Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Iconic Firearms Collections at Auction, Day One
Sunday, March 15, 2015 | 10:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
An Event for the Ages, this highly anticipated fresh to the market offering will be the focus of those passionate about firearms history.12 prestigious collections will be featured.
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SCARCE REMINGTON KEENE BOLT ACTION HUNTERS OR SPORTING RIFLE.
Lot # 1179 (Sale Order: 176 of 563)
Low Estimate: 4,000High Estimate: 6,000
Cal. 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/2_ rnd bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight dovetailed into the front band. Rear sight is 1,000 yd Remington ladder style. Left rear side of receiver is marked with the caliber that was hand stamped with the "4_ perpendicular to the rest of the stamping. Mounted in an uncheckered, straight grain American walnut half stock with straight grip & smooth steel semi-crescent buttplate with rnd heel and trap containing a rare, orig 4-pc brass & steel cleaning rod. Right side of the stock, below the action, has a large screw through an escutcheon. It has a small curved arrow stamped in the wood front & back of the escutcheon. According to Flayderman's Guide To Antique American Firearms, there were about 5,000 of these rifles produced in the period 1880-1883 in five different versions and three calibers. This was Remington's first production bolt-action rifle in an attempt to compete with Winchester and Marlin for the Western and big game hunting market. Unfortunately, the buying public was not receptive and only a very few were bought by the military. Ordinarily these rifles are marked with the Remington name, address, and patent information. This one, however, is not, showing only the cal marking as previously described. This may indicate that it is a very early pre-production sample or possibly one of the few submitted to the Army for test trials. PROVENANCE: The Elliott Burka Estate Collection. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain most of their bright orig blue with only a couple of minor scratches and some light surface etching. Bbl bands retain most of their bright orig blue showing only light wear on the forearm band. Receiver retains about 80-85% blue mixed with a light patina. Trigger guard retains most of its bright orig blue. Stock is sound with a couple of small gouges, light nicks & scratches and retains most of its bright orig factory oil finish. Mechanics are fine, brilliant shiny bore. Cleaning rod is very fine. 4-54748 JR202
SCARCE VOLCANIC ARMS NAVY SIZE LEVER ACTION PISTOL.
Lot # 1180 (Sale Order: 177 of 563)
Low Estimate: 12,500High Estimate: 17,500
SN 1792. Cal 41. Usual configuration with 8" oct bbl that has integral magazine and nickel silver pin front sight with fixed rear sight in top flat of frame. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. SN was observed on right side of lever, right side of buttstrap and inside each grip. Left side of lever is marked with an "X". No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. There were about 1500 of these pistols manufactured 1855-1857. At about that time the Volcanic Co., name and patents were sold to Oliver Winchester which became the New Haven Arms Co.. The New Haven Co. was then the successor to the Volcanic Arms Co. which had acquired the earlier Smith & Wesson 1854 patent for their lever action pistols. The Volcanic line was not well received by the buying public primarily because of their underpowered cartridges, difficulty feeding and inability to extract a chambered rnd without resorting to a stick down the muzzle. The patent, however lived on and became the parent to the Model 1860 Henry rifle which resulted in the ultimately much more famous line of Winchester rifles beginning with the Model 1866. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 75-80% strong orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a dark patina. Right side of the bbl & magazine each have a spot of moderate pitting. Receiver & side plates show only light sharp edge wear with a couple of minor scratches and retain a fine medium mustard patina. Hammer retains dark case colors and the lever traces of orig blue. Grip frame has a few casting flaws under the grips. Grips are sound showing light edge wear with a worn area on the right grip and overall retain about 75-80% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore. 4-48058 JR213
SCARCE NEW HAVEN ARMS VOLCANIC NO.1 LEVER ACTION PISTOL.
Lot # 1181 (Sale Order: 178 of 563)
Low Estimate: 8,000High Estimate: 12,000
SN 1483. Cal 31. Fine, rare little pistol with 3-1/2" oct bbl that has integral magazine and pinched post front sight with fixed rear sight in top flat of frame. Mounted with smooth 2-pc walnut grips matching numbered to this pistol. SN was observed on left side of buttstrap and inside each grip. No additional disassembly was effected to check for other matching numbers. There were about 850 of these little pistols manufactured 1857-1860. The New Haven Arms Co. was the successor to the Volcanic Arms Co. which had acquired the earlier Smith & Wesson 1854 patent for their lever action pistols. The entire operation was then acquired by Oliver Winchester and renamed New Haven Arms Co. The Volcanic pistols enjoyed limited success because of their difficulty with feeding and underpowered cartridges. In addition, once a rnd was loaded into the chamber, the only way it could be extracted was to be pushed with a stick from the muzzle. The main distinction of the Volcanic patent is that it evolved into the Model 1860 Henry rifle which was the parent of all Winchester rifles beginning with the Model 1866. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine retain about 50% orig blue with the loss areas flaked, not worn to a light patina with a couple small spots of rust. Receiver & side plates are crisp with sharp edges and retain a medium mustard patina. Hammer retains strong case colors and the lever traces of orig blue. Grips are sound showing light wear and retain virtually all of their orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp; bright shiny bore with fine pitting in the grooves. 4-48057 JR212
SCARCE EARLY MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1182 (Sale Order: 179 of 563)
Low Estimate: 80,000High Estimate: 140,000
SN 884. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Spectacular early rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine, early nickel silver half moon front sight and an orig, 1st type 1000-yard Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut. SN was observed to be in the usual place on top bbl flat between receiver & rear sight, left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside buttplate tang. All stock & buttplate screws are orig and matching numbered to this rifle. Rnd section of bbl, under rotating sleeve, is marked with assembly number "276" which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. This rifle has all the attributes of the earliest Henry rifles: the follower tab is small size without a milled flat in the receiver, sharp radius at top rear of receiver, rear sight dovetail in top flat of receiver, small loop lever, perch belly stock and rnd heel brass buttplate with large trap and correspondingly large recess in the buttstock to accommodate the accompanying 4-pc hickory & steel wiping rod. Follower spring appears to be original. The Henry rifle was the first successful metallic cartridge lever action repeating rifle and as such was in great demand from the very beginning by pioneers & adventurers on the great American frontier. Almost immediately after production began Oliver Winchester attempted to garner government contracts but initially was unsuccessful. Regardless, with the outbreak of the Civil War individual soldiers and in some cases, entire regiments armed themselves with Henry rifles to great effect. The government eventually purchased over 3,000 Henry rifles to arm special "shock" troops. Most of those rifles produced during the Civil War saw very hard service and in the post-war period continued in service on the American frontier well into the 1870s and later. A large number of Henry rifles, along with their successor model, the 1866 Winchester were sold into Mexico & South America where the 44 RF cartridge retained popularity for many years. Henry rifles are rarely ever found with any orig finish and to find one with such high orig finish is an extraordinary rarity. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 93-95% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and some very minor surface spotting; receiver has sharp edges with a couple of very minor nicks on right side and some very small scratches on left side and shows an even medium to dark mustard patina; side plates appear to never have been removed; hammer retains strong bright case colors and lever case colors on the sides faded on outer faces; buttplate has matching patina to the receiver. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains 96-98% strong orig varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Wiping rod is also crisp & new. 4-55541 JR335
