Premiere Firearms Auction - April 21
Saturday, April 21, 2012 | 10:00 AM Central
Auction closed.
Premiere Firearms Auction - April 21
Saturday, April 21, 2012 | 10:00 AM Central
Auction closed.
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Description
2,700+ Lots! The first great firearms sale of the decade.
An encyclopedic selection of Colts, Winchesters, U.S. and German Military, Sporting Arms, 19th Century American Arms, & Americana.
An encyclopedic selection of Colts, Winchesters, U.S. and German Military, Sporting Arms, 19th Century American Arms, & Americana.
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Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Single Shot Rifle with Swiss Buttplate
Lot # 1025 (Sale Order: 26 of 964)
Estimate: $1200 - $1700
Manufactured in 1893. The top of the #2 barrel has the two line Winchester address and "22 SHORT" at the breech and the serial number and 1879 patent date are on the lower tang. Globe front sight (no insert) and tang peep sight with the rear sight removed (dovetail not filled). Single set trigger and checkered walnut lever grip extension. Mounted on a smooth forearm with ebony insert and straight grip stock with a nickel plated Swiss style buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 short
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 63618
Condition: Very good plus. The barrel retains traces of original blue finish otherwise faded to a smooth patina with light spotting overall. The receiver retains traces of original case colors in the protected areas with some light spotting. The wood is very fine with a number of minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Manufactured in 1893. The top of the #2 barrel has the two line Winchester address and "22 SHORT" at the breech and the serial number and 1879 patent date are on the lower tang. Globe front sight (no insert) and tang peep sight with the rear sight removed (dovetail not filled). Single set trigger and checkered walnut lever grip extension. Mounted on a smooth forearm with ebony insert and straight grip stock with a nickel plated Swiss style buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 short
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 63618
Condition: Very good plus. The barrel retains traces of original blue finish otherwise faded to a smooth patina with light spotting overall. The receiver retains traces of original case colors in the protected areas with some light spotting. The wood is very fine with a number of minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Framed Henry R. Poore Winchester "Bear Dog" Advertisement
Lot # 1026 (Sale Order: 27 of 964)
Estimate: $2000 - $3000
This is H.R. Poore's famous Winchester Bear Dog advertisement. The advertisement depicts four hunting dogs and Poore's signature appears at the lower left corner. It has been professionally mounted in a wooden frame that measures 36 1/2" x 27 1/2". Consignor: Original oil, before Winchester adopted it.
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Condition: Very fine, showing a few minor creases and tears that do not detract from the overall attractive appearance of this famous Winchester advertisement.
This is H.R. Poore's famous Winchester Bear Dog advertisement. The advertisement depicts four hunting dogs and Poore's signature appears at the lower left corner. It has been professionally mounted in a wooden frame that measures 36 1/2" x 27 1/2". Consignor: Original oil, before Winchester adopted it.
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Condition: Very fine, showing a few minor creases and tears that do not detract from the overall attractive appearance of this famous Winchester advertisement.
Highly Collectable Winchester Wall Clock
Lot # 1027 (Sale Order: 28 of 964)
Estimate: $3500 - $6500
This rare Winchester advertising clock was manufactured by the Ansonia Clock Company. Hardwood construction and 16 inches across, this clock features gold paint accent on the frame of the door and a white face with black numbers 1 through 12. In the center of the face is an advertisement for Winchester firearms and cartridges (see image). The back of the clock has an Ansonia Clock Company, New York paper label. The Ansonia clock company started in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851 and moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1878. The company was a successful clock making business until the 1920s when huge debts required the company to sell a majority of the timekeeping machinery and tooling to the Soviet government's U.S. trading company Amtorg prior to the 1929 stock market crash. In 1969, the rights to the use of the name and trade marks were transferred to Ansonia Clock Co., Inc. of Lynnwood, Washington.
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Condition: Very good, showing some mild wear and handling marks. The lower door has been repaired, and some minor wear is visible on the main door. Mechanically fine.
