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LOT 3018
Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .44 W.C.F. - Serial no. 375736B, 44 WCF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1884 as a Third Model with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. Two-line address/King’s patent
marking and “44 W.C.F.” on the top barrel flat, model designation on the upper tang, serial number on the lower tang, and “44 CAL.” on the bottom of
the cartridge elevator. Fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and
a nicely figured straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).
CONDITION: Fine, retains 50% of the original blue finish with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth brown patina and a few patches of course brown oxidation on the buttplate. 25% of the original case colors and nitre blue remain on the hammer and loading gate. The wood is also fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 2,500 - 3,750
LOT 3019
Desirable Documented 16 Inch Barrel Special Order Winchester Model 1892 Lever
Action Short Rifle in .44 W.C.F. with Factory Letter - Serial no. 140111, 44 WCF cal., 16
inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The accompanying factory letter confirms the 16
inch octagon barrel in 44 W.C.F. with plain trigger. This very scarce and desirable Model 1892
short rifle was received in the warehouse on May 15, 1900, and shipped on the first day of June that
same year. The rifle is fitted with a dovetailed front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. On the right rear side of the barrel are two British proof marks stamped ahead of the breech, as well as an additional British proof beneath the serial number on the bottom of the receiver. The forearm and buttstock are walnut, with the later fitted with a steel crescent buttplate. Per Winchester expert and author George Madis, “One of each 850 rifles in this model had barrels shorter than standard.” He also noted, “The short rifles are rare, since most people preferred the lighter weight carbines if they wanted a shorter gun” (The “Winchester Book,” page 375 and 377).
CONDITION: Very good overall, showcasing a classic “as found” patina on a rifle that has spent a lifetime of service in a hostile environment while retaining 25% of the original blue finish in the protected areas mostly in the recesses of the barrel flats and magazine tube. The fine wood shows honest wear and use with a repaired forearm and a couple filled blemishes in the wrist. Mechanically fine. An overall very good example of a less common working-man’s Winchester.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 3020
Fine Antique Black Powder Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single
Action Army Revolver with
Relief Carved Steer Head
Pearl Grips and Tooled
Leather Slim Jim Holster
- Serial no. 63996, 44-40
WCF cal., 7 1/2 inch round
bbl., nickel finish, pearl grips.
Manufactured in 1881, this antique
.44 WCF SAA features desirable nickel finish and period pearl grips with a large relief carved steer head on the right panel. The nickel plating and pearl grips radiate late
19th century wealth while the carved
steer head made for a must have personal touch for any affluent cattle rancher
looking for a status symbol carried at the hip. The evenly worn condition certainly gives the appearance of seeing a lifetime of service as a trusty sidearm. The barrel has the one-line Hartford address on top and “44” in small font on the underside. The frame has the three-line patent dates marking, and the left side of the trigger guard is stamped “44 CF.” Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, back strap, cylinder, and barrel. With a lightly tooled leather holster.
CONDITION: Fine, retaining 50% plus original nickel finish, otherwise displaying a classic smooth gray patina of a well-traveled sidearm. The well worn muzzle crown speaks to a lifetime of service at the hip. The grips proudly displays similar working gun character with a few small chips, repaired right panel, and attractive fiery colors. Mechanically needs work. The holster is very fine.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
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