RARE CIVIL WAR ERA PRESENTATION INSCRIBED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1183 (Sale Order: 180 of 563)
Low Estimate: 40,000High Estimate: 60,000
Please note (3/3/15): There is a typo: Galpolis is spelled incorrectly. It should be "Gallipolis". SN 1534. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine with early style square back German silver front sight and second type 900 yard ladder rear sight. Top flat of receiver is also dovetailed for a rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with first type brass buttplate that has rnd heel. Rifle is second type with early features of a sharp radius at the top rear of the receiver, small magazine follower without a relief cut in the frame, small lever and small trigger pin. Buttstock is also early type with perch belly and a pronounced "Henry bump" on left side along with the scarce feature of a factory swivel mounted on the right side with corresponding staple & ring on right side of barrel. Buttplate has the large diameter trap with corresponding large diameter hole in the buttstock to accommodate the accompanying orig 4-pc hickory & steel wiping rod. Serial number was observed on top flat of bbl, between rear sight & frame, left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. All five screws of the buttstock & buttplate are also matching numbered. Assembly number "662" was observed on the rnd portion of the bbl, under loading sleeve and on rear face of loading sleeve. Right sideplate is period engraved "S. Wright, Ka / March 29th, 1863." This rifle was presented to Stapleton Wright, the Captain of the Union Steamboat "Victor No. 2", who piloted his boat through a Confederate ambush on the Kanawha River near Galipolis, Ohio on March 29, 1863. The Confederate force of about 800 men led by Gen. A.G. Jenkins had fought the 2nd Battle of Hurricane Bridge on March 28, 1863 with little or no losses on either side. The next day, as the Confederate force proceeded toward Point Pleasant the steamboat "Victor No. 2" hove into sight and the rebels hastily set up an ambush, ordering the steamboat to stop. Captain Wright refused, ordering full steam ahead and ran the ambush with no loss of life, although the boat & pilot house were much shot up. Later Capt. Wright was presented this rifle by the grateful Union authorities at Galipolis, Ohio. This presentation is mentioned in the Galipolis Journal on April 2, 1863. Capt. Stapleton Crutchfield Wright was born in 1839 and lived in Kanawha County, West Virginia where he worked as a steamboat Captain following a long line of river men from the Wright family. Accompanied by a 4-page hand written letter of authentication by famous author, George Madis, where he verifies most of the information about the rifle as noted above. Also accompanied by the book, History of Putnam County West Virginia, Volume I, Wintz, where the information regarding the ambush of Capt. Wright's boat is described with the subsequent presentation of the rifle to Capt. Wright. This rifle is pictured on p. 88. Capt. Wright's family genealogy is also listed on p. 134 of the referenced publication. Additionally there is a photograph of one of Capt. Wright's descendents, Ralph Wright, holding a Henry rifle. Also there is a history of ownership of this rifle as follows: Capt. Wright, his son James Wright, William McKinley (James' son), Bert Cook (husband of William's daughter Jane), Wayne Woodall (a pawnbroker in Buckhannon, WV, who in 1984 had loaned Bert Cook $5,000 and held the rifle as collateral). In 1999 Mr. Woodall sold the rifle to renowned collector/dealer Bobby Smith of TN. Mr. Smith apparently then sold the rifle to renowned collector Norm Vegely who sold it to the consignor. While presentation Henry rifles are not extraordinarily rare, those presented to non-military persons are exceedingly rare, especially for acts of valor by a civilian. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching as noted above. Bbl retains a fine blue/brown patina with about 40% strong blue in the gullets and around rear sight; receiver & sideplates show strong clean edges with little or no nicks or scratches and retain a wonderful dark mustard patina; hammer retains silvered case colors on the sides with the edges a dark patina; lever is also a dark patina; buttplate is matching patina to the receiver. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about 90% orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a few light scattered spots of fine pitting; wiping rod is extremely fine. 4-47918 JR1
FINE EARLY HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1184 (Sale Order: 181 of 563)
Low Estimate: 35,000High Estimate: 50,000
SN 1603. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine, early style squareback nickel silver front sight, a rear seat at the receiver and a dovetail in top flat of receiver containing an orig 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has the small 2-line Henry's patent & address roll marking forward of the rear seat & the SN back of the rear seat. Magazine follower tab is large size without relief cut in front of frame. Receiver is early style with sharp radius at the top rear and has small loop lever. Buttplate is early style with slight perch belly & buttplate with round heel. Mounted with uncheckered, very nicely figured straight grain American walnut with straight stock that has sling swivel base in the left side and the remains of a "Henry bump" below. There is a corresponding sling loop on left side of bbl. Buttplate has the large trap with a large recess in the stock to accommodate a 4-pc wood cleaning rod (not present). SN was observed in the usual place on top flat of bbl between receiver & rear sight, left side of lower tang, under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve, is marked with the assembly number "411" which number is also found on rear face on loading sleeve. This rifle was produced in about 1863 at the height of the Civil War when the Henry rifle was one of the most prized firearms on either side, Union or Confederate. The Union Army purchased 1731 of these rifles for issue to their troops. Several individual units private purchased Henry rifles to arm entire companies with them. The government furnished the ammunition. These units, with private purchase Henry's, were referred to as "sharp shooters" and were generally used as shock troops for their devastating fire power as compared to everyone else's muzzle loading or single shot arms, especially the Confederates. They referred to the Henry as "that damn Yankee rifle you load on Sunday and shoot all week". Almost certainly, this rifle would have been used in the Civil War and the fact that it remains in orig configuration with some orig finish is a near miracle. Not only did these rifles serve with distinction during the war, but then were used further for hunting and self-defense. Most of them traveled West during the great Westward expansion and saw even harder service on the American frontier. CONDITION: Fine, all matching including all three tang screws & both buttplate screws. Bbl & magazine retain traces of orig blue around the receiver & sling loop. The remainder of bbl & magazine is a cleaned grey metal patina with sharp edges on bbl giving rise to the belief that this rifle was near new before it was attacked with heavy steel wool or very fine sandpaper. Receiver & sideplates have a few minor scratches, very sharp edges and no evidence that the sideplates have ever been removed. Hammer retains mottled case colors & the lever traces of case colors, being mostly a grey brown patina. Stock is missing small slivers by top & bottom tangs, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, further giving rise to the thought that this rifle was near new before it was cleaned. 4-55308 JR284
RARE MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH RARE FULL LENGTH TELESCOPIC SIGHT.