This rare Winchester advertising clock was manufactured by the Ansonia Clock Company. Hardwood construction and 16 inches across, this clock features gold paint accent on the frame of the door and a white face with black numbers 1 through 12. In the center of the face is an advertisement for Winchester firearms and cartridges (see image). The back of the clock has an Ansonia Clock Company, New York paper label. The Ansonia clock company started in Ansonia, Connecticut, in 1851 and moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1878. The company was a successful clock making business until the 1920s when huge debts required the company to sell a majority of the timekeeping machinery and tooling to the Soviet government's U.S. trading company Amtorg prior to the 1929 stock market crash. In 1969, the rights to the use of the name and trade marks were transferred to Ansonia Clock Co., Inc. of Lynnwood, Washington.
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Condition: Very good, showing some mild wear and handling marks. The lower door has been repaired, and some minor wear is visible on the main door. Mechanically fine.
Winchester Bullet Molds and Loading Tool
Lot # 1028 (Sale Order: 29 of 964)
Estimate: $1000 - $2000
All are Winchester manufactured. 1) Altered bullet mold 32 WS with wooden handles. 2) Bullet Mold 44 WCF with wooden handles. 3) Bullet mold 32 WCF with wooden handles. 4) Bullet mold 38-56 WCF. 5) Bullet mold 38 WCF. 6) Bullet mold 25-20 WCF. 7) Loading tool 44 WCF.
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Condition: Overall very good with 60% plus original blue finish remaining. 5 retains traces of original blue finish in the protected areas with minor pitting.
All are Winchester manufactured. 1) Altered bullet mold 32 WS with wooden handles. 2) Bullet Mold 44 WCF with wooden handles. 3) Bullet mold 32 WCF with wooden handles. 4) Bullet mold 38-56 WCF. 5) Bullet mold 38 WCF. 6) Bullet mold 25-20 WCF. 7) Loading tool 44 WCF.
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Condition: Overall very good with 60% plus original blue finish remaining. 5 retains traces of original blue finish in the protected areas with minor pitting.
Ten Highly Collectable Powder Kegs
Lot # 1029 (Sale Order: 30 of 964)
Estimate: $1000 - $1400
1) DuPont FFg black powder keg, black painted, 6 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall, with a DuPont Olympia label on the underside. 2) DuPont FFg rifle powder keg, green painted, 6 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall. Plug absent. 3) Hazard "Duck Shooting Powder" keg, red finish, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches tall. 4) DuPont smokeless powder keg, green painted, 3 1/4 inch wide and 3 3/4 inches tall. 5) As 4, with measurement instruction label on the underside. 6) American Powder "Triple Refined Dead Shot" powder keg, green painted, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall. Plug absent, partial seal. 7) Hercules HiVel Number 2 Smokeless Military Rifle Powder keg, brown painted, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall. 8) Hazard "Kentucky Rifle Gunpowder FFg" keg, red finish, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches tall. 9) Hercules Bulls Eye Pistol Powder keg, yellow painted, 6 1/4 inches wide and 8 inches tall. 10) As 9, with measurement instruction label on the underside.
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Condition: All are fair overall, with wear, dents and a moderate amount of rust appropriate to age. 4 is slightly cracked on the underside.
1) DuPont FFg black powder keg, black painted, 6 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall, with a DuPont Olympia label on the underside. 2) DuPont FFg rifle powder keg, green painted, 6 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall. Plug absent. 3) Hazard "Duck Shooting Powder" keg, red finish, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches tall. 4) DuPont smokeless powder keg, green painted, 3 1/4 inch wide and 3 3/4 inches tall. 5) As 4, with measurement instruction label on the underside. 6) American Powder "Triple Refined Dead Shot" powder keg, green painted, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall. Plug absent, partial seal. 7) Hercules HiVel Number 2 Smokeless Military Rifle Powder keg, brown painted, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/4 inches tall. 8) Hazard "Kentucky Rifle Gunpowder FFg" keg, red finish, 6 1/4 inches wide and 7 1/2 inches tall. 9) Hercules Bulls Eye Pistol Powder keg, yellow painted, 6 1/4 inches wide and 8 inches tall. 10) As 9, with measurement instruction label on the underside.
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Condition: All are fair overall, with wear, dents and a moderate amount of rust appropriate to age. 4 is slightly cracked on the underside.
