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LOT 3098
Exceptional Frank Wesson Second Type Two-Trigger Single Shot Rifle - Serial no. 3885, 44 RF cal., 24 1/8 inch octagon bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. These second type two-trigger rifles were manufactured c. 1863-1875 by Frank Wesson of Worchester,
Massachusetts, per “Flayderman’s Guide” (9th Edition, 5I-005). Features a blade front sight, notch rear sight, two-line address and patent
markings on top of the breech, toggle link on the left side of the barrel and a manual ejector on the right. Provisions for sling swivels on the bottom of the
barrel and stock (absent sling swivels).
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% plus original blue finish with smooth gray patina on the balance, a few patches of minor surface freckling, and absolutely
sharp markings and edges in the metal overall. Stock is also very fine, with tight fitment, a few minor handling marks, one very small chip at the lower left
front corner of the wrist, distinct edges, and attractive grain pattern. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,600 - 2,500
LOT 3097
Antique Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Single Shot Falling Block Rifle -
Serial no. 55621, 25-20 SS cal., 28 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1892, this is a very solid example of a Winchester Model 1885 rifle. The top of the barrel flat is marked
with the standard two-line address and the “25 W.C.F.” caliber marking at the breech. This caliber marking
was used to signify the .25-20 S.S. caliber until 1895, when the .25-20 W.C.F. cartridge was introduced. The serial
number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a windage adjustable globe front sight with a spirit level, blank filler in the rear sight
dovetail, and a Vernier pattern peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm with an ebony insert at the
tip and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% plus of the thin original blue and vivid casehardened finishes with some scattered patches of dark pitting on the upper left of the barrel
and right side of the action. The wood is very fine with some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3096
Fine Marlin Ballard No. 8 “Union Hill” Pattern Single Shot Falling Block Rifle - Serial
no. 28683, 32 CF cal., 30 inch part octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured c. 1884 to 1890, Marlin marketed their “Union Hill” rifle as “a complete rifle at a
moderate price”, with the intentions of making it the “working man’s” target rifle, sold for the reasonable
price of $37.50 in the first year of production and $34 thereafter. The “Union Hill” was offered in both No. 8 and
No. 9 variants, with the only difference being that the No. 9 had a single trigger, rather than double set triggers like this No. 8 example.
These rifles are seen with modest checkering on the wood or without, and they came standard with a pistol grip stock with cheekpiece, and a nickel plated off-
hand buttplate. The two standard calibers offered for this model were .32-40 and .38-55, while this rifle appears to be in .32-20 W.C.F. For an extra cost of $3, Marlin would
equip the rifle with their “improved mid-range” peep sight and a “windgauge” front sight. This example has the standard two-line Marlin address and Ballard patent marking on the left
of the receiver. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver, bottom of the barrel and rear face of the forearm, and the inside of the buttplate is numbered “28078”. It is fitted
with the standard globe front sight, no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, and a Vernier mid-range peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip
forearm diamond patterned checkering and pistol grip stock with checkered panels on the grip, cheekpiece, and a nickeled off-hand buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish, thinned in some areas showing a smooth grey patina, 80% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 60% plus of the original nickel
finish remains on the period, possibly factory, replaced buttplate. The wood is very fine with some scattered light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 3095
Exceptional Winchester Model 1885 High Wall Falling Block Rifle in Desirable .38-55 W.C.F. -
Serial no. 87242, 38-55 WCF cal., 30 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1900, this
is an exceptionally fine example of a Winchester Model 1885 in the desirable .38-55 W.C.F. These rifles were
highly desirable around the turn of the century with both competitive target shooters as well as hunters, with this more
standard example likely being favored by the latter. These Model 1885s were based on John Moses Browning’s original firearm design,
were known for their incredible accuracy, and remained a mainstay in the Winchester lineup for decades. The top of the barrel is marked with the
standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech, while the “3” barrel weight marking is on the bottom just in from of the forearm. The one-
line patent marking and serial number are marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Beach combination front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 “Sporting”
notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth Schnabel tip forearm with an ebony insert at the tip and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish and strong traces of the original case colors on the breech block, hammer, and lever, with some light edge/high
spot wear and scattered very light scratches. The wood is very fine with some scattered light scratches and light wear. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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