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LOT 3008
Extraordinarily Rare and Equally Fine, Well-Documented Special
Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Takedown Lever Action
Rifle with Factory Records - Serial no. 153348, 33 WCF cal., 24 inch
round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1914, this is an
excellent example of a special ordered, deluxe Model 1886 rifle in a very
interesting and rarely seen configuration, which is documented by two
different factory records. The accompanying Winchester Gun Museum
verification, dated 24 August 1973 and addressed to Mr. Lewis, states
factory records lists this rifle with a round barrel in .33 caliber shotgun
butt, hard rubber buttplate, “hand made stock”, checkered pistol grip
stock, takedown configuration, half magazine, F.T. sporting rear sight
with broad notch, Lyman Jack front sight and “bead in middle of barrel”
when shipped on July 24, 1915 to George W. Raynes “from A.P. Wendel
?”, both from Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The rifle was charged to Iver
Johnson Sporting Goods, Boston, MA, and returned for rework on two
occasions. Also included is a 2025 dated factory letter which clarifies a
couple points from the previous document. This more current letter lists
“handmade stock: 13 in., 2-3/8 in., 1-1/2 in.”, “point blank at 100 yards,
mark at 200 yards”, “smooth action”, and “close shooter”, all of which
are likely specific requests from George W. Raynes when ordering. The
meaning of some of these requests is not entirely clear, but it would
appear that Raynes was ordering a lightweight, factory customized,
hunting rifle which was accurate at close range and operated smoothly.
The letter also clarifies that the A.P. Wendel listed in the previous
record is A.P. Wendel & Co. of Portsmouth. Additionally, the repair and
return dates are listed as 25 October and 22 November, both in 1915.
It is rare to find such detailed special order Winchester records listing
specific shipping locations and recipients, with a George W. Raynes is
mentioned multiple times in period newspapers from New Hampshire,
all seemingly discussing his travels rather than his profession. Whatever
his profession was, it appears that Mr. Raynes was very particular
about the rifle he desired. The barrel has the two-line address/patent
dates, nickel steel marking and caliber designation on the left side. A
Winchester factory oval proof appears on top of the barrel and receiver
at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/trade mark
information, and the lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking
and serial number. The takedown release has the 1893 patent date.
The highly figured forearm and rare high comb pistol grip stock are
checkered. The stock has a hard rubber grip cap and buttplate. The left
side of the lower tang has the number “304.” “304” is repeated on the
stock inlet. As Winchester expert and author George Madis noted, “very
few customers found it necessary to order a special stock.”
CONDITION: Excellent, retaining 90% plus original blue finish mixed
with some patches of brown patina. 85% plus original case colors
remain on the lever. The wood is also excellent showing some minor
dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically
excellent. A highly attractive factory documented deluxe Model 1886
takedown rifle with rare special order “handmade” pistol grip stock and
added bonus of known shipping delivery records for your
outstanding Winchester collection.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
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