national team in 1874-1875. After school, Tod moved
to New York, attended Princeton University, and began working for his uncle’s banking firm, later becoming a partner. Tod
is mentioned as a lieutenant of commissary for the 71st New York National Guard regiment, the dates of which are not
entirely clear. Upon his uncle’s retirement in 1883, Tod formed his own banking firm, J. Kennedy Tod & Co., going on to
become an extremely powerful and influential financier in New York, having extensive railroad holdings throughout the U.S.
Tod’s status is well illustrated by the list of organizations he was a part of, including: Knickerbocker Club, Metropolitan Club,
Lawyers Club, City Club, Downtown Club, Tuxedo Club, the Century Association, the New York Chamber of Commerce, the
Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, the Indian Harbor Yacht Club, the Riverside Yacht Club, the Fairfield Country Golf Club
(Greenwich Country Club), and the Social Register of New York. He was also president of the St. Andrew’s Society of New
York from 1895 to 1897. It is quite likely that this rifle was originally a factory sample piece before being refreshed at the
factory in 1899, likely when the receiver was gold plated, and shipped to Tod.