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LOT 3035
Attractive Engraved Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle with Pauline Muerrle Authentication Letter - Serial no. 337179, 22 magnum rimfire cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1962 with standard barrel markings as well as Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The included letter from Winchester factory engraver, author, and historian, Pauline Muerrle states that this rifle was
engraved by Winchester factory engraver, Nick Kusmit in the No. 8 pattern with additional scrollwork added. The writer believes that the engraving
may have been executed by Kusmit, but was likely done subsequent to the rifle leaving the factory. The engraving features a pair of squirrels on the left of the receiver and a trio of rabbits on the right, both surrounded by scrollwork and decorative borders. It is fitted with blade front and adjustable notch rear sights, seventeen-groove
flat-bottom slide handle, and a pistol grip stock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate. Also includes a letter from W.J. Ruth stating that it is their belief that it is a factory original special order rifle, a statement this writer disagrees with.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 97% plus of the professionally reapplied, factory quality, blue finish with some light cycling wear, a few softened markings, and otherwise crisp engraving. The refinished wood is also very fine with a small spot of filler on the bottom of the pistol grip and a few scattered minor dings. Mechanically excellent Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3036
Desirable Pre-World War II Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in Rare .22 W.R.F. Octagonal Barrel Configuration - Serial no. 2582, 22 WRF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1932. Beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, standard markings, including Winchester factory oval proofs on the octagonal barrel and receiver at the breech, as well as the “W.R.F.” marking on the front of the receiver. Eleven-groove flat bottom forearm and pistol grip buttstock with a checkered steel buttplate. CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with some light edge and cycling wear. The wood is fine with a hairline crack in the right upper portion of the wrist, a few areas of mild staining/discoloration on the buttstock, and some scattered minor dings. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
LOT 3037
Pre-World War II Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle - Serial no. 16924, 22 S L L R cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1936. Beaded blade front and Winchester
32B elevation adjustable rear notch sights, second style barrel inscription, Winchester “WP” proofs on barrel and receiver at the breech, matching numbers on the receiver and trigger guard assembly, correct early style checkered hammer catch and smooth trigger, and factory
drilled and tapped upper tang with Marble flip up peep sight. 11 groove forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate. CONDITION: Very fine with 99% professionally restored blue, very slight plum coloration visible on the receiver, and traces of some blue on the otherwise bright muzzle. The wood is also very fine with some small scattered dings, and light spotting on the buttplate. Estimate: 1,800 - 2,750
LOT 3038
Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in .22 WRF - Serial no. 178210, 22 WRF cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1952 and subsequently upgraded to current configuration. Beaded blade front and elevation adjustable notch rear sights, third style barrel inscription, Winchester “WP” proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, smooth round top receiver, and
serrated trigger and hammer catch. 17 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate. The round
barrel Model 61 chambered for .22 W.R.F. was only cataloged between 1947 and 1950 according to the information
provided in “Winchester Slide Action Rifles: Volume II” by Ned Schwing. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with 99% bright factory quality blue finish remaining, scattered light handling marks, and very light slide retraction marks on the barrel. The wood is very fine with some small dings and refinished buttplate. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 3039
Very Fine Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle with Original Box - Serial no. 129763, 22 S L L R cal., 24 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in
1950. Beaded blade front and Winchester 32B elevation
adjustable rear notch sights, second style barrel inscription, Winchester
“WP” proofs on barrel and receiver at the breech, matching numbers on the receiver and trigger guard assembly, serrated hammer catch, and smooth
trigger. 17 groove forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate. Includes correct model factory box (partial end label with partially legible serial number).
CONDITION: Very fine with 90% original blue overall. The wood is very fine with some small dings, bruises, and visible oxidation on the buttplate. Box is very good with corner and edge wear, as mentioned
partial label, and storage wear. Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750