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LOT 3034
Attractive, Highly
Desirable, and Well-
Documented Ulrich Factory
Engraved and Silver
Plated Winchester Model
1866 Lever Action Rifle as
Pictured in “Winchester
Engraving” by R.L. Wilson
- Serial no. 25534, 44 Henry
RF cal., 24 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/silver finish, walnut
stock. Manufactured in 1869,
this is an exceptional example
of a factory engraved
Winchester Model 1866 rifle, representing one of
the earliest works by the legendary Ulrich brothers, who arrived
in New Haven, Connecticut, at the Winchester factory in 1869. This particular rifle is unsigned, which is unsurprising given how
early in their tenure at Winchester this would have been. This particular rifle is pictured on p. 70 of “Winchester Engraving” by R.L. Wilson
in the chapter covering the Model 1866 and the Ulrichs. While not attributed to a specific Ulrich brother, it is believed that the engraving
on this rifle is the work of either Conrad F. Ulrich or John Ulrich. This pair of Ulrich brothers in particular would go on to become two of the
most influential and talented American engravers of the 19th century, creating a plethora of masterpieces for both Winchester and Marlin
which remain extremely desirable among collectors to this day. On p. 68 of the same book, the Model ‘66 with serial number 27412 and
a fairly similar engraving pattern is described as “considered one of the first Ulrich engraved Model 1866 rifles”, illustrating just how early
in their careers with Winchester this particular piece was crafted. The engraving on this particular rifle is extensive, encompassing most of
the receiver, the sides of the forearm cap, and the tang of the buttplate, all of which have a special ordered silver plated finish. The right
sideplate features a small game scene exhibiting a grouse in a field, while the left side has a blank escutcheon which was likely intended for a
monogram or inscription.
As pictured & described in
Winchester Engraving by Wilson
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