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Thus, the company may have presented this rifle as part of their efforts to regain Swiss contracts or perhaps as a thank you to one of the Swiss officers or government officials that had been involved in the earlier contracts. Unless further documentation comes to light, we may never now the precise reason for its engraving. However, the other high end Winchesters from the late 1860s and early 1870s clearly demonstrate the finest Winchesters of the era, especially the gold plated rifles,
were first used as factory exhibition pieces prior to being presented to influential leaders. This rifle may have possibly been at the 1873 World’s Fair in Vienna. There were also many other international exhibitions
in the period, including the Annual International Exhibitions held in London in 1871-1874. Given we know Winchester was using the results of the Swiss trials to promote their wares, the Swiss Cross emblem
may have been specifically chosen for this highlight the success in those trials while the hunting scene were fitting for a rifles displayed in London given the British Empire’s reach into Africa and the Indian sub- continent where Winchesters would prove to be fitting hunting rifles.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The engraving remains crisp throughout. The barrel and magazine tube retain 85% plus of the original dark blue finish. The loading gate, sights, and many of the screws and other small parts also retain the vast majority of their original blue finish. The hammer retains nearly all of the vibrant original case colors, while the lever has mostly gray and brown patina. There
is 75% plus original gold plating remaining on the frame and forend cap, otherwise attractively aged patina on the balance of brass. Wear
is very limited throughout and is mostly from age and light handling. The wood is very fine and has attractive figure, several mild scratches and dings, some very tiny flakes at the edges of the wrist, and minor overall wear. Mechanically excellent. This rifle is an extreme rarity. Winchester’s engraved by Gustave Young are nearly impossible to find, and new examples never before seen by collectors are even more so. This incredible rifle very well may be tucked away and never seen again in our lifetimes, so do not miss out on your opportunity to own this incredible work of art.
Estimate: 200,000 - 325,000