Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1
Premier Firearms Auction - Day 1
See Special Terms for additional fees
Cash Payment Discount: 3.5%
Description
Bidding options: Bid live using Proxibid, Phone bidding available just contact us or see our website. Absentee Bidding also available on Proxibid or on our website.
Read More http://www.rockislandauction.com
Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action .45-90 WCF Rifle
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on October 5, 1894 and shipped nearly a year later on September 10, 1895 with nine other arms. The frame, hammer, lever, forend cap, and buttplate have the desirable casehardened finish. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang is marked with the patent marking and the script serial number. The rifle has standard forearm and buttstock.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine retain 90% plus original blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown. 90% original blue remains on the bolt. 80% original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The frame, hammer, lever, and forend cap retain 85% vivid original case colors. Patterns of original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is very fine with minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive Winchester Model 1886 .45-90 WCF rifle with desirable casehardened frame.
Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Short
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 688)
Manufactured in 1887 as a Third Model, the barrel has the two-line address/King's patent marking and caliber marking at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. Fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Winchester manufactured approximately 19,552 Model 1873s in .22 short or .22 long between 1884 and 1904.
Class: Antique
Very fine, retains 80% plus of the original blue finish and strong traces of the original case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a plum-brown patina, primarily grey patina on the buttplate. The wood is fine with some scattered minor dings and a moderate scratch on the left of the buttstock. Mechanically excellent.
Two Cased Police Department Attributed Winchester Longarms
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 688)
Collector's Set of Two Law Enforcement Cased Police Department Attributed Winchester Longarms -A) Winchester Model 1897 Slide Action Riot Shotgun
Manufactured in 1914 in solid frame configuration with a single brass bead sight, choked cylinder and a 2 3/4 inch chamber. The left side of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent date information in front of "12 GA." and "CYL." Mounted on an 18 groove ribbed round forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber buttplate. Includes a double gun case with purple velvet lining and 12 brass 12 gauge casings. Length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. Cased with "B".
Manufacture: Winchester
Model: 1897
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 12
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 614365
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Condition: Excellent, retaining 90% plus bright original high polish blue finish with a few small patches of light pitting and handling marks. The stock is very fine with a few minor dings and scratches, and a crack coming off the trigger guard. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good with storage and handling marks and high edge wear on the lining.
B) Winchester Model 07 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Extra Extended Magazines
Manufactured in 1957. The left side of the barrel is marked with the two-line address/proof steel, trade mark, model and caliber marking, and the top of the barrel and receiver at the breech are marked with the Winchester oval proof. The matching serial number is marked on the lower left rear of the receiver and on the bottom next to the trigger guard bow. The bottom of the magazine is marked "-.351 CAL-". Blade front and adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and pistol grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels. Cased with "A". Includes two extra magazines. The consignor attributes this set to the Detroit Police Department No. 83. The Winchester Model 1897 riot shotgun and Model 07 rifle armed various police departments throughout the United States. In this lot, both shotgun and rifle are housed in the same case, which is similar in design to the famed Thompson submachine gun FBI model case, and like the Thompson FBI case, made for the perfect way to transport firepower when keeping up with the “Bonnies and Clydes” of the criminal underworld.
Manufacture: Winchester
Model: 1907
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 351
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 55555
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Condition: Very fine, retaining 95% plus original blue finish with some minor handling marks. Stock is fine with a hairline crack visible on the left side of the grip, some handling marks, and dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent.
Second Model Manville Gun 26.5mm Tear Gas Launcher
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 688)
Introduced in 1935 by Charles J. Manville, the "Manville Gun" was designed to fire flare, smoke, and riot gas shells from its 12 round clockwork drum. It was designed at the outset for crowd control/anti-riot work. The device is broken down and loaded by disengaging a single lever at the rear of the frame, separating the clockwork and trigger assembly from the drum and barrel assembly. Once loaded and reassembled, rotating the drum counter-clockwise winds the internal drive spring, which powers the mechanism, each trigger pull causing the mechanism to jump forward to the next chamber in the sequence; this style of operation can also be seen in later drum-fed small arms like the Street Sweeper/Striker shotgun and the MGL 40mm grenade launcher. A pair of "M" marked grip panels are installed on the foregrip, with a smooth wood rear grip and the Manville patent markings on top of the trigger assembly.
