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LOT 37
Attractive Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle - Serial
no. 20126, 44 RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue/ silver finish, walnut stock.
The custom engraving on this Winchester Model 1866 rifle from
1869 was inspired by patterns from
renowned 19th century master engraver L.D. Nimschke. These patterns are similar to
the Nimschke’s smoke pulls, published in R.L. Wilson’s “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” on pages 55 and 56. An autographed
copy of Wilson’s book is included. The frame is decorated with beautifully executed scrollwork on punch dot background. In the
center of the scroll is a large screaming eagle head on the left side plate. The right side of the frame is engraved to match at the
front and rear with a large blank scroll on the right side plate. Behind the blank inscription scroll is a shield divided between stars
and stripes. The inscription scroll and shield pattern is found on Nimschke’s signed engraved Model 1866 rifle no. 35383 as pictured
in “L.D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver” on page xxviii. The same star pattern is used in two details on the underside of the frame. Light
scroll engraving is on the buttplate tang and forend. Floral blossoms are engraved on the top and bottom of the frame and behind
the hammer. The rifle is fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. The top barrel
flat is stamped “HENRY’S PATENT-OCT. 16. 1860/KING’S-PATENT-MARCH 29, 1866” ahead of the rear sight. The buttstock and buttplate are
numbered to the gun. Sling swivels are mounted on the underside of the forend and buttstock. With a four piece cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Fine as professionally custom embellished. The barrel and the magazine retains 40% thinned refinished blue finish. 80% of the age darkened replated silver finish remains on the frame and buttplate. The engraving is crisp. The refinished wood is also fine with a stress crack at the upper tang, a strike mark on the right side of the buttstock, and some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. An attractive Winchester Model 1866 rifle with exceptionally well done custom engraving.
Estimate: 12,000 - 18,000
41
SIMILAR EXAMPLE PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BOOK L.D. NIMSCHKE: FIREARMS ENGRAVER BY WILSON