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LOT 1004
Fine Winchester Model 1887 Lever Action 10
Gauge Shotgun - Serial no. 51001, 10 gauge, 30 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1893, this is a solid example of the John Browning designed Winchester Model 1887 lever action shotgun. Though not necessarily as iconic
as Winchester’s 1866 or 1873, or Colt’s Single Action Army revolver, these 1887 shotguns are without a doubt one of the legendary firearms of the American West, giving
anyone that carried one nearly unrivaled close range firepower. These shotguns would have been a favorite of stagecoach drivers, shopkeepers, and train guards, who were
in need of a powerful close range defensive weapon. The left of the casehardened action is stamped with the standard “WRACo” monogram, and the serial number is on the
bottom. The lower tang is marked with the four-line address and patent date. The top of the barrel at the breech is marked “10”. It is fitted with a brass bead front sight. It is mounted
with the distinctive smooth two-piece forearm and a pistol grip stock with a checkered shotgun buttplate. It has a 2 7/8 inch chamber and a 13 inch length of pull.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining strong traces of the original blue finish and 40% plus of the vibrant original case colors with the balance a mixture of grey and brown patina and a few scattered patches of light pitting, typical
of a working shotgun that may have spent time on the frontier. The wood is also fine with scattered light handling marks throughout and a couple moderate dings. Mechanically excellent. A fine example of one of John Browning’s
more unique designs that certainly shows signs of having spent time in the West!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1003
Desirable Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873
Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 255901B,
38 WCF cal., 24 3/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The
included factory letter lists this rifle in .38 caliber with a 1/2 octagon barrel,
plain trigger, and 1/2 magazine when received in the warehouse on January 23, 1888,
and shipped on April 11 in order 6715. The rifle features a dovetailed blade front sight, adjustable sporting rear sight, standard
two-line address and patent marking ahead of the rear sight, “38 W.C.F.” on top at the breech, “MODEL. 1873.” on the upper tang, “38
CAL.” and a period “J.S.” inscription on the elevator, and walnut stock and forearm. The significance of the “J.S.” inscription on the elevator
is not known, but it is safe to assume they are the initials of the original or early owner of the rifle.
CONDITION: Fine with 70% original blue finish faded to smooth brown patina, strong original case colors on the hammer and lever, natural
aged patina on the brass cartridge elevator, general mild scratches, some pitting on the dust cover, and mild overall wear. The wood is also fine and has scattered mild
dings and scratches, strong oiled finish, a few dents, and light edge wear. Mechanically excellent. Overall a very solid and attractive special order Winchester Model 1873 rifle.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
LOT 1002
Fine Antique Special Order Extra Length Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action
Rifle in Desirable .45-90 W.C.F. with Factory Letter - Serial no. 118114, 45-90 WCF
cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1898, this is a very solid example of
Winchester’s Model 1886, designed by John Browning,
which is chambered in the highly desirable frontier
hunting cartridge .45-90 W.C.F. The introduction of the
Model 1886 gave Winchester an extremely strong rifle
in their lineup that was capable of chambering the most
powerful cartridges of the period, earning it widespread popularity among people in the American West
looking to take down large game and protect themselves. While not as popular as .45-70 among modern
shooters, .45-90 W.C.F. was a very desirable cartridge on the frontier, having similar stopping power to the
.45-70 government cartridge, but a significantly flatter trajectory for taking game at extreme distances. This
particular example, with its special order extra length barrel but otherwise fairly standard configuration, certainly
fits the bill of a rifle ordered by a western hunter desiring function over frills. The included factory letter lists the rifle
in .45-90 caliber with a 28 inch octagon barrel and a plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 12 September
1898, and shipped on the same day in order number 4524. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber
marking at the breech. The model marking is on the upper tang, while the standard two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower
tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver “Sporting” blade front sight, a No. 24 elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a combination peep
sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% of the original blue finish, 50% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 30% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with some light edge/high spot wear, scattered light scratches and
dings, and some scattered light surface spotting on the receiver. The wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A fine example of a special order, extra length Winchester Model 1886
rifle in the desirable .45-90 W.C.F.!
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000