Class: Other
Good, the blued components show a mixed brown patina overall with minor pitting. The chambers retain a strong nickel finish over the textured surface, with the fire control components showing flaking and wear. The aluminum components show an aged patina and mild handling marks overall. The clockwork housing has taken a hard hit on the left side, causing deformation and chipping. Mechanically needs adjustment.
New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 688)
This New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol with factory case is inscribed "J.A. Ramsey". The pistol has a distinctive octagon barrel with integral 10 shot magazine, clam-shell follower and brass cone front sight. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the New Haven Arms Company marking: "PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN FEB. 14 1854". The barrel markings have vary in depth, and the date is nearly illegible. The brass receiver is silver plated and fitted with a loading lever with finger loop, fixed rear sight and hammer with coarse knurling on the spur. There are semi-circular cut-outs at the front and rear of the ejection port. The rear sight and bolt are niter blue, and the hammer trigger and lever are color casehardened. The two piece varnished walnut grips have flared butts. The serial number is stamped: (1) on the right side of the loading lever, (2) right side of the receiver beneath the grip and (3) the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. A small "L" inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the loading lever and on the right side of the butt beneath the grip. The mahogany, American style case has an oval brass inscription plate on the center of the lid with brass reinforcements on the corners and sides. "J.A. Ramsey" is inscribed in script letters on the oval plate. The case has four compartments and is lined with crimson felt. Cased Volcanic firearms are very scarce.
Class: Antique
Fine. The pistol is all original and retains 60% of the blue, silver-plated and casehardened finish. The barrel has 80% of the blue finish with scattered age spotting. There are small spots of shallow pitting on the upper left barrel flat. The barrel edges are sharp, and the markings are crisp. The receiver is fine overall and has 30% of the delicate silver plated finish. The balance of the brass receiver has an attractive patina with minimal handling wear and perfect side-plate joints. The hammer, lever and trigger have 60% of the muted case colors. Traces of the fire blue finish are present on protected areas of the rear sight. The grips are also in fine condition and retain 75% of the original piano finish with scattered minor handling wear. The case exterior is in good overall condition. The case lid shows moderate handling wear with hair-line cracks along the top edge and right side and a 1/2-inch chip on the right side near the lower reinforcement. The brass inscription plate and reinforcements on the lid and sides have a dark, untouched patina. The reinforcements on the back of the case body are loose. The case interior remains in very good condition. The felt lining is clean and un-faded. The only visible wear is faint compression marks from contact with the pistol. This is a good looking, original example of a scarce New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 2 Navy Pistol with inscribed factory case.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection
New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic Lever Action No. 1 Pocket Pistol
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 688)
This is one of an estimated 850 No. 1 pocket pistols with a 3 1/2 inch barrel manufactured by the New Haven Arms Co., New Haven, Connecticut, in 1857/58. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral six-shot magazine, round finger hole in the lever and flat bottom grips. The pistol is fitted with a pinched blade front sight on the barrel and a notch rear sight at the rear of the frame. The top barrel flat is marked "NEW HAVEN CONN. PATENT FEB. 14. 1854." The deletion of "VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS CO." from the barrel legend occurred after Oliver Winchester assumed control of the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and re-organized it as the New Haven Arms Company on May 1, 1857. Both grip panels are numbered to the gun. Includes a modern French cut wooden display case. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873 and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Included with lot is a modern made custom wood presentation style case.
Class: Antique
Fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 50% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. The brass frame has a highly attractive mellow aged appearance and has tight fitting side plates. The grips are fine with high edge wear on both lower panels and some minor dings and scratches. The magazine spring is absent. Mechanically functions fine. A solid representative example of a Volcanic pistol for your Winchester or American antique firearms collection.