Two Boxes of Winchester Single Shot Rifle Express Cartridges
Lot # 1030 (Sale Order: 31 of 964)
Estimate: $1000 - $2000
1) Winchester 38-90-217 Winchester Express cartridge box for 10 cartridges. This box holds 10 cartridges and features second style labels. The top of the box has a green label printed with cartridge information, Winchester address, and cartridge illustration. The cartridge information is also printed on the end label. 2) Winchester 45-125-300 Winchester Express cartridge box for 10 cartridges. This box holds 10 cartridges and features second style labels. The top of the box has a green label printed with cartridge information, Winchester address, and cartridge illustration. The cartridge information is also printed on the green end label.
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Condition: Both boxes have a protective wrapping. 1) Good, with water stains and some edge separation. Much of the labels remain. 2) Very fine, with limited edge separation. Most of the labels remain. The printing is clear.
1) Winchester 38-90-217 Winchester Express cartridge box for 10 cartridges. This box holds 10 cartridges and features second style labels. The top of the box has a green label printed with cartridge information, Winchester address, and cartridge illustration. The cartridge information is also printed on the end label. 2) Winchester 45-125-300 Winchester Express cartridge box for 10 cartridges. This box holds 10 cartridges and features second style labels. The top of the box has a green label printed with cartridge information, Winchester address, and cartridge illustration. The cartridge information is also printed on the green end label.
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Condition: Both boxes have a protective wrapping. 1) Good, with water stains and some edge separation. Much of the labels remain. 2) Very fine, with limited edge separation. Most of the labels remain. The printing is clear.
Exquisite Steven Dodd Hughes Master Embellished Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Single Shot Rifle
Lot # 1031 (Sale Order: 32 of 964)
Estimate: $3500 - $6500
Originally manufactured by Winchester in 1905 and subsequently professionally custom engraved and embellished in the late 20th Century by master craftsman Steven Dodd Hughes of the American Custom Gunmaker's Guild, and one of the finest gun makers in the United States. The barrel is manufactured without sights and the upper left flat is stamped ".22 WMR" with "SDH" hallmark relief stamped at the breech. The action has a border and scroll engraving on the sides. The rifle is equipped with a full length Parsons scope adjustable for windage and elevation. The hammer, breechblock, lever and grip cap are casehardened with a scroll engraving on the lever and grip cap. Nicely figured checkered pistol grip stock and forearm with black forend tip, cheekpiece and checkered flat butt. Comes with a manual.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 WMR
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 93608
Condition: Near mint as professionally customized (see above). The rifle retains 99% plus of the respective finishes with only the slightest handling marks. The wood is also excellent with only the slightest handling marks.
Originally manufactured by Winchester in 1905 and subsequently professionally custom engraved and embellished in the late 20th Century by master craftsman Steven Dodd Hughes of the American Custom Gunmaker's Guild, and one of the finest gun makers in the United States. The barrel is manufactured without sights and the upper left flat is stamped ".22 WMR" with "SDH" hallmark relief stamped at the breech. The action has a border and scroll engraving on the sides. The rifle is equipped with a full length Parsons scope adjustable for windage and elevation. The hammer, breechblock, lever and grip cap are casehardened with a scroll engraving on the lever and grip cap. Nicely figured checkered pistol grip stock and forearm with black forend tip, cheekpiece and checkered flat butt. Comes with a manual.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 WMR
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 93608
Condition: Near mint as professionally customized (see above). The rifle retains 99% plus of the respective finishes with only the slightest handling marks. The wood is also excellent with only the slightest handling marks.
