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LOT 3561
Attractive Walter Kolouch Master Engraved and Gold Inlaid
Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle - Serial no. 237149, 22 S L
LR cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, highly figured checkered walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1956, this Model 61 rifle was subsequently
elaborately embellished by Master Engraver Walter Kolouch, and bears his “WK” monogram initials on
the right side of the receiver. Beaded blade front and semi-buckhorn rear sights are installed, with standard barrel
markings, grooved receiver, matching serial numbers on the receivers and frame, and a checkered walnut stock with serrated
buttplate. Finely executed scroll engraving with punch dot backgrounds is present on the barrel, receiver and frame, with near total coverage on the receiver,
gold muzzle and breech bands on the barrel with a thin engraved ring at the muzzle and a 1 3/4 inch scroll wedge at the breech. The receiver and frame show
fine golden border inlays and scroll accents, with a pair of gold inlaid animals on the receiver, a quail in a woodland scene on the left and a gopher in a hilly field
on the right; both backgrounds are finely detailed with well-rendered depth. The grip cap is gold inlaid “WINCHESTER/REPEATING ARMS” with “CO” in the center,
with scroll engraving on the buttplate heel and toe.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine as upgraded, 98% plus blue finish, showing minimal handling marks. The gold inlay is all solid, and the engraving sharp. The stock is very
fine, with some minor dings, crisp checkering, and attractive grain. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3560
Documented Nick Kusmit Signed, Master Engraved,
and Gold Inlaid Winchester 20 Gauge Model 12 Slide
Action Shotgun with John Durkin Carved Wood and
Letter from Noted Winchester Engraver Pauline Muerrle - Serial no. 693514, 20 gauge, 28 inch
solid rib bbl., blue/gold finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1932 and subsequently embellished by
renowned Master Engraver Nick Kusmit. The gun has a blued Winchester Proof steel barrel featuring a
single bead sight on the matted flat solid rib, chamber marked 2 3/4 inch chamber, and choke marked
modified. The muzzle is inlaid with a gold band, the breech area has a set of 2 1/2 inch wedges of
scroll engraving, and gold inlaid serial number beneath the pigeon on the extension. The barrel and
receiver are inlaid with gold “WP” proofs. The action is engraved in the Winchester 12-5 pattern depicting a pair of pointers with a grouse on the left and a flock of ducks on the right
with the animals in semi-relief gold inlay, a gold inlaid wire border on both sides, and gold inlaid serial number. The scenes are surrounded by scrollwork over a punch dot background. The
left side of the receiver is signed with Kusmit’s initials “NK” hidden on the rock in the left foreground. The gun is fitted in a gorgeous highly figured B pattern carved fleur-de-lis checkered
forend and pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and buttplate. The carving was carried out by Winchester Custom Shop checkerer John Durkin according to the included letter from
Pauline Muerrle in which she also confirms the work by Kusmit. Stock measurements: 1 5/16 inch drop at the comb; 2 3/16 inch drop at heel; 14 3/8 inch length of pull; weight 7 lbs. 3 oz.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 98% blue and 99% gold finishes, minor handling evidence, a few freckles of spotting, and sharp checkering and carving on the stock and forend. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,500 - 12,000
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