Lot # 1185 (Sale Order: 182 of 563)
Low Estimate: 30,000High Estimate: 50,000
SN 3283. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine, a replacement copper blade front sight and a fixed rear sight with no dovetail in the receiver. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut, buttstock that has straight grip and early style brass buttplate with large trap and corresponding large recess in the buttstock to accommodate a 4-pc hickory cleaning rod (not present). Right side of wrist has the outline of an inspector's cartouche. Right bbl flat at the receiver has the "CGC" (Charles G. Chapman) inspector initials along with a small "C" and an "H" and "C" adjacent on the receiver. Right heel of buttplate also has a small "H". Top flat of bbl, just rear of the loading sleeve has a narrow dovetail containing a brass scope mount with corresponding elevation adjustable base in the top tang. Telescopic sight and mounts are unmarked, but very similar in nature to those made by the Malcolm Telescope Company as pictured in Madis, and is 33-7/8" long with a 5/8" steel tube and brass eyepiece with very fine crosshairs. SN was observed on the bbl and left side of lower tang, under the wood. Top tang channel of buttstock is somewhat battered with an internal crack and the number was not visible. Buttplate & two buttplate screws are numbered "3670". The three tang screws are properly unnumbered but are Henry screws. Although the buttstock & buttplate are replacements they are from the same shipment and it stands to reason that this was a field repair for a combat damaged buttstock. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve has the assembly number "966" which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Extremely few Henry rifles have ever been encountered with scope sights although there are some known, however it stands to reason that a regiment would have had one or more sharp shooters for long range sniping. This rifle was one of a total of 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the Union Army and was one of 800 ordered Dec. 30, 1863 and probably issued to the 1st D.C. Cavalry who were rushed into service for the Virginia Peninsula Campaign in the Spring of 1864. Many of their Henry rifles were lost in battle especially at Stony Creek and Sycamore Church in Virginia in June & September respectively. In August 1864 seven companies of the 1st D.C. Cavalry were transferred to the 1st Maine Cavalry and their Henry rifles went with them. Many more of their rifles were lost in battle in the ensuing months. In total there were 1,100 Henry rifles procured specifically for the 1st D.C. Cavalry with the final order of 800 falling within the 3000-4000 serial range including this rifle. The Winchester Book, Madis, on page 41 of the 1985 edition, 1 of 1000, states that in a letter dated Nov. 17, 1863, Oliver F. Winchester stated that "We intend to make both globe and telescope sight for our rifles. It will take a few weeks longer". This statement lends credence to the idea that this is possibly a factory installed scope. At the end of the war soldiers were permitted to purchase their Henry rifles and many did so. Those rifles were then employed for hunting and home defense as well as on the Great American Frontier. Many remained in service well into the 1870s and 1880s before being supplanted by centerfire cartridge firearms. Large numbers of Henry rifles were then sold to South & Central America where the 44 rimfire cartridge was still popular. With all of that service Henry rifles are rarely every found with high orig finish, most especially those martial arms. CONDITION: Good, numbered as noted above. Bbl & magazine retain a mottled, cleaned gray/brown patina with scattered very fine pitting and shows heavy wear; receiver & sideplates show moderate wear with nicks & scratches and retain a medium to dark mustard patina; lever & hammer retain traces of orig case colors being mostly a dark patina. Stock has a crack in the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with nicks, dings & scratches and retains most of an old added finish. Mechanics are fine, worn dark bore with a ring about 6" from the muzzle. Scope tube is a cleaned metal patina with scattered surface discoloration; optics need cleaning but seem fine. Lever latch is a replacement. 4-55307 JR287
SCARCE TYPE I MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1186 (Sale Order: 183 of 563)
Low Estimate: 30,000High Estimate: 50,000
SN 3921. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine and slightly altered, early nickel/silver front sight and a 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight. Top of receiver is without dovetail. Top flat of bbl has the large Henry's Patent and New Haven address in two lines forward of the rear sight and the SN between rear sight and receiver. SN was also observed on left side of lower tang, under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The two buttplate screws are also matching numbered while the three tang screws are correctly unnumbered but are orig Henry screws, probably orig to this rifle. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve has the assembly number "719" which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain buttstock with the distinctive "Henry bump" on left side and has a mostly legible "CGC" (Charles G. Chapman) cartouche on the right wrist. Right flat of bbl, at the receiver, also has the "CGC" inspector initials over a small "C" with two additional "C" initials adjacent on the receiver. There is an additional small "C" on the buttstock at the right heel by the buttplate and another adjacent on right heel of buttplate. This rifle was one of a total of 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the Union Army and was one of 800 ordered Dec. 30, 1863 and probably issued to the 1st D.C. Cavalry who were rushed into service for the Virginia Peninsula Campaign in the Spring of 1864. Many of their Henry rifles were lost in battle especially at Stony Creek and Sycamore Church in Virginia in June & September respectively. In August 1864 seven companies of the 1st D.C. Cavalry were transferred to the 1st Maine Cavalry and their Henry rifles went with them. Many more of their rifles were lost in battle in the ensuing months of the war. In total there were 1,100 Henry rifles procured specifically for the 1st D.C. Cavalry with the final order of 800 falling within the 3000-4000 serial range including this rifle. At the end of the war soldiers were permitted to purchase their Henry rifles and many did so. Those rifles were then employed for hunting and home defense as well as on the Great American Frontier. Many remained in service well into the 1870s and 1880s before being supplanted by centerfire cartridge firearms. Large numbers of Henry rifles were then sold to South & Central America where the 44 rimfire cartridge was still popular. With all of that service Henry rifles are rarely every found with high orig finish, most especially those martial arms. CONDITION: Very good. No orig finish remains with the bbl & magazine showing heavy wear and a dark brown patina with light pitting on right side flat; receiver & sideplates also show heavy wear with rounded edges and show a medium mustard patina having been cleaned a long time ago with dark coffee colored patina around the screws; lever & hammer are also a dark patina. Stock has some fine chips around the toe and a short hairline back of bottom tang, otherwise is sound with numerous small handling & use nicks & scratches and retains most of an old added finish with some heat crazing on both sides. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with sharp rifling and fine dark pitting. 4-55312 JR285
CIVIL WAR MARTIAL HENRY RIFLE SN 3279.