Volcanic Repeating Arms Company No. 2 Navy Pistol
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 688)
This No. 2 Navy Pistol was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1856. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral 10-shot magazine, brass receiver and loading lever with finger hole. The Type I barrel has a brass half-moon front sight blade and brass, clam-shell magazine follower. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854" in three lines. The brass receiver has semi-circular cut-outs at the front and back of the ejection port, a dove-tail mounted rear sight and hammer with coarse-knurled spur. The pistol has two-piece walnut grips with flared butts. The serial number is stamped: (1) on the right side of the loading lever, (2) right side of the butt beneath the grips and (3) on the inside of both grips. All of the visible serial numbers match. An "X" inspection mark is stamped on the left side of the loading lever. The barrel has a high polish blue finish, the receiver is natural brass, the hammer and lever are color casehardened, and the rear sight, bolt, trigger and cartridge elevator are fire blue. The walnut grips have a varnished piano finish. The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company manufactured approximately 1500 No. 2 Navy Pistols with eight-inch barrels before the company was forced to declare bankruptcy and was reorganized by Oliver Winchester as the New Haven Arms Company in 1857.
Class: Antique
Very fine. This pistol retains 85% of the original blue finish on the barrel and integral magazine. Finish wear is limited to some scattered age spotting and thinning along the bottom of the magazine shroud. The edges of the barrel flats are sharp and the barrel legend is crisp and deep. The attractive aged brass receiver is also very fine with perfect side plate joints, minimal handling marks and a very attractive, un-touched patina. The bolt, cartridge elevator, trigger and rear sight retain significant amounts to fire blue finish in protected areas. The hammer and loading lever have 70% of the casehardened finish. The grips are fine and have most of the original piano finish with scattered handling marks. This is an exceptional example of a scarce and desirable Volcanic Repeating Arms Company No. 2 Navy Pistol.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection
New Haven Arms Co./Volcanic Repeating Arms Advertising Poster
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 688)
The headline of the poster reads "VOLCANIC/REPEATING FIRE ARMS,/MANUFACTURED BY THE/NEW HAVEN ARMS COMPANY,/NEW HAVEN, CONN./(PATENTED, 1854.) The advertisement praises Volcanic pistols and rifles for their modernity and expresses their superiority over cap and ball revolvers. It also shows a price list for the different models as well as two testimonials of Volcanic Arms in sea service. It is dated "October, 1859". The poster measures 12x18 1/2 inches and is stored between two sheets of plexiglass.
Class: Other
Very fine. The poster shows very little wear and is completely legible. There are slight areas of discoloration in the top left corned and underneath the price list with one faint fold line in the center.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection
Volcanic Repeating Arms Advertising Poster
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 688)
The poster shows a patent drawing of a Volcanic Pistol along with the company name at the top of the page. The body of the text explains how to load, fire, clean, and maintain the Volcanic Pistol and explain the new type of ammunition. The other side is listing reasons one should be interested in the pistol and singing the praise of the new action over traditional percussion revolvers as well as an ammunition price list. The back is also marked for James Carlton, an agent for Volcanic in Baltimore, MD. The poster measures some 10x12 inches and is between plexiglass.
Class: Other
The upper and lower halves of the page have separated but nearly all of the text is still legible. There is some light staining. Overall in fine condition for a piece its age.
Provenance: The Dr. Gerald Klaz Collection
Winchester Single "W" Cartridge Display Board
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 688)
This Winchester Repeating Arms "W" cartridge board was manufactured around the 1890s and measures approximately 30 x 42 inches not counting the outer oak frame. The cartridges and components represented range from the tiny bb cap to the massive 4 gauge and total over 100 items not counting the individual caps. The most desirable cartridge on the board is the extremely rare 70-150 caliber that was intended for use in the Model 1887 shotgun, but never put into production. The main cartridge display forms a large "W" clearly signifying Winchester, and the background has attractive vignettes of a western hunter on the plains firing a Winchester while using his horse for cover and two hunters armed with Winchesters in a winter scene while the center has a brace of ducks suspended from the "H" trademark. The board has been installed in an outer non-factory replacement frame with an approximate total measurement: 40 x 53 1/4 inches.
Class: Other
Very good with a few scattered minor blemishes, some slight warping, and some scattered minor handling/storage marks on the frame. All the cartridges appear to be present.