Ballard Rifles Rolling Block Single Shot Custom Target Rifle
Lot # 1032 (Sale Order: 33 of 964)
Estimate: $2750 - $3750
Heavy barrel with a globe front sight with level, no provisions for a rear sight on the barrel and fitted with a windage adjustable short range tang sight. The upper tang is marked "BALLARD RIFLE, LLC/CODY, WYOMING", the serial number is marked on the rear of the receiver directly behind the hammer and on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm. The caliber designation, "22 LR" is marked on the bottom barrel flat ahead of the forearm. Blue barrel, casehardened receiver and buttplate, and mounted with deluxe, nicely figured smooth walnut forearm with steel forend tip and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 LR
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: R102
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 99% original blue finish with a few light scratches and handling marks. The small components retain virtually all of the original bright blue finish. The receiver retains 99% original bright case colors and the trigger guard retains 90% original case colors with some fading to gray from handling. The wood is also excellent with only a few overall light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Heavy barrel with a globe front sight with level, no provisions for a rear sight on the barrel and fitted with a windage adjustable short range tang sight. The upper tang is marked "BALLARD RIFLE, LLC/CODY, WYOMING", the serial number is marked on the rear of the receiver directly behind the hammer and on the bottom of the barrel under the forearm. The caliber designation, "22 LR" is marked on the bottom barrel flat ahead of the forearm. Blue barrel, casehardened receiver and buttplate, and mounted with deluxe, nicely figured smooth walnut forearm with steel forend tip and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate.
BBL: 28 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22 LR
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: R102
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 99% original blue finish with a few light scratches and handling marks. The small components retain virtually all of the original bright blue finish. The receiver retains 99% original bright case colors and the trigger guard retains 90% original case colors with some fading to gray from handling. The wood is also excellent with only a few overall light handling marks. Mechanically excellent.
Holland & Holland Single Barrel 410 Gauge Shotgun
Lot # 1033 (Sale Order: 34 of 964)
Estimate: $900 - $1400
The top barrel flat is marked "HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND ST LONDON". Single bead front sight, 2 1/2 inch chamber and choked cylinder. The receiver has a scroll engraving and the barrel release is positioned in front of the trigger guard. Nicely figured checkered straight grip stock with a flat steel buttplate. Length of pull is 14 3/4 inches.
BBL: 28 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 410
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 6852
Condition: Very good as completely refurbished. The shotgun retains 95% of the blue finish with some minor thinning. The frame has a bright appearance. There is some pin point pitting on the frame and finished over pitting on the buttplate and trigger guard. The revarnished wood is fine, some scattered minor handling marks and overall crisp recut checkering. Mechanically fine.
The top barrel flat is marked "HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND ST LONDON". Single bead front sight, 2 1/2 inch chamber and choked cylinder. The receiver has a scroll engraving and the barrel release is positioned in front of the trigger guard. Nicely figured checkered straight grip stock with a flat steel buttplate. Length of pull is 14 3/4 inches.
BBL: 28 inch part octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 410
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 6852
Condition: Very good as completely refurbished. The shotgun retains 95% of the blue finish with some minor thinning. The frame has a bright appearance. There is some pin point pitting on the frame and finished over pitting on the buttplate and trigger guard. The revarnished wood is fine, some scattered minor handling marks and overall crisp recut checkering. Mechanically fine.
Francotte Speciale Model Single Shot Takedown Rifle with Scope and Case
Lot # 1034 (Sale Order: 35 of 964)
Estimate: $1500 - $2250
Marked "La Francotte/La Speciale" in script on the right side of the Martini-action receiver and "FRANCOTTE'S/PATENT/71155" on the left. The barrel is equipped with a block in the rear sight slot and an extended eye relief Leupold M8 2x scope. Checkered straight wrist stock with a flat buttplate. Comes with a leather takedown carrying case.
BBL: 22 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 71155
Condition: Very good as refinished, with 95% of the current blue, showing some covered pitting, light spotting and handling marks overall. Stock is very good, with some filler material on the forearm, light scratches and dents. Case shows some light wear. Optics are clear. Mechanically excellent.
Marked "La Francotte/La Speciale" in script on the right side of the Martini-action receiver and "FRANCOTTE'S/PATENT/71155" on the left. The barrel is equipped with a block in the rear sight slot and an extended eye relief Leupold M8 2x scope. Checkered straight wrist stock with a flat buttplate. Comes with a leather takedown carrying case.
BBL: 22 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 22
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 71155
Condition: Very good as refinished, with 95% of the current blue, showing some covered pitting, light spotting and handling marks overall. Stock is very good, with some filler material on the forearm, light scratches and dents. Case shows some light wear. Optics are clear. Mechanically excellent.