Lot # 1187 (Sale Order: 184 of 563)
Low Estimate: 12,000High Estimate: 15,000
SN 3279. Cal. 44 This is a standard first contract US government purchased Henry Rifle. This gun conforms to other models with two line bbl address "HENRY'S PATENT, OCT. 1860 MANUFCT'D BY THE NEW HAVEN ARMS CO." This gun appears complete and original with good discernible markings and is among the earliest SNs known of Civil War Henry's in martial range.. Accompanying this firearm is a 1999 letter from William Shugars of Pottstown, Pennsylvania stating his opinion like ours that this gun is a scarce martial and he also gives a list of the other 40 martial Henry's between SN 3177 and 3999 that he is aware of. This gun saw use, but markings are clear and brass has pleasant, smooth patina. PROVENANCE: Ed Lauer 1970. CONDITION: Gun is good overall with discernible markings, matching SNs on bbl frame and butt plate. Two frame tang screws appear replaced. There is no discernible SN internally on stock, but a faint ghost of an inspectors cartouche appears visible. Stock has old horizontal crack repair and putty fill at tang. There is a braised repair to upper tang through screw hole, otherwise brass though cleaned, has a yellow patina with scattered dents, dings and scratches. SN is well defined on bbl, as are small "H" proofs on either side of frame and right side of bbl. Only a "C" inspector is found on left bbl flat adjacent to bbl frame where most bbls have "GC" or "GCG". Mechanically, rifle is functional, retains both sling swivels. Bore shows discernible rifling, though well shot. 4-54480
EARLY ENGRAVED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1188 (Sale Order: 185 of 563)
Low Estimate: 7,500High Estimate: 12,500
SN 1328. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine with altered nickel silver front sight & a reproduction Henry-style ladder rear sight in the dovetail in top flat of receiver. Top flat of bbl also has a rear sight dovetail and the SN just forward of the receiver. Bbl address is very small & is probably spurious. Bbl is probably a reproduction by the the late Ron Kudrick from Reno, Nevada who made very faithful reproduction Henry rifles several years ago. The SN on the bbl is of a much smaller font than normal Henry numbers. Rnd portion of the bbl under the loading sleeve has the assembly number "1268" which number is also on rear face of loading sleeve and is of the same font as SN on top flat. SN is found on left side of lower tang, under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. These three sets of numbers are of the proper-sized font. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut buttstock that has early features including slight perch belly & rnd heel buttplate with large trap and corresponding large hole in the buttstock to accommodate a 4-pc wood cleaning rod (not present). Both buttplate screws & all three tang screws are orig to this rifle and are matching numbered. Receiver & buttplate tang are very nicely engraved by one of the Ulrich's with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns on both sides & front side panels. Each sideplate has an open inscription panel. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend over top three flats of receiver and onto top & bottom tangs. Buttplate tang is engraved to match. CONDITION: Fine, all matching with numbers as noted above. Bbl, lever & hammer retain a smooth, even plummy blue patina with strong blue in bbl gullets. Receiver & sideplates show moderate edge wear with light nicks & scratches having been cleaned a long time ago. Lever & hammer are a plummy brown, artificially aged patina. Buttstock has an internal crack through the lower buttplate screw hole, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains about all of a restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with some minor scattered pitting. 4-48098 JR278
ENGRAVED MODEL 1860 HENRY LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1189 (Sale Order: 186 of 563)
Low Estimate: 10,000High Estimate: 20,000
SN 2166. Cal 44 RF Henry. Silver & blue finish with 24-1/4" oct bbl that has integral magazine, early style square back, nickel silver front sight and 900 yd Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat of receiver also has a dovetail for rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut buttstock with straight grip and early style brass buttplate that has rnd reel & large trap with corresponding large recess in buttstock to accommodate the 4-pc hickory & iron wiping rod, which accompanies. Jag end of cleaning rod section is broken. Rifle has other early features including small 2-line bbl address, sharp radius at top rear of receiver, small loop lever and slight perchbelly stock. Left side of buttstock has the remnants of a "Henry Bump". SN was observed on top flat of bbl, left side of lower tang under the wood, top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. All three screws through the wrist and both buttplate screws are matching numbered to this rifle. Rnd section of bbl, under loading sleeve is marked with the assembly number "511" which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Receiver & buttplate tang are silver plated and after market engraved in L.D. Nimschke style with about full coverage on the sides consisting of the large vignette of a dog chasing a stag in a woodland scene on left side plate and an empty presentation panel on right side plate, all surrounded by very fine, deep engraved, foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background. Front side flats are engraved to match with a scrolls terminating in large flower blossom. Top of receiver is engraved with three matching panels and top tang is engraved to match. Carrier is engraved with the Nimschke style flower blossom. Buttplate tang has matching foliate arabesque patterns. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain 60-70% orig blue, strong in the gullets turning a little plum elsewhere; receiver & buttplate retain about all of their custom silver finish. Stock has a couple cracks in the toe otherwise is sound with nicks & dings and retains most of a very old, period of use refinish. Mechanics are fine; strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-55422 JR309
EXTREMELY RARE FIRST MODEL FLATSIDE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.
