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Henry Elling
LOT 61
Historic Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action .45-90 WCF Rifle Owned by Millionaire Montana Banker Henry Elling with Factory Letter - Serial no. 23274, 45-90 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/ casehardened finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1888. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger when received in the warehouse on September 17, 1888 and shipped on November 2, 1888. The rifle is
fitted with a W.F. Sheard blade front sight, an elevation adjustable rear sight, and a folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and “45-90 WCF” at the breech. The straight grip stock is fitted with a solid crescent buttplate. This rifle belonged to successful Montana banker Henry Elling. An accompanying handwritten letter of provenance by George A. Smith of Hamilton, Montana, states he obtained “this gun from descendants of Henry Elling.” Henry Elling (1842-1900) was born in Prussia, and he, along with a younger brother, came to the United States in 1857, settling in Missouri with an older brother after the death of both
parents. His first business venture in Montana was a small general goods store in Virginia City in 1864. In 1873, he opened a banking house. This started a prosperous life long career in Montana banking. He assisted
in the organization of several banks, became the president of six banks, and was elected as the director of the State National Bank of Miles City.
By all accounts his banking enterprises were very fruitful, earning him
the respect from both the community and fellow bankers. He also had interests in ranching, mines, mills and the Gallatin Light, Power and Railway Company that held the street railway and electric lighting franchisees of the city of Bozeman. Through hard work and perseverance Elling became
a versatile frontier entrepreneur highly respected in the financial and business world of Montana. His efforts showered him with tremendous wealth, eventually becoming the richest man in the county. “When he came to Montana he did not have dollar, and he died several times a millionaire,” reported a local period newspaper at the time of his death. Several accompanying original documents related to Elling’s business enterprises include an 1872 dated Henry Elling retailer dealer receipt, four receipts from the retailer Elling, Knight & Buford circa 1895,
two financial records on Henry Elling, Banker letterhead and signed by Elling, a canceled Henry Elling, Banker check, three financial statements on Banking House of Henry Elling letterhead, three financial statements on Elling State Bank letterhead, and canceled Banking House of Henry Elling check signed by Elling. Modern photographs of Henry Elling’s home and gravesite are also included.
CONDITION: Very good plus, retaining 40% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. Traces of original niter blue remain on the loading gate. The remaining surfaces retain patterns of original case colors. The wood is very good with a couple hairline stress cracks at the upper tang, shallow pressure mark on the right side of the forearm and minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A historic Winchester Model 1886 linked to millionaire Montana banker showing true frontier use and care.
Provenance: The John Fox Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000
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