Large Framed Grouping of Pistol Shooting Awards
Lot # 1035 (Sale Order: 36 of 964)
Estimate: $1000 - $2000
Glass topped wooden wall frame, 34 1/4 inches wide and 29 1/4 inches tall, containing 87 awards. The bulk are chest-ribbon style medals (84), with 1 tie clip and a pair of badges, representing a wide range of handgun shooting, from 22 up to 45. Presenting bodies include the Rockford Police Pistol Association, National Armored Car Association, the Chicago Patrolman's Club and the Illinois State Rifle Association. Some are dated, in a 1948-1950 range, and three bare the inscription of "H.K. DeLave", who has not been identified.
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Condition: Excellent overall, showing some mild wear on the frame.
Glass topped wooden wall frame, 34 1/4 inches wide and 29 1/4 inches tall, containing 87 awards. The bulk are chest-ribbon style medals (84), with 1 tie clip and a pair of badges, representing a wide range of handgun shooting, from 22 up to 45. Presenting bodies include the Rockford Police Pistol Association, National Armored Car Association, the Chicago Patrolman's Club and the Illinois State Rifle Association. Some are dated, in a 1948-1950 range, and three bare the inscription of "H.K. DeLave", who has not been identified.
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Condition: Excellent overall, showing some mild wear on the frame.
Documented Cased Shiloh Sharps Saddle Ring Carbine with Special Serial Number Range Used in The Movi
Lot # 1036 (Sale Order: 37 of 964)
Estimate: $4500 - $9000
This Shiloh Sharps carbine is one of only 26 manufactured in a special run and serialized in a special range having a "USC" prefix. The carbines were made for R.L. Curtin who originally had them produced to be issued to soldiers participating in Mr. Curtins Cavalry Boot Camps and Indian Wars re-enactments along the Stillwater River Country of South Central Montana. The "USC" prefix stands for Upper Stillwater Cavalry. The carbines were made for Mr. Curtin by Wolfgang Droge the owner, operator of Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co. Inc. in and around 1987. The carbines were later leased to the production of the movie "Dances With Wolves" starring Kevin Costner. Mr. Curtin's army wagons and mule teams were also used in the movie. Mr. Curtin was hired as wrangler and drove the wagons and he and his teams appeared in several scenes in the movie, with Curtin sometimes doubling for actor Robert Pasterelli driving wagons. Behind the scenes Curtin worked as the horse wrangler for the movie crew and at times was the handler of Kevin Costner's horse. Mr. Curtin's name appears in the credits of the movie and he still receives residuals from the production company. One of the carbines was lost in a river during a scene in the movie and a replacement was made by Wolfgang (USC26). The carbines were also used in the movie "The Morning Star" and in the re-enactment of Custer's Last Stand. Mr. Curtin is a former Marine, actor, wrangler, hunter, outfitter, stagecoach driver, farmer and horseshoer. His expertise in the activities of the frontier Army is very extensive. Wolfgang Droge also built three rifles for Tom Selleck to be used in the movie "Quigley Down Under". Included in this lot is a black leather Cavalry carbine belt, a small picture book with scenes from the movie, and a photograph of Curtin with the carbine and belt, newspaper articles about Curtin's involvement in the movie, a notarized letter from Curtin, two pamphlets from the Upper Stillwater Cavalry Camp, two pay stubs from the production company, the Illustrated Story of "Dances With Wolves" and of course the DVD. The carbine has the boxed "Old Reliable" marking on the top of the barrel, as well as "SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBER 45/2 1/10" at the breech. The two line Big Timber address is marked on the left side of the frame and the serial number "USC/014" on the upper tang. Blade front, folding ladder carbine rear sights, saddle ring and bar on the left wrist, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. Complete in a custom wooden case with brass hardware.
BBL: 22 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: USC014
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end. With the exception of the buttplate, the remaining parts retain 98% original case colors, and the buttplate retains most of the original case colors on the tang, with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dents and scratches. Crisp markings. The action is excellent. A well documented special run and serialized Shiloh Sharps used in the epic movie "Dances With Wolves".
