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LOT 3002
Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Configured Model 1886
Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 38652, 40-82 WCF cal.,
26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured
in 1889, just the third year of production, this is a solid example of a special ordered
Winchester Model 1886 rifle. When introduced, the John Browning designed ‘86 represented
a vast upgrade in rugged strength, allowing them to utilize the most powerful cartridges of the period. These powerful
caliber offerings, as well as their rugged, dependable nature, quickly made the 1886 desirable and popular in the American
West among anyone who could get their hands on one. It is not hard to imagine a rifle like this, that shows some honest use, in the hands of a wealthy
rancher or business owner somewhere on the frontier. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .40-82 caliber with a 30 inch octagon barrel, plain trigger, “sling and swivels” and a fancy pistol grip stock not
checkered when received at the warehouse on 7 January 1890, and shipped the following day in order number 7743. Currently the rifle has a 26 inch octagonal barrel, which has most likely been replaced.
The “no checkering” notation in the letter appears correct, with checkering close in configuration to the factory deluxe H-pattern having been added during the period of use. The rifle has standard markings
throughout, and the left side of the lower tang is marked “256 XX”, with “256” repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver “Sporting” blade front sight, an elevation
adjustable No. 24 “Sporting” notch rear sight, and sling swivels on the forearm cap and bottom of the stock. It is fitted with a very nicely figured, professionally period checkered forearm and pistol grip stock
with an ebony insert at the bottom of the grip and crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 60% of the original blue finish and 40% plus of the vibrant original case colors with some dents on the front sight, mild edge and high spot wear showing a grey patina and some scattered light
surface spotting on the receiver. The period checkered and re-oiled wood is also fine with some scattered minor dings and well-defined checkering. Mechanically excellent. A solid example of an attractively configured Model 1886
rifle that shows honest, possibly frontier, use!
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 3001
Very Fine Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine
with Factory Letter - Serial no. 259432, 38 WCF cal., 20 inch round bbl.,
blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1904, this is an attractive example
of the Winchester Model 1892 saddle ring carbine. From their introduction as
an updated replacement to the legendary Model 1873, these ‘92 rifles and carbines were
immensely popular in the American West. Much like their predecessors, the Model 1892s found widespread popularity
due to sharing many calibers with the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver, with both guns remaining in widespread
use in more wild parts of the West by ranchers, farmers, and lawmen well into the 20th century. These guns often spent many hard years as working
guns in a harsh environment, making high condition examples like this one quite scarce. The included factory letter lists the carbine in .38 caliber when received
at the warehouse on 4 August 1904, and shipped on 6 August 1904 in order number T113356. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address
and patent date, while the caliber marking is at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information, and the serial number is
marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a pinned German silver blade front sight, folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It
is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% of the original blue finish, 80% plus of the vibrant original case colors on the hammer and lever, and 85% plus of the original nitre blue
on the loading gate with some mild handling wear and some scattered light scratches, typical of limited use. The refinished wood is fine with a few scattered light dings and
scratches. Mechanically excellent. A very fine example of an early 20th century Model 1892 saddle ring carbine!
Estimate: 6,500 - 8,500
LOT 3000
Exceptional Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action
Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 240135B, 38 WCF cal., 24 inch
octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1887 as a third
model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edge. The barrel
is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the
two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and “38 W.C.F.” at the breech. The cartridge
elevator is marked “38 CAL.” The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1873,” and the lower tang has the serial number. Mounted on a
nicely figured, smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The included factory
letter confirms the rifles current configuration as well as receipt at the warehouse on May 25, 1887 and shipped July 11, 1887 on order number 20549.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retaining 85% plus bright, original, high polish blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance mixed with some light scattered
small spots of dark surface rust on the sides of receiver. 50% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. 50% original case colors remain on the lever and
hammer, and patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is also very fine showing minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 7,000 - 9,000
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