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LOT 8
Highly Attractive Documented Special Order Factory
Engraved Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle
with Rare Express Sight and Factory Letter - Serial no.
398807B, 44 WCF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/nickel finish,
walnut stock. The included factory letter (copy) lists this
special order Winchester Model 1873 rifle with an octagon barrel in .44 caliber, set trigger,
seven leaf express rear sight, Beach front sight, sling swivels, sling (not included), factory engraving at an additional cost of
$2.50, and nickel trim as well as received in the warehouse on December 22, 1891, and shipped on December 24, 1891. The rifle was later restored
by Turnbull Restoration Co. to manufactured specifications including new barrel, stock and forend. The combination Beach front sight is a replacement.
The Winchester 60A seven leaf express rear sight with platinum sight lines is original. The engraving consists of a circular scene of a bull elk with three birds overhead and trees and foliage in the background, lined borders, and scroll engraving with floral accents, and the engraving extends to flourishes on the elevator, buttplate tang, forend cap, and dust cover. The third model receiver is fitted with a single set trigger. The top barrel flat has the two-line Winchester legend. The upper left barrel flat is marked “44 WCF” at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked “44 CAL.” The lower tang has the serial number. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate, and the butt compartment contains a four piece cleaning rod. Casehardened hammer and lever. Nickel plated forend cap, receiver, dust cover, and buttplate. Niter blue loading gate. Blued barrel and full length magazine tube. The straight grip stock and forearm are nicely figured plain walnut. Includes the original plain walnut forearm and straight grip stock.
CONDITION: Very fine as professionally restored overall, retaining 99% plus of the blue, nickel and casehardened finishes with very limited handing marks. The engraving is crisp. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Wayne Connor Collection.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
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