Winchester Model 1873 .22 Short Rifle
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 688)
Per the included factory letter, the serial number for this rifle was applied on September 13, 1893 and the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 23, 1893 and shipped on January 30, 1894 with an octagon barrel in .22 Short and plain trigger. The barrel is fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "22 SHORT" at the breech. The "MODEL 1873" marked upper tang has a 62-B sight which was made for the Model 1873. The third model receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The cartridge elevator is marked "22 CAL./SHORT." The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The hammer, lever and buttplate are casehardened. The remaining surfaces are blued. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a solid crescent buttplate.
Class: Antique
Excellent, retaining 90% strong original blue finish. 85% original case colors remain on the hammer and buttplate. The wood very fine with some minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A high condition Model 1873 in .22 Short that will be a welcome addition to your Winchester collection.
Special Order Half Nickel Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Rifle
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 688)
Manufactured in 1919. Lyman combination front and Lyman No. 6 two leaf rear sights, sixth style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, blue barrel, magazine tube, and trigger, nickel plated receiver, trigger guard assembly, breech bolt, hammer, and buttplate, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, standard markings on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the lower tang and receiver. Fancy figured special order birds eye maple, 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber grip cap, and crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang, end of the buttstock, and inside of the buttplate are marked with matching assembly number "775".
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 85% original blue, mild edge wear, and scattered small dings. The receiver retains 85% original bright nickel finish with some areas of frosting, scattered dark spotting, and visible flaking on the breech bolt. The wood is very fine with attractive, tight birds eye pattern, well-defined checkering, some small dings, and 85% original nickel with the balance a dark brown patina on the heel of the buttplate. Mechanically fine.
Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Rifle with Swiss Buttplate
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 688)
The included factory letter confirms the serial number, .22 WRF caliber, checkered pistol grip stock, special order sights, Swiss buttplate, and October 16, 1899 date of shipment. The letter further states the rifle was returned to the factory for unspecified repairs on November 4, 1899. Beach combination front and Lyman flip up rear peep sight on the upper tang, filler block in the rear sight dovetail, second style barrel inscription, "22 W.R.F." caliber marking on top flat at the breech, Winchester proofs correctly absent, and three-line maker, model, and patent marking on the upper tang. Fancy XXX figured walnut 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber grip cap, and nickel plated Swiss buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "8076 XXX" with the matching assembly number "8076" on the end of the stock and inside of the buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Very fine with 95% blue finish on the barrel, some light edge wear, and some small scratches and dings visible on the right side. The receiver has 90% vivid case colors, and some light silvering on the edges. The highly figured wood is also very fine with crisp checkering, small scattered dings and scratches, and some edge wear visible on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in .22 L.R. Shot
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 688)
Manufactured in 1956. Single bead sight, standard barrel markings, Winchester WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, serrated trigger and hammer lock, groove top receiver for scope mounting, and matching numbers on the receiver and trigger guard assembly. A similar "straight through" smoothbore rifle is pictured on page 48 of "Winchester Slide Action Rifles: Volume II" by Ned Schwing and Schwing notes that they may be rarer than the scarce Routledge bored rifles! 17 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent with 97% plus bright original blue finish with mild retraction wear and some scattered light handling marks. The reoiled wood is very fine with a few very small scattered dings. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .22 WRF
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 688)
Manufactured in 1910. Beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, fifth style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, 1911 patent magazine tube with reinforcing collar, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, "W.R.F." marking on front of receiver, standard three-line marking on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the lower tang and receiver. 12 groove slide handle and plain straight grip stock with casehardened steel crescent buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent with 95% plus bright original blue finish remaining, some traces of brown patina on the trigger guard, small scratches, and mild handling marks. The wood is also excellent with some small dings and scratches, and vibrant restored case colors on the buttplate. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 688)
Manufactured in 1951. Has a nickel bead front sight, Williams dove tail filler, and an elevation adjustable tang mounted rear sight. The barrel has the three line legend, two line model/caliber marking and is stamped with the "W/P" in an oval proofmark at the breech end. This proofmark is repeated at the front of the top of the receiver. Mounted on a 17 groove flat bottom walnut forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent overall, retaining 98% plus bright original blue finish with a few minor handling marks. The stock is also excellent with a few minor dings at the heel. Mechanically excellent.