Lot # 1190 (Sale Order: 187 of 563)
Low Estimate: 30,000High Estimate: 50,000
SN 14484. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard carbine with 20" rnd bbl, full magazine, front sight integral with bbl band and a 2-position rear sight graduated 100-300-500 with a heart-shaped cutout. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and 2nd type Henry brass crescent buttplate with trap. Serial number was observed on left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Receiver has features of the parent Henry rifle with its sharp radius at the top rear edge, dovetailed sideplates at front & rear edges vs. later models with dovetails only at the front edges. Front flats of the receiver are without a flare at the front edges which leaves the forearm wood thin & vulnerable. Left side of lower tang is also marked with the tiny assembly numbers "325" which are also found inside the sideplates (not verified but accepted as fact from examination by renowned author George Madis). Bottom of bbl, under forearm, is marked with the matching SN, also verified by Mr. Madis. Magazine tube is first type with screwed-in cap. Bbl has Henry & King's patent markings. Most unusually, the buttstock has the rare "Henry bump" on left side as occasionally found on Henry rifles and rarely, and only on the very early First Models 1866. This carbine was produced in 1866 while the parent 1860 Henry rifle was still being manufactured and retains strong features and parts interchangeable with the Henry rifle. Accompanied by a 5-page letter from renowned researcher & author, George Madis, wherein he details most of the above information. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching & all original parts. Bbl & magazine tube retain a medium to dark smooth brown artificially aged patina with some fine pitting above the forearm by the bbl band and just in front of the receiver; bbl address is slightly thinned which is normal for these early '66s; receiver & sideplates retain sharp edges with a wonderful medium to dark mustard patina; hammer retains faded case colors on the sides, stronger on the back edge; lever is a brown patina. Wood is sound with light nicks, dings & scratches and retains a fine restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with scattered pitting. 4-47919 JR2
EXTREMELY RARE 1ST MODEL FLATSIDE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1191 (Sale Order: 188 of 563)
Low Estimate: 25,000High Estimate: 40,000
SN 15052. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine with screwed-in cap and attached magazine spring follower stop. Bbl band is attached to the bbl with two screws and has a thru-pin securing the tube. Front sight is German silver with a 1000 yard Henry-style ladder rear sight. Top flat of the bbl has the 2-line Henry's & King's Patent markings. Bbl & forearm are probably modern replacements by the late Ron Kudrick of Reno, NV. Receiver & buttstock are orig. Receiver has a staple & ring attached to the left side which is not uncommon for early '66 rifles. Mounted with nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Forearm is matching figured wood of the earliest type without forend cap having a sgl screw through brass escutcheons to retain the forearm through a hole in the bottom of the bbl. Tip of the forearm has dimpled ends. Serial number is found on left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock, inside toe of buttplate and bottom flat of bbl. Bottom flat of the bbl also has two small crosses which signify proof testing, along with three small punch dots. Bottom tang also has the tiny assembly numbers "1676" which are also found inside each sideplate. These early '66 rifles began production as the parent 1860 Henry rifle was going out of production with the early '66s having many features of the parent rifle including a sharp radius at the top rear of the receiver, dovetailed sideplates and the small Henry-style finger lever. Accompanied by 5-page hand written letter of authentication from renowned researcher & author George Madis. This rifle is mentioned by SN on p. 75 of The Winchester Book, Madis, which also lists the assembly number. These rifles held 17-rds and were extremely popular on the American frontier. They are almost never found in orig configuration with any orig finish. This rifle was produced in about 1867 at the height of the Great Westward Expansion and almost certainly would have seen continuous hard service on the American frontier. The fact that it survived at all is a testament to the durability of these rifles. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain a cleaned and artificially aged dark brown patina; receiver, sideplates & buttplate show lightly rounded edges and may have been cleaned a long time ago, retaining a current medium mustard patina; loading gate, lever & hammer are a dark natural patina. Forearm has a repaired crack near the left front tip, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong dark bore with good rifling & scattered pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 4-47920 JR3
SCARCE HENRY MARKED 2nd MODEL WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1192 (Sale Order: 189 of 563)
Low Estimate: 15,000High Estimate: 25,000
SN 15972. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine with screwed-in plug and 2nd type magazine band. Front sight is blued steel with a 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight and an attached windage adjustable sporting tang sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent brass buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Forend cap is also brass with dimpled front edges and integral sling wire with matching sling wire on the stock. Serial number is found on left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom tang is also marked with the initials "RV" and a small "W". Top flat of the bbl has the Henry's & King's 2-line Patent markings. The 2nd Model '66s had flared front edges on the receiver to allow for a thicker forearm, which had been a much maligned fault on the 1st Models. In addition, the loading gate on the 2nd Model and subsequent models had tapered concave grooves instead of the flat loading gate of the 1st models. Receivers of the 2nd and subsequent models were also more streamlined at the top rear edge with a sloping radius instead of the sharp Henry-style radius of the 1st Models. This rifle appears to have been produced in 1868 at the height of the post-Civil War Westward Migration when any repeating cartridge firearm was in tremendous demand. Those firearms usually saw extreme hard service under very harsh conditions and are rarely found today with any orig finish. This is a completely untouched and orig '66 rifle. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 60-70% orig blue with the balance mixed patina; receiver & sideplates show slightly worn edges and retain a dark mustard patina with some minor chemical spotting and green verdigris; hammer retains faded case colors on the sides with dark colors on the rear edge; lever is a dark brown patina; tang sight retains traces of orig blue; buttplate is a matching dark mustard patina. Stock has a hairline crack through the bottom buttplate screw hole, otherwise wood is sound with usual nicks, dings & scratches; buttstock retains about 60% orig varnish and the forearm about 40%. Mechanics are crisp, strong dark bore with sharp rifling. Cleaning rod shows heavy use. 4-54020 JR4