This Shiloh Sharps carbine is one of only 26 manufactured in a special run and serialized in a special range having a "USC" prefix. The carbines were made for R.L. Curtin who originally had them produced to be issued to soldiers participating in Mr. Curtins Cavalry Boot Camps and Indian Wars re-enactments along the Stillwater River Country of South Central Montana. The "USC" prefix stands for Upper Stillwater Cavalry. The carbines were made for Mr. Curtin by Wolfgang Droge the owner, operator of Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing Co. Inc. in and around 1987. The carbines were later leased to the production of the movie "Dances With Wolves" starring Kevin Costner. Mr. Curtin's army wagons and mule teams were also used in the movie. Mr. Curtin was hired as wrangler and drove the wagons and he and his teams appeared in several scenes in the movie, with Curtin sometimes doubling for actor Robert Pasterelli driving wagons. Behind the scenes Curtin worked as the horse wrangler for the movie crew and at times was the handler of Kevin Costner's horse. Mr. Curtin's name appears in the credits of the movie and he still receives residuals from the production company. One of the carbines was lost in a river during a scene in the movie and a replacement was made by Wolfgang (USC26). The carbines were also used in the movie "The Morning Star" and in the re-enactment of Custer's Last Stand. Mr. Curtin is a former Marine, actor, wrangler, hunter, outfitter, stagecoach driver, farmer and horseshoer. His expertise in the activities of the frontier Army is very extensive. Wolfgang Droge also built three rifles for Tom Selleck to be used in the movie "Quigley Down Under". Included in this lot is a black leather Cavalry carbine belt, a small picture book with scenes from the movie, and a photograph of Curtin with the carbine and belt, newspaper articles about Curtin's involvement in the movie, a notarized letter from Curtin, two pamphlets from the Upper Stillwater Cavalry Camp, two pay stubs from the production company, the Illustrated Story of "Dances With Wolves" and of course the DVD. The carbine has the boxed "Old Reliable" marking on the top of the barrel, as well as "SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO." ahead of the rear sight and "CALIBER 45/2 1/10" at the breech. The two line Big Timber address is marked on the left side of the frame and the serial number "USC/014" on the upper tang. Blade front, folding ladder carbine rear sights, saddle ring and bar on the left wrist, blue barrel and casehardened remaining parts and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. Complete in a custom wooden case with brass hardware.
BBL: 22 1/2 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: USC014
Condition: Excellent. The barrel retains 95% original blue finish with some thinning on the muzzle end. With the exception of the buttplate, the remaining parts retain 98% original case colors, and the buttplate retains most of the original case colors on the tang, with a smooth gray patina on the balance. The wood is very good with some scattered minor dents and scratches. Crisp markings. The action is excellent. A well documented special run and serialized Shiloh Sharps used in the epic movie "Dances With Wolves".
Excellent Farmingdale Shiloh Sharps Model 1874 Single Shot Sporting Rifle
Lot # 1037 (Sale Order: 38 of 964)
Estimate: $2500 - $3750
This rifle is a reproduction of the famous Sharps 1874 single shot sporting rifle manufactured by the Shiloh Rifle Co. in Farmingdale, N.Y. The top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked with the boxed "Old Reliable", followed by "SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO." and "CALIBRE 45/2 78" behind the rear sight. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two line Farmingdale address. Brass blade front, adjustable rear buckhorn and short range tang mounted sights. The barrel has a matte blue finish with case colored remaining parts, and mounted with a very nicely figured smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock, with a plastic "SHARPS/Old Reliable" marked buttplate.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-110
Finish: blue/case colored
Grips:
Serial Number: 5374
Condition: Excellent. The rifle retains 99% plus of the original blue and case colors with only slight handling marks. The wood is also excellent with a few very minor handling/storage marks. Sharp markings, excellent mechanics.