Nickel Plated Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Gallery Rifle
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 688)
Lyman beaded (bead absent) blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, tenth style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, full nickel plated finish (with the exception of the blued sights) including the hammer trigger, screws, and buttplate, standard markings on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the receiver and lower tang. The magazine has the correct triangular gallery loading port. 12 groove slide handle and plain walnut straight grip stock with crescent buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Very fine with 80% of the bright original nickel remaining, areas of spotting and dark patina. The wood is very fine with some small scattered dings. Mechanically excellent.
Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Takedown Rifle
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 688)
Manufactured in 1914. This Model 1894 is pictured and identified in R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 270 as being factory engraved: "Serial range 705000 Takedown rifle was done in Style Number 9, the forend and pistol grip buttstock were made of select walnut and checkered in Style H. .30-30 caliber." The rifle is also pictured and identified in George Madis' "The Winchester Book" on page 413. Madis notes that the rifle is "an excellent example of style 9 engraving coverage" and stresses the well executed "shading of the game and scenes" and part octagon barrel with full magazine as "a combination that is highly prized by Winchester collectors since it is rarely found. The engraving on the receiver consists of floral scrollwork on punch dot background, zig-zag line and dot borders and a stag scene in a circular panel on each side. Additional flourishes of scrollwork appear on the barrel at the breech, top of the receiver, behind the hammer, forend cap, and buttplate tang. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent date marking, two-line nickel steel marking and ".30 W.C.F." on the upper left flat. The Winchester factory oval proofs are surrounded by scrollwork on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/trade mark information. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are "X" deluxe walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "320 X." The assembly number "320" is repeated on the butt of the stock under the buttplate and back of the buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Mint. A condition classification we virtually never use. A 107 year old time capsule that would be impossible to improve upon. Carpe diem.
Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 .22 Short Rifle with Freund Sight
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 688)
The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .22 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock and casehardened receiver. This outstanding condition rifle was received in the warehouse on August 7, 1886 and shipped the same day. The rifle is fitted with a gold combination Beach front sight, a highly desirable Freund elevation adjustable rear sight and Vernier tang sight graduated from 0 to 75 on the left side. Like many in the American firearms industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Freund brothers Frank W. and George were German immigrants. They had various temporary shop locations as they followed the Union Pacific westward and established more permanent shops in Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they regularly modified firearms, particularly Sharps rifles, to fit their customer's needs. They sold rifles to the likes of generals Philip Sheridan, George Cook, and Theodore Roosevelt. In addition to mechanical alterations and creating new configurations, the Freunds also designed new sights. The rear sight is marked "F.W. FREUND/PATENT." The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and "22 CAL" at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "22 CAL/SHORT." The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The third model receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The hammer, lever, receiver, forend cap and buttplate are casehardened. The remaining surfaces are blued. The forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured "XXX" deluxe walnut and are checkered. The buttstock has an ebony grip insert and a solid crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "485 XXX 22." The assembly number "485" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.
Class: Antique
Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine retain 85% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and some light pitting towards the muzzle. 85% original blue remains on the dust cover. 80% plus original case colors remain on the receiver. The remaining surfaces retain 80% original case colors with the most vivid colors on the lever. The wood is fine with minor dings and scratches, crisp checkering overall and most of the original varnish remaining. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 .22 Short Lever Action Rifle with highly desirable upgraded F.W. Freund sight that is well deserving of the most advanced lever action collections.
Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1903 Rifle
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 688)
This very interesting Winchester Model 1903 features a highly unusual, possibly one-of-a-kind documented embellishment by Winchester factory Master Engraver Angelo Stokes who was known for his meticulous, highly detailed work that is certainly showcased on this rifle. The accompanying Winchester Gun Museum letter dated May 15, 1967 and addressed to noted firearms dealer and expert Herb Glass, Sr. confirms the .22 Auto caliber, checkered fancy English walnut pistol grip stock, and factory engraved motifs including the royal flush of hearts, Nonanturn Clubhouse and scrollwork on the rear sight by Stokes. The rifle was shipped on December 23, 1903. Although an official production total for factory engraved Winchester 1903s is unknown, Winchester author and expert George Madis pointed out the difficulty of finding a factory engraved Model 1903, explaining, "The rare customer who wanted engraving was usually content to have Winchester engrave the standard scenes offered" ("The Winchester Book", page 552). For the Model 1903 these "standard scenes" were small game. Cottontails were especially popular. While the receiver to this Model 1903 is adorned with common factory floral scroll and border motifs, the scenes are anything but ordinary. As confirmed by the factory letter, the left side of the receiver features a royal flush of hearts in a circular panel and the right side of the receiver features the Nonanturn Clubhouse on the waterfront in a circular panel. Nonanturn is likely a misspelling of Nonantum Club, which was a fishing club organized out of New Haven, Connecticut, circa 1892. The club leased lands next to the lake village of La Bouchette in Quebec, Canada, a perfect setting for the lakefront cabin depicted in the engraving. Additional scrollwork decorates the forend cap, rear sight, trigger guard and buttplate. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe walnut. The stock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent, retaining 97% plus bright original blue finish with high edge wear on top of rear frame. The engraving is crisp. The wood is also excellent with some minor dings and scratches and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. Factory engraved Model 1903s are missing from even the most advanced Winchester collections. This high condition deluxe Model 1903 with its special order, highly personalized embellishment is a true rarity in Winchester collecting.
Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection
Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring 44 WCF Carbine
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 688)
This exceptional Winchester Model 1892 carbine comes with the accompanying factory letter which states the serial number for this carbine was applied on March 7, 1900, confirms the .44 caliber and states the carbine was received in the warehouse on March 14, 1900 and shipped the next day. It has the two-line address and "44 W.C.F." marked on the barrel, three-line model/trademark/patent date marked on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. Fitted with pinned blade front and folding ladder rear sights, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent, retains 95% plus bright original high polish blue finish and 90% vivid original case colors. 90% of the bright original nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood is also excellent with a few minor storage dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. This is one of the finest Winchester Model 1892 Saddle ring carbines RIAC has ever had the pleasure of selling!
Winchester Model 1901 Lever Action Shotgun
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 688)
Manufactured in 1916. Single bead sight, choked full and 3 inch chamber. The left side of the barrel has the two-line address/patent dates followed by "MODEL 01. 10 GA". The left side of the frame has the ''WRA CO." logo and the upper tang is marked "REG.IN U.S. PAT. OFF/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK-". Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Excellent with 98% plus of the bright original blue finish, scattered small dings, very clear markings and sharp edges. The wood is also excellent with some scattered small handling marks and a small gouge on the right slab near the forend tip. Mechanically excellent.
Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Extra Long Barrel
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 688)
Manufactured in 1883. The accompanying factory letter confirms the round barrel in .45-60 caliber but does not mention the extra length, and plain trigger. the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 25, 1885 and shipped on August 28. The rifle is chambered for the .45-60 W.C.F. cartridge and has a 28-inch round barrel. (No factory letter available to verify). The barrel has a special order front sight with set screw and nickel-silver blade. The original rear sight has been replaced with a Winchester adjustable folding leaf rear sight. The rifle has a blued barrel, magazine and receiver. The hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate have a casehardened finish. The walnut stock and forearm are oil-finished. The top of the barrel 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 top of the barrel is stamped: "CAL. 45-60" between the rear sight and the receiver. The bottom of the cartridge elevator is marked with the caliber "45-60". The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "{MODEL 1876}" with foliate decorations at either end of the marking. The serial number is located on the lower receiver tang behind the loading lever latch. The Third Model receiver has an integral dust cover rib and dust cover with serrated edges.
Class: Antique
Fine. The barrel retains 50% original blue and has some muzzle wear and dings along the left side at the end of the forearm area with some scattered finish loss on the top ahead of the rear sight. The magazine tube retains most of a professionally applied reblued finish. The receiver has 60% of the original blue finish with edge wear on the side plates and the contact areas of the upper and lower receiver. The hammer and sides of the loading lever have most of the original casehardened finish. The contact areas on the bottom and inside of the loading lever have faded to a silver-gray. The buttplate has a dark brown patina with patches of darker age discoloration. There is a hairline crack that runs the full length of the bottom of the forearm. The revarnished stock and forearm appear to have been sanded long ago and remain good overall. Mechanically excellent. This is a very good example of a Winchester Model 1876 Third Model Rifle with 28-inch round barrel.