FINE NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED & INSCRIBED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE THAT BELONGED TO CUSTER
Lot # 1193 (Sale Order: 190 of 563)
Low Estimate: 15,000High Estimate: 25,000
SN 103751. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 20" rnd bbl, full magazine that has screwed in cap, integral front band/front sight and 2-postioin flip rear sight marked "1", "3" and "5". Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & carbine buttplate that has trap which contains an orig 3-pc brass & steel wiping rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number "7678", which number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rifle is beautifully engraved by L.D. Nimschke with about 60-70% coverage intertwined, flowing foliate arabesque patterns with pearled background. Transitions between sideplates & front flats are engraved in feather patterns. Both sideplates have counterpoint panels with the left side aftermarket engraved in period script "Wm. H. Illingworth / St. Paul, Min. / 1873". Right side panel is empty. Bottom of carrier is engraved in Mr. Nimschke's traditional flower blossom. The area between the timing screws is engraved in foliate arabesque patterns with a ribbon engraved "LDN". Top of the receiver, top tang and buttplate tang are engraved in geometric & other matching patterns with a very fine, detailed hunter's star on the receiver ring. Accompanied by an unmarked, silver-cased fusee movement pocket watch with bull's eye crystal and gold hands. Inside the back cover is pantograph inscribed in script "Wm. H. Illingworth / St. Paul, A.D. 1874". This watch, even at that time, would have been considered an antique. By 1850, the Waltham watch company was making a new design watch which was very popular & readily available. It seems unlikely that such an antique watch would have been presented about 25 years after the advent of a more convenient & reliable timepiece. The inscription on the carbine shows considerable wear and is probably of the period of use, possibly applied by his father's jewelry store. William Henry Illingworth was born in England in 1844 and immigrated to the U.S. as a young child. In 1850, the family moved to St. Paul, MN where his father operated a jewelry business where young Illingworth worked until about age 20. After which he moved to Chicago to study photography. In 1866, he returned to St. Paul and joined Capt. James Fisk's 4th Expedition to Montana Territory, working as a photographer. Upon his return to St. Paul, he operated a gallery & studio and from 1870-1873, worked as a railroad photographer. Due to his experience with the Fisk expedition, Mr. Illingworth was selected to photograph Custer's 1874 expedition to the Black Hills for which he was paid $30 a month. In return, Illingworth was expected to provide six sets of plates to the Army. The expedition ran from early July to the end of August 1874. During the expedition, Illingworth produced 70 glass plates but only provided one set to the army. He was sued for the other five sets, but prevailed on technicalities. The negatives remained in Illingworth's possession until he committed suicide in March 1893. His collection of Black Hills images were ultimately sold for $60 to the South Dakota State Historical Society in 1919. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains with the steel parts a mottled, cleaned metal patina with scattered pitting. Front band screw is replaced with a rivet. Receiver shows moderate to heavy wear with worn edges & a few nicks & scratches. Hammer retains a restored blue finish. Lever is moderately to heavily pitted and shows grey/brown patina. Wood is sound with nicks & dings and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Worn, dark bore with two rings about 4" & 5" from the muzzle. Cleaning rod is fine. Watch shows heavy wear with intact orig crystal, not running, needs repair. 4-48097 JR261
ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1194 (Sale Order: 191 of 563)
Low Estimate: 7,500High Estimate: 15,000
SN 120924. Cal 44 RF Henry. Fine '66 rifle with silver & blue finish, 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 900 yd musket style ladder rear sight with flat tension spring. Bbl has 2-line address forward of the rear sight and a "WP" Winchester proof at the receiver. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate are marked with last four digits of matching SN. Receiver is after market engraved in L.D. Nimschke style with about full coverage beautiful, deep intertwined foliate & floral arabesque patterns on both sides. Left side plate has the vignette of two dogs attacking a stag in a field scene and a mythical dogs head on front flat. Right side plate has an empty counterpoint panel and a matching dogs head in the front flat. Left side transition area is engraved with Mr. Nimschke's style of flower blossom & feather patterns with matching feather patterns on right side. Engraving extends over the top & bottom of the receiver with sunbursts & flower blossoms around the ejection port & hammer slot. Carrier is engraved in Mr. Nimschke's patterns with "NIMSCHKE, N.Y." engraved on a ribbon between the timing screws. Bottom tang is also nicely engraved with border patterns and top tang with another Nimschke style pattern. Forend cap & buttplate are engraved to match. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains 88-90% thinning orig blue with some scattered fine pitting; magazine tube retains about 90% orig blue; receiver, buttplate & hammer retain about all of their fine custom silver finish; receiver has three tiny casting holes in the lower right rear side; hammer retains faded case colors and the lever traces of blue. Stock has a hairline in the left side of the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and shows most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine; bright shiny bore with a few small spots of pitting. 4-55424 JR308
WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1195 (Sale Order: 192 of 563)
Low Estimate: 6,000High Estimate: 10,000
SN 29067. Cal 44 RF Henry. Early '66 rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered front sight and fixed buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Toe of buttstock has a repaired crack through the bottom screw hole. Comb of the stock is stamped in two places with a small "6". Top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate have last four digits of matching SN. This rifle was produced in about 1869 during the height of the Great Westward Expansion when repeating firearms were in great demand. They usually saw continuous hard service under harsh circumstances in all kinds of weather, and are rarely found today with any orig finish and orig configuration. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 65-70% thin orig blue with a couple of dings in the sharp edges and some cleaned areas; magazine tube retains about 85-90% thin orig blue; receiver retains sharp clean edges with no evidence that side plates have ever been removed and shows a smooth medium mustard patina; buttplate & forend cap retain a matching patina. Stock, with the aforementioned repaired toe, has light nicks & dings with a couple of small bruises, also on the forearm and retains a lightly applied restored finish. Mechanics are fine; very bright shiny bore; cleaning rod is fine. 4-55423 JR307
HISTORIC INSCRIBED 1873 WINCHESTER RIFLE FROM BUFFALO BILL.
