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This incredible exhibition/presentation engraved and gold inlaid Winchester Model 1866 was manufactured c. 1869 and was later discovered in Europe
as has been the case with a few other factory exhibition engraved and gold plated Winchesters. The engraving is among the finest work ever executed by Young. The scrollwork is classic Germanic scrollwork and matches nicely with the engraving Young executed for Colt in the 1850s and also has similarities with his engraving for Smith & Wesson, especially his early work there. The three different animal heads inhabiting the scrollwork on the right side of the frame towards the rear, the left side at the front of the side plate, and the rear of the left side plate are all typical of Young’s earlier engraving. The two canine heads in particular compare very well with the documented “Gustave Young List” Colt Model 1849 Pocket sn. 90389 solid by Rock Island Auction in May of 2022 for example. The engraving consists of borders and scroll panels at the muzzle and breech end of the barrel and on the gold plated forend cap, frame, and buttplate. The use of floral blooms within the scrollwork are common features in Young’s work. The right side of the frame at the front features a detailed scene of a man on horseback armed with a rifle.
The right side plate has a scene of
showing what appears to be a spotted
hyena taking an antelope or a similar species. The left side has a distinctive Swiss cross design at the front and a very detailed scene of a hunter with a
rifle and his dog pursuing a tiger. The barrel has a dovetailed front sight with nickel-silver blade, the two-line Winchester address and patent marking, and a notch and folding ladder rear sight with 900 yard top notch. The serial number is marked on the lower tang under the lever, and a “G” is marked on the tang under the stock. The stock is nicely figured walnut. Sling swivels are fitted to the forend cap and bottom of the buttstock, and the stock compartment holds a four-piece cleaning rod.
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