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LOT 24
Documented Special Order Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no.
8549, 40-60 WCF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. The Winchester Model 1876 became very popular
among those on the western frontier who had a desire for more firepower than was available in the Model 1873. Most of the
chamberings available for the Model 1876 were capable of making quick work of even the most dangerous game or enemies that might be
encountered in the Wild West. This example, a second model manufactured in 1879, is a prime example of that, with its original owner having a desire for both firepower AND portability, having ordered it with a
shorter than standard barrel. According to George Madis in “The Winchester Book”, only one of every 800 Model 1876 rifles had a shorter than standard barrel. The special order 24 inch barrel is marked on the upper flat
with the two-line address/King’s patent and correctly lacks caliber markings. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked “4037”, which is repeated in the upper stock inlet. It is fitted with a combination Beach front sight, folding ladder rear sight, and a tang mounted peep sight. Both the Beach and peep sights are listed as special order features. It is mounted with a nicely figured, rifle length, smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a four-piece cleaning rod. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration including the special order shorter than standard barrel and sights, as well as receipt at the warehouse on 11 August 1879 and shipment the same day.
CONDITION: Very good, retains traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas with the balance showing mostly a smooth bright grey patina with some scattered patches of light pitting and some darker patina on the buttplate, all typical of a gun that saw countless miles in the Old West. The nicely figured, select wood is also very good showing the scattered minor dings and scratches of use, but evidence of care taken by the original owner who likely entrusted his life with this rifle. Mechanically excellent. A scarce special order Winchester Model 1876 short rifle that has the look of many stories to tell!
Estimate: 2,750 - 4,250
LOT 25
Scarce and Desirable Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1886
Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter - Serial no. 115329, 38-56 WCF cal., 22 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut stock.
Manufactured in 1898, this is one of only 652 Model 1886 carbines among the existing records chambered in .38-56 W.C.F. This specific carbine is further rare being
that it is one of only 75 recorded as ordered with a shotgun butt. The Model 1886 became extremely popular on the frontier due to its large and powerful caliber
options, as well as its improved durability over previous Winchester lever models. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address in front of the rear sight and caliber
marking at the breech. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the lower tang is marked with the patent dates and serial number. It is fitted with a pinned German silver front
sight, folding ladder rear sight, and a tang mounted Lyman peep sight. It’s mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate. The included factory
letter confirms the configuration including the special order buttplate as well as shipment on 26 August 1898.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 30% of the original blue finish, primarily on the magazine, with the balance having thinned to either a smooth brown or smooth grey patina with some scattered light surface pitting and oxidation, typical of a working gun that spent years on the frontier. The wood is also very good with a couple hairline cracks and old minor chips in the forearm and otherwise some scattered minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A scarce special order Winchester Model 1886 full of Wild West character!
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 26
Documented Antique Austin, Texas Shipped Colt First
Generation Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 174130, 45
LC cal., 7 1/2 inch round bbl., nickel finish, hard rubber grips. The Colt Single Action Army is one of the most iconic firearms of the
American west, and it, alongside the Winchester Model 1873, are often cited as the “guns that won the west”. This example certainly
has the look of “been there, done that”. Manufactured in early 1898 with the standard one-line address on top of the barrel and caliber
marking on the left, two-line patent dates and Rampant Colt on the left of the frame, and matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger
guard, and back strap, with the assembly number “465” on the loading gate. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well
as shipment to Walter Tips in Austin, Texas on 13 May 1898. Also included in a brass collection type tag marked “GRT/169”.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 40% of the original nickel finish with some mild flaking throughout showing mostly an untouched
original grey-brown patina on the balance with some light pitting, typical of a revolver that spent many years in a holster as
a trusted companion on the frontier. The very good grips show even moderate wear and handling marks, consistent with having been
pointed many times throughout its service. Mechanically excellent. A Single Action Army with the look of having been a part of “winning the west”! Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500
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