Lot # 1196 (Sale Order: 193 of 563)
Low Estimate: 75,000High Estimate: 125,000
This extremely important and historic Winchester SN #291 is the rarest first variation of the Winchester 1873 rifle. This gun includes rare early features such as hand engraved model designation and serial number on the lower tang "Model 1873, 291". The left sideplate appears engraved in the same hand "Presented To Major Frank North U.S.A. from Buffalo Bill". Frank North and William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody had been great friends and fellow scouts since 1869. According to Buffalo Bill's biography concerning meeting North at Fort McPherson, in 1869, Cody states, "I made the acquaintance of Major Frank North and I found him and his officers perfect gentlemen, and we were all good friends from the start". There are numerous accounts in Cody's and North's biographies concerning their association. There are numerous accounts of Frank North's and Buffalo Bill's Indian fighting, scouting and friendship in massive accompanying files with this gun. This gun that was made early in 1873 and though factory letter does not state presentation, the inscription and provenance are impeccable. There is also known a Remington conversion revolver with Buffalo Bill presentation to North still in family of North descendants today. In a published memoir by Frank's brother Luther North, he states in an interview in the March 1927 issue of the American Rifleman, in an article titled The Truth About Wild Bill "we were in the cattle business in the '70s, after we quit 'Injuns' with Cody for a partner. One day, up on our ranch on North Platte, Bill and me were out back of the ranch house shooting our Winchesters, 1873 Model, 44 caliber, 8-squar magazine (just like subject gun). We struck up a 'tomatter' can and fired at it 50 yards off. Was we sober? You ask-absolutely. It was like the days around Fort McPherson as I was observing, 50 yards off, and Bill was missing it. Frank came out of the house and let go of all six shots, 44's, in his revolver and plugged the can five times out of six. He used at the time, one of a pair of Smith & Wesson Russian Model 44's. Cody walked off, and chucking his rifle up onto the dirt roof of the ranch house remarked I guess I won't shoot anymore today". About the time of the presentation of this gun, is about the time that William F. Cody was just becoming famous as "Buffalo Bill". He is mentioned in newspaper accounts as Buffalo Bill as early as January, 1873 and is thought to have received this nickname from the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia when Cody and George Custer took the Grand Duke hunting buffalo in 1872. Needless to say Cody was enamored enough with his new fame as "Buffalo Bill" to present his good friend Frank North using his new "sobriquet" which William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody would now be known through history. At memorial services for Major Frank North, Buffalo Bill eulogized his partner as "one of the truest friends I ever had, he was a man on whom you could stake your life". This gun is in wonderful "as found" condition is one of the most historic Winchesters and the earliest known Winchester presented by William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody. PROVENANCE: Frank North, North family descendants. Private Collection. CONDITION: This gun is very good overall, all matching. Bbl retains traces of finish being mostly gray/brown overall with scattered staining, pitting, nicks and dings. Rifling in bore still good and discernible with pitting. Magazine tube is smooth gray overall with scattered staining and pitting with small nicks and dings. Receiver and hammer retain tiny traces of case color turning silver/gray with areas of staining and pitting. Side plates are gray/silver with engraving crisp and discernible. Buttplate is gray overall with scattered staining and pitting especially at top toe. Stocks are sound and solid with scattered scratches, dings and dents. There is a 4" hairline crack starting at nosecap on right side of forestock and a 1" crack in same position on left side of forestock continuing back as can be seen in photos. The gun mechanically functions well and is complete with exception of left side nosecap screw and dustcover which are missing. The magazine tube bracket is loose at its dovetailed junction sight on barrel. 4-54482 JS102
EXTRAORDINARILY RARE WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1873 DELUXE SADDLE RING CARBINE.
Lot # 1197 (Sale Order: 194 of 563)
Low Estimate: 30,000High Estimate: 50,000
SN 40686. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Wonderful & rare deluxe 2nd Model carbine with 20" rnd bbl, full magazine that has screwed-in plug, front band with integral sight and 2-position flip rear sight graduated 1-3-5. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with extremely beautiful, tiger-striped, about 3X American walnut with early style checkered forearm and straight stock that has carbine buttplate with trap containing an orig 3-pc brass & iron wiping rod. Left side of the wrist is inlaid with 1/4" silver numbers "1873". Left side of lower tang is marked with the assembly number "356" and "XXX". Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by two identical Cody Firearms Museum letters dated 1998 and 1999 which identify this carbine with checkered stock and case hardened, received in warehouse Dec. 6, 1879 and shipped two days later with three other Model 1873s to Order #18365. Also accompanied by a Winchester Museum card dated "1975" over the signature of "T.E. Hall" which shows identical information. Model 1873 carbines are not especially rare although 2nd Model carbines are substantially more rare, deluxe carbines of this vintage are extraordinarily rare. This carbine was produced at a time of the great Westward expansion of the post-Civil War era at a time when any repeating firearm was in great demand and very few special order items were produced. Undoubtedly this carbine was for someone of great wealth or importance or for a special presentation. The fact that it has survived all these years is a wonderful thing for the collector. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching. Traces of finish remain in most sheltered areas with the metal being an overall medium gray patina. Forearm has a very old crack by the bbl band, otherwise wood is sound and retains most of a very old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. A truly rare and unusual carbine. 4-47922 JR9
RARE EARLY WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 DELUXE 32 CALIBER LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1198 (Sale Order: 195 of 563)
Low Estimate: 30,000High Estimate: 50,000
SN 103476. Cal. 32 WCF (32-20). Rare deluxe rifle with 24-1/4" oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, express front sight, special rear sight and vernier tang sight with 2-3/4" staff. Receiver is third type with milled dust cover rail and is color case hardened. Receiver is small-bore type with stepped top front edge. Mounted with 1-2X second style checkered forearm and straight stock that has crescent buttplate with trap. Buttstock & forend cap have sling eyes. An additional special order feature is the nickel finished cartridge carrier in the receiver and sliding trap door in the buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number "775", "X", "R" and "CF". Left side of upper tang, under the wood is marked "32". Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum research request yellow sheet which identifies this rifle with 1/2 oct bbl, plain trigger & checkered stock; received in warehouse Nov. 17, 1882 and shipped Nov. 20, 1882 to Order #1046. Also accompanied by a copy of the ledger sheet for this rifle. While the 1873 rifle in caliber 32 is not extremely rare, they are very rarely found with color case hardened receiver and in deluxe configuration with special order features. The buttplates on these rifles are almost never found with trapdoors. These small bore rifles were not considered "men's" guns but were thought of as boy's or lady's rifles and usually saw very hard service with poor maintenance and are almost never found with high orig finish. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-97% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear; receiver & sideplates retain about 70-75% orig case colors, strong in sheltered areas, faded toward the front; hammer retains about 90% bright colors and the lever strong case colors on the sides, faded on outer faces; forend cap & buttplate retain most of their faded orig case colors. Wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig factory piano varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore with a couple of small spots of roughness. 4-47923 JR6
SCARCE EARLY 2ND MODEL DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1199 (Sale Order: 196 of 563)
Low Estimate: 20,000High Estimate: 30,000