This rifle is a reproduction of the famous Sharps 1874 single shot sporting rifle manufactured by the Shiloh Rifle Co. in Farmingdale, N.Y. The top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked with the boxed "Old Reliable", followed by "SHILOH RIFLE MFG. CO." and "CALIBRE 45/2 78" behind the rear sight. The left side of the receiver is marked with the two line Farmingdale address. Brass blade front, adjustable rear buckhorn and short range tang mounted sights. The barrel has a matte blue finish with case colored remaining parts, and mounted with a very nicely figured smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock, with a plastic "SHARPS/Old Reliable" marked buttplate.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-110
Finish: blue/case colored
Grips:
Serial Number: 5374
Condition: Excellent. The rifle retains 99% plus of the original blue and case colors with only slight handling marks. The wood is also excellent with a few very minor handling/storage marks. Sharp markings, excellent mechanics.
Custom Master Engraved Gold Inlaid Remington Model 1872 Rolling Block Rifle Designed by Artist Rober
Lot # 1038 (Sale Order: 39 of 964)
Estimate: $3500 - $6500
This is a beautiful example of a totally restored and custom embellished Remington Rolling Block rifle engraved by world renowned Engraver Jerome Glimm of Conrad, Montana. The engraving work was designed by Artist Robert Auth. Robert appreciated the art of engraving and drew his own interpretations of Victorian-Era patterns, and then commissioned engraving Artist Jerome Glimm to do the engraving and gold inlay work. This rifle features a relief floral scroll engraving design on the receiver, sides of the breechblock and hammer, trigger guard, forend cap and buttplate with a 2 inch wedge on the upper rear barrel flats. Each end of the barrel has a wide and thin gold inlaid band around them. The forend cap and trigger guard have a scallop border, the top of the receiver is gold inlaid "R. Auth/YELLOW PINE/IDAHO" in an oval panel and the front of the trigger guard plate is signed "Glimm/Engr". The engraving appears to have been polished over after refinishing, leaving an attractive coin finish appearance to the engraving pattern. The upper tang is marked with the three line address/patent date and consignor notes state the serial number is marked on the tang under the stock. The rifle is mounted with deluxe checkered select walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate. Robert Auth was born in Bloomington, Illinois, October 27, 1926. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 where he served on a naval destroyer during WWII. After his honorable discharge he resumed his education and received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1952. For the next seven years he worked in his family's restaurant and store in Bloomington and then moved to Boise, Idaho. After being inspired by Idaho's landscape he began his long career in art education. He retired from teaching in 1988 and from then until his death in 2011 he resided in Yellow Pine, Idaho. Robert was a natural story teller and had over a six decade career as a painter, printmaker and sculptor. He produced a body of work both wide ranging in its subject matter and precise in its reverence for historical detail. His love for America's bygone era of the "Old West" is portrayed in his artistic renditions of pioneers, cowboys, mountain men, trappers, Native American Indians, soldiers, trains and airplanes. His artwork has been the subject of over 25 one-man shows. His distinctive hand decorated envelopes were chosen to be in the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition in 1983 and were displayed in the National Postal Museum from 1998 to 2000. Whatever the medium from acrylic pop art to gun engraving, Robert transformed it into a way of telling his story.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 8225460
Condition: Professionally embellished in near mint condition with only light handling/storage marks. This rifle, as most restored by Auth, has been mechanically restored as well and the bore re-lined and chambered for his favorite caliber.