One of One Hundred Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 688)
As Edmund E. Lewis wrote in "The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles," "Although far less famous than the 1 of 1000, the 1 of 100 is significantly more rare in either the Model 1873 or Model 1876." Lewis in his book identified eight 1 of 100 1876s manufactured, and R.L. Wilson in "The Winchester 1 of 1000" identified seven. Given this, they very rarely come available, making these 1 of 100 rifles incredibly difficult to find despite being a must have for any advanced collection of antique Winchester lever actions. On page 119 of the first book, this rifle is pictured and discussed. Lewis notes that five of the eight rifles are known, and illiterates four in his book, though one appears potentially spurious. Its also important to note that this rifle, 470, appears to be the only silver banded example of known 1876 1 of 100's. We could only find four examples published including the aforementioned unconfirmed example. It is the very first 1 of 100 Model 1876 shipped, and Lewis states that the factory ledgers list it with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, "BH & Oat" sights, and shipped on September 20, 1877, in order 9979. The same information is confirmed in the included factory letter which clarifies the "BH" is a buckhorn sight. Lewis indicates this rifle was reported during the "Winchester '73" motion picture search for Model 1873 1 of 1,000 rifles by T.H. Baker of Alma, Nebraska, and the rifle was originally owned by Robert Axtell Welts who was born on November 7, 1855, near Detroit, Michigan. He left home in 1876 after a family dispute over land and went to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He later returned to Michigan and worked in logging and operated a sawmill. The rifle was kept by his daughter after his death in 1941 and it passed down to his grandson Lowell Hawkinson, and his great grandson Ronald Hawkinson in 1987. It was later in the Warren Anderson collection. The fact that Welts went to the Centennial Exposition as a young man is an important piece of information. Winchester debuted the famous Model 1876 at the World's Fair in Philadelphia as the "Centennial Rifle." It was the company's first large frame rifle but was relatively quickly made obsolete by the introduction of the stronger Model 1886 just a decade later and discontinued in 1898 at the end of a run of just 63,871 guns. Though limited in production, these rifles are known to have been used and well-loved by those who owned them. The barrel has the distinctive "One of One Hundred" inscription in script surrounded by factory scroll engraving on the breech section along with a silver band at the breech, a silver blade front sight with dovetailed base, the two-line "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. October 16. 1860" marking, and a dovetailed U-notch rear sight. The rifle lacks caliber markings which is correct given the early Model 1876s were all in .45-75 W.C.F., and all of the 1 of 100 Model 1876s were in this caliber. It has the First Model open top frame with "Model. 1876." on the upper tang and script "470" on the lower tang. It has a plain trigger as noted in the ledger and a standard grade walnut straight grip stock and forearm with iron forend cap and buttplate with brass sliding compartment lid (compartment empty).
Class: Antique
Very good with traces of original blue finish in the protected areas such as the underside of the barrel where it is protected by the magazine tube and around the side plates, and otherwise gray and brown patina, some light pitting, and general mild overall wear. The wood is also very good and has moderate age and handling related wear, some small flakes at the edges, and moderate scratches and dings. Mechanically fine. This is a possibly once in a lifetime opportunity to own the very first One of One Hundred Winchester Model 1876 Rifle known.
Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Short Rifle
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 688)
Manufactured in 1927, this very unique late production Model 92 shows Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver. The upper left flat of the barrel has the standard model, trademark, and caliber marking, while the upper right flat has the two-line address. The upper tang is marked with the three-line Winchester trademark and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. Dovetailed blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight (elevator absent), and a smooth straight grip stock with crescent buttplate. The forearm is of the correct 8 3/8 inch length as standard on short rifles with barrels of 18 to 22 inches. According to Madis in "The Winchester Book", only one of every 850 Model 1892's produced was in short rifle configuration. The only special order features listed by Madis that were more rare than a shorter than standard barrel are plated finishes, factory engraving/inscription, and longer than standard barrels.
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish overall with a light speckling of grey patina and light high edge wear visible on the receiver. The elevator for the rear sight is absent. The wood is also excellent with some scattered light dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. An exceptional Winchester Model 1892 in the rare short rifle configuration!