Page 25 - 88-BOOK3

Scrollwork extends the forend cap and trapdoor crescent
buttplate. Apart from the masterfully executed engraving,
the rifle has the standard two-line Winchester address/King’s
patent marking on the top barrel flat and the small block
numeral serial number within an engraved banner on the lower
tang between the trigger and lever latch. The rifle is fitted with a
dovetail blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight. Sling swivels are mounted on
the underside of the forend cap and buttstock. The left side of the lower tang is stamped “O/ XXX.” The stock inlet has the partial matching serial number “3673.” The buttplate has the full matching serial number “103673.” Included in the butt is a four piece cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 40% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. 30% of original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The forend cap, frame, and buttplate retain strong traces of original gold finish in the protected areas of the engraving, otherwise the brass components display a highly attractive mellow appearance. The engraving is crisp. The wood is very good with an overcoat of varnish and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a highly sought after factory exhibition grade gun in a serial number range of Model 1866s linked to both the 1876 Centennial Exhibition
in Philadelphia and the 1878 Exposition Universelle in Paris. Its profuse deep chiseled engraving with relief game scenes make it a fantastic piece of 19th century Winchester artistry.
Estimate: 75,000 - 110,000
23