This is a beautiful example of a totally restored and custom embellished Remington Rolling Block rifle engraved by world renowned Engraver Jerome Glimm of Conrad, Montana. The engraving work was designed by Artist Robert Auth. Robert appreciated the art of engraving and drew his own interpretations of Victorian-Era patterns, and then commissioned engraving Artist Jerome Glimm to do the engraving and gold inlay work. This rifle features a relief floral scroll engraving design on the receiver, sides of the breechblock and hammer, trigger guard, forend cap and buttplate with a 2 inch wedge on the upper rear barrel flats. Each end of the barrel has a wide and thin gold inlaid band around them. The forend cap and trigger guard have a scallop border, the top of the receiver is gold inlaid "R. Auth/YELLOW PINE/IDAHO" in an oval panel and the front of the trigger guard plate is signed "Glimm/Engr". The engraving appears to have been polished over after refinishing, leaving an attractive coin finish appearance to the engraving pattern. The upper tang is marked with the three line address/patent date and consignor notes state the serial number is marked on the tang under the stock. The rifle is mounted with deluxe checkered select walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate. Robert Auth was born in Bloomington, Illinois, October 27, 1926. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 where he served on a naval destroyer during WWII. After his honorable discharge he resumed his education and received a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1952. For the next seven years he worked in his family's restaurant and store in Bloomington and then moved to Boise, Idaho. After being inspired by Idaho's landscape he began his long career in art education. He retired from teaching in 1988 and from then until his death in 2011 he resided in Yellow Pine, Idaho. Robert was a natural story teller and had over a six decade career as a painter, printmaker and sculptor. He produced a body of work both wide ranging in its subject matter and precise in its reverence for historical detail. His love for America's bygone era of the "Old West" is portrayed in his artistic renditions of pioneers, cowboys, mountain men, trappers, Native American Indians, soldiers, trains and airplanes. His artwork has been the subject of over 25 one-man shows. His distinctive hand decorated envelopes were chosen to be in the Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition in 1983 and were displayed in the National Postal Museum from 1998 to 2000. Whatever the medium from acrylic pop art to gun engraving, Robert transformed it into a way of telling his story.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 8225460
Condition: Professionally embellished in near mint condition with only light handling/storage marks. This rifle, as most restored by Auth, has been mechanically restored as well and the bore re-lined and chambered for his favorite caliber.
Custom Signed Engraved Gold Inlaid Model 1871 Rolling Block Rifle Designed by Artist Robert Auth
Lot # 1039 (Sale Order: 40 of 964)
Estimate: $3500 - $6500
This is a beautiful example of a custom embellished U.S. Springfield Model 1871 Army Rolling Block rifle engraved by world renowned Engraver Jerome Glimm of Conrad, Montana. The engraving work was designed by Artist Robert Auth. Robert appreciated the art of engraving and drew his own interpretations of Victorian-Era patterns, and then commissioned engraving Artist Jerome Glimm to do the engraving and gold inlay work. This rifle features a relief floral scroll engraving design on the receiver, sides of the breechblock and hammer, trigger guard, forend cap and buttplate with a 2 inch wedge on the upper rear barrel flats. The receiver has a feather design border. Each end of the barrel has a wide and thin gold inlaid band around them. The upper sides of the trigger guard have a geometric design. The top barrel flat behind the rear sight is gold inlaid "R. Auth YELLOW PINE, IDAHO". The left side of the receiver is marked "MODEL 1871/ Glimm Engr", with gold inlaid leaf vine border and the right side has the eagle shield motif over "U.S/SPRINGFIELD/1872" with gold inlaid leaf vine surrounding it. The engraving appears to have been polished over after refinishing, leaving an attractive coin finish appearance to the engraving pattern. The barrel is fitted with a globe front and adjustable buck horn rear sights, there is a casehardened mid-range tang peep sight and the rifle is mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Professionally custom embellished to near mint condition. There are some slight handling/storage marks overall. This rifle, as most restored by Auth, has been mechanically restored as well and the bore re-lined and chambered for his favorite caliber.
This is a beautiful example of a custom embellished U.S. Springfield Model 1871 Army Rolling Block rifle engraved by world renowned Engraver Jerome Glimm of Conrad, Montana. The engraving work was designed by Artist Robert Auth. Robert appreciated the art of engraving and drew his own interpretations of Victorian-Era patterns, and then commissioned engraving Artist Jerome Glimm to do the engraving and gold inlay work. This rifle features a relief floral scroll engraving design on the receiver, sides of the breechblock and hammer, trigger guard, forend cap and buttplate with a 2 inch wedge on the upper rear barrel flats. The receiver has a feather design border. Each end of the barrel has a wide and thin gold inlaid band around them. The upper sides of the trigger guard have a geometric design. The top barrel flat behind the rear sight is gold inlaid "R. Auth YELLOW PINE, IDAHO". The left side of the receiver is marked "MODEL 1871/ Glimm Engr", with gold inlaid leaf vine border and the right side has the eagle shield motif over "U.S/SPRINGFIELD/1872" with gold inlaid leaf vine surrounding it. The engraving appears to have been polished over after refinishing, leaving