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The upper stock inlet and inside of the buttplate are also stamped with the serial number “38056”. The left interior side of the upper tang is signed with the “J.U.” initials of master engraver John Ulrich. The grade of the fancy grain walnut stock and forearm, “O X X X”, is stamped on the left side of the upper tang behind the initials. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: “WINCHESTER’S- REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING’S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED -MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER
16. 1860.” ahead of the rear sight. The barrel has a “Rocky Mountain” style front sight with nickel-silver blade and Henry style folding leaf rear sight. An early Sharps style folding peep sight with 3 1/2-inch stem is mounted on the upper receiver tang. The Henry style buttplate has a sharply pointed heel and hinged trap door. Gold plated Winchester sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. The forearm cap, sides, top and bottom of the receiver, cartridge elevator and buttplate heel are engraved with intertwined foliate and arabesque scrollwork on a fine punch-dot background with scalloped single and double line borders. The left side plate features a highly detailed game scene of a hound chasing a leaping stag. The right side plate has an open inscription panel surrounded by scrollwork.
CONDITION: Excellent. The rifle retains 90% plus of the strong original blue and silver-plated finish with distinct vibrant flashed of original gold visible on the sling swivels and protected areas of the forearm cap and receiver. The barrel legend is crisp. The loading gate retains 90% of the original fire blue finish. Hammer and lever retain nearly all of their original casehardened finish muted on exposed points
and vibrant in flashes. The sliver-plated forearm cap, receiver and buttplate show light to moderate wear on contact points. The intricate and flawlessly executed engraving is crisp. The highly figured, fancy grade, walnut stock and forearm remain in very fine condition with a few scattered handling and storage marks. This is a truly magnificent example of a one of one deluxe, factory engraved, John Ulrich signed Winchester Model 1866 rifle.
Estimate: 75,000 - 125,000
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