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LOT 1044
Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 34506, 40-65 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue/casehardened finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1889, the Winchester Model 1886 was a rugged rifle designed by John Browning that offered very similar firepower to the
earlier Model 1876, but in a smaller, more robust package. Thus, just as its predecessor, the Model 1886 quickly found popularity among those on the
frontier who needed as rifle as rugged as their lifestyle. This example has the early casehardened receiver which was only standard on the Model 1886 until 1902.
The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address in front of the rear sight and the caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is marked on the upper tang,
and the two-line patent dates and serial number are on the lower tang. It is fitted with a blade front sight and elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight. It’s mounted with a smooth forearm and
straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.
CONDITION: Very good, retains 40% of the original blue finish and 20% of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey-brown patina, having all appearances of a rifle cared for by someone who depended on it. The wood is also very good, showing similar care to the metal, with the scattered minor handling marks of a working gun. Mechanically excellent. A fine, honest, working rifle! Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500
LOT 1045
Unique “Texas Folk Art” Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 42590, 40-60 WCF cal., 28 inch round 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. The increased
firepower introduced with the Winchester Model 1876 was very desirable on the frontier among those who didn’t find the modest stopping power of
the Model 1873’s caliber offerings to be sufficient. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/King’s patent marking in front of the rear sight
and the caliber marking at the breech. The model designation is marked on the upper tang, serial number on the lower tang, and caliber designation repeated on the
bottom of the cartridge elevator. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a
sling swivel on the bottom and a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). The forearm has been hand carved with diamond panels of checkering, and the wrist has been hand checkered
with a five-pointed star on each side near the receiver, a symbol often associated with Texas. The right side of the buttstock has been attractively carved with a jumping stag. The carving on the forearm and stock appears to have been done long ago, possibly by the original owner passing the time by personalizing a trusted companion.
CONDITION: Good, retains traces of the original blue finish in sheltered areas with the balance having thinned to mostly a plum-brown patina and some scattered light speckling of rough oxidation. The wood is also good with some scattered minor handling marks and well-defined period carving that shows some mild wear from continued use on the frontier after it was done. Mechanically excellent. It is easy to imagine an individual sitting next to a fire on the frontier, adding this wonderful carving to his trusted Winchester Model 1876!
Estimate: 2,000 - 3,000
LOT 1046
Documented Texas Shipped Black Powder Colt Single Action Army Revolver with Factory Letter - Serial no. 142678, 45 LC cal., 5 1/2 inch round bbl., blue/casehardened finish, hard rubber grips. The Colt Single Action Army was one of the most popular handguns in late 19th century and is easily the most iconic and most thoroughly associated with the American West. This example was manufactured in 1890, and it certainly has the classic look of an authentic cowboy gun, as well as having been shipped to Dunlay & Geisler, a Houston, Texas retailer in 1891. The barrel has the correct one-line Hartford address on top. The caliber designation “45 CAL” is stamped on the left side of the barrel. The left side of the frame has the two-line patent dates marking and the Rampant Colt. Matching serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard and back strap, and the loading gate has assembly number “351”. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration (grips not listed) as well as shipment to Dunlay & Geisler in Houston, Texas on 2 October 1891. CONDITION: Very good, showing mostly a smooth grey patina with some traces of the original blue finish and case color patterns in sheltered areas along with a few small patches of light pitting near the muzzle, as is typical of a gun that spent years working on the Texas frontier. The replacement grips are also very good showing the moderate wear overall. Mechanically excellent. Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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