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LOT 1036
Highly Attractive and Desirable Conrad F. Ulrich Factory Engraved Special Order Nickel Trimmed
Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle - Serial no. 109544, 44 Henry RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/nickel finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1872, this is a highly attractive and desirable example
of a special ordered Winchester Model 1866 lever action rifle exhibiting an early example of the deluxe
factory engraving that three of the Ulrich brothers brought to New Haven, Connecticut around this time.
Conrad F., John, and Herman L. are all first listed in the New Haven directories as engravers in 1873-1874,
though it is likely they arrived sometime during the course of 1872, meaning this rifle represents one
of their earliest pieces of art for Winchester. This particular rifle was almost certainly, at least primarily,
the work of Conrad F. Ulrich, and it is pictured on p. 88 of “Winchester Engraving” by R.L. Wilson, where
it is described as “a most extraordinary example of decorative treatment by the Ulrichs.” Though never
officially listed as a Winchester employee, Conrad F. was most certainly responsible for a large portion of
the company’s early factory engraving, and was arguably their most talented artisan during that period,
with his work remaining highly desirable on the collectors market to this day. By 1875-1876, Conrad had
also begun engraving for Marlin, which culminated in 1881 with him being hired as their factory Master
Engraver, leaving a short period of time in which he created Winchester works of art, increasing their
collectability dramatically.
The rifle itself is a Third Model with the less pronounced drop at the rear of the receiver in front of the
hammer, as well as the block serial number marking, though it is not marked behind the trigger as
is typical for the Third Model. George Madis notes on p.71 of “The Winchester Book” that these block
serial numbers at the rear of the lower tang are a rare feature found on few Model 1866s, and almost
exclusively a feature of special order guns. This specific rifle has a rare and desirable, special order, two-
tone finish, with the barrel blued and the remainder having nickel plating. The receiver shows more than
three-quarter coverage, stunningly executed factory floral scroll and border engraving in the classic
Ulrich style, featuring many of the kidney/shell motifs quite prominently, which were also a popular
pattern of the legendary L.D. Nimschke. The scrollwork is laid boldly on an interesting mixed background
of beading, crosshatched panels, and stippling, a combination not seen on many examples. The most
unique feature of the engraving however is found on the left sideplate, which prominently shows a cross
and crown surrounded by negative space for contrast. This symbol is deeply associated with Christianity,
long interpreted as representing the reward in heaven coming after the trials in life. The symbol has been
adopted by many Christian denominations and organizations including the Freemasons, particularly
the Knights Templar degree of the York Rite, in which it is referred to as the “Knight Templars Blood-Red
Passion Cross and Crown”. The floral scroll engraving is extended to the forearm cap, the buttplate tang,
the upper tang, and a border and flourish around the serial number on the lower tang. The top of the
barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King’s patent marking. The left side of the lower
tang is marked “V/X”. There is a faint, illegible marking (possibly traces of the serial number) visible in the
stock inlet, and the matching serial number is stamped inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a German
silver No. 21 blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, and a peep sight mounted on the upper tang.
It is also fitted with a special ordered set of factory sling swivels mounted on the bottom of the forearm
cap and bottom of the stock. It is mounted with a very finely deluxe figured, smooth forearm and straight
grip stock with high-gloss varnish and fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included
four-piece cleaning rod.
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