SN 31314. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Fine deluxe '73 with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and early style short heart shaped rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver is second type with attached dust cover rail and impressed thumb print dust cover. Receiver also has single set trigger. Mounted with about 2X, early style checkered American walnut with straight grip and crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver is color case hardened. Top left flat of the bbl, over the chamber area and correspondingly on the receiver are marked with small British proofs. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number "894" and "X". The last two numbers of the assembly number appear to be stamped over "63" or "93". Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom portion of toe of buttplate appears to have had an assembly number obliterated and the matching number stamped higher up. In the bottom tang channel of the buttstock is a vertically applied reinforcing screw to support the repaired crack in the wrist. Accompanied by a 5-page letter of authentication from renowned researcher & author George Madis wherein he substantiates most of the above information. Also accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum research request yellow sheet which identifies this rifle with oct bbl, set trigger, checkered stock and case hardened; received in warehouse March 10, 1879 and shipped same day to Order #14808. Given the extra cost features found on this rifle and the time period of its production, it seems very likely that it would have been ordered by a wealthy individual or was intended for a special presentation. CONDITION: Fine, all matching as noted above. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 80-85% thinning orig blue turning plum on the magazine tube; receiver & sideplates retain about 85% thinning orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas; hammer retains about 80% strong orig case colors and the lever traces of colors in sheltered areas; forend cap & buttplate are dark patina. Stock has the aforementioned repaired crack, otherwise wood is sound with numerous nicks & scratches with a few light bruises and retains most of its orig varnish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 4-47921 JR5
RARE WINCHESTER 1ST MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1200 (Sale Order: 197 of 563)
Low Estimate: 25,000High Estimate: 35,000
Please Note (3/15/15): The stock is old, has been on the gun for a long time and is a correct stock. However, it does not have a Serial Number on it. This means to us that it could have been a factory replacement during period of use (?). SN 23038. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and orig, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight that has checkered edges. Receiver is 1st type with 2nd type impressed thumb print dust cover. Mounted with 1-2X uncheckered American Walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate that has trap. Buttstock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. This rifle was produced in late 1876 at the time of the Great Westward Expansion of Manifest Destiny when any repeating firearm was in great demand, especially the "new" '73 repeater. These rifles, from first production were incredibly successful and became known as "the gun that won the west". These rifles usually saw daily hard use in saddle scabbards, wagon boxes and every other method of transportation under very adverse circumstances and are rarely found today with high orig finish, especially those with color case hardened parts. Simple exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunlight had an almost immediate effect in fading the colors. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-97% strong orig blue flecked with brown; receiver, sideplates & dust cover retain brilliant case colors, lightly to moderately faded on bottom at the carry point; forend cap retains most of its orig case colors, lightly faded; buttplate retains brilliant case colors on the tang and part of the face with fading on left side & toe; hammer retains brilliant case colors; lever retains about all of its orig case colors, moderately faded. Stock has a couple of fine cracks in the wrist, otherwise is sound with a hand rubbed patina, possibly lightly cleaned. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore; shows only light use with the loading gate retaining most of its orig blue. An exceptional & rare '73. 4-55542 JR344
BEAUTIFUL WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1201 (Sale Order: 198 of 563)
Low Estimate: 17,500High Estimate: 27,500
SN 396440. Cal. 38 WCF. Standard grade 3rd Model rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, blued Rocky Mountain front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is small bore type with stepped receiver ring and integral dust cover rail with 3rd type dust cover. Bottom of carrier has caliber marking. Mounted with extra-finish, perhaps 2X, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has trap containing a 4-pc all steel wiping rod. This rifle was produced in about 1891 when most business & work was conducted from the back of a horse, wagon or buggy and carrying a firearm as a working tool was an everyday way of life. The Model 1873 was the most popular repeating rifle on the frontier at that time and as such usually saw daily hard service under extreme weather conditions and are rarely found today with high orig finish, especially color case hardened examples such as this one. Simple exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunlight rapidly fades the colors. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains about 95% strong orig blue with some freckles of rust on the left side just forward of the forend cap; magazine tube retains about 98% orig blue; receiver & side plates retain brilliant case colors showing only light fading on bottom front at the carry point; hammer also retains brilliant case colors and the lever brilliant case colors on the sides, lightly to moderately faded on outer faces; buttplate retains faded case colors; forend cap retains bright, strong case colors. Stock has a grain crack through the wrist, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Shows very little use, retaining virtually all of its orig factory blue on bolt face & loading gate. Wiping rod is fine 4-55543 JR341
EXTRAORDINARY WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1202 (Sale Order: 199 of 563)
Low Estimate: 17,500High Estimate: 27,500
SN 353106. Cal. 22 Long. Standard grade 3rd Model rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Receiver is small bore type with stepped receiver ring and right sideplate is without loading gate. Caliber marking is on the top bbl flat, over the chamber and on bottom of carrier. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut including straight stock and crescent buttplate without trap. There were about 19,552 Model 1873 rifles manufactured in 22 rimfire in both 22 Short & Long. This model was the first repeating rifle chambered in caliber 22. They were generally considered boys' or ladies' rifles and usually saw very hard service, frequently with little maintenance and are rarely found today with any orig finish. These rifles chambered for 22 Long seem to be somewhat more scarce than those in 22 Short. Given that the majority of these rifles seldom have any orig finish remaining it is extremely rare to find one with high orig finish. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% crisp orig blue with a few small spots of surface etching; receiver retains 92-93% bright orig blue with the front side flats & side plates having been lightly cleaned at one time, probably with coarse steel wool leaving very fine scratches; hammer retains strong case colors, faded on top; lever retains strong case colors on sides, moderately faded on outer faces; buttplate retains smoky case colors mixed with light surface etching. Inside magazine tube is original. Wood is sound with a few light scratches and retains most of its orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with a few scattered spots of pitting. 4-55544 JR340
RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 FULL-NICKEL SMALL BORE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.
Lot # 1203 (Sale Order: 200 of 563)
Low Estimate: 12,500High Estimate: 17,500
SN 243914B. Cal. 22 Short. Nickel finish with 24-1/4" rnd bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Caliber marking is over the chamber on the bbl and on bottom of carrier. Receiver is small bore type with stepped front receiver ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate without trap. All the metal is nickel finish and is factory applied. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter stating configuration of .22 caliber,round barrel, plain trigger on order 22680 for Aug 26, 1887; Full nickel finish on Nov 30, 1887 for order #1761. These small bore '73s were considered to be boys' or ladies' rifles and usually saw very hard service with little or no maintenance and are rarely ever found with orig finish. CONDITION: Very Fine. Overall retains most of its strong factory nickeling with sharp edge wear and minor flaking on sideplates and sides of receiver. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches and retains an most of its old factory finish. Mechanics are fine, slightly worn but very shootable bore. 4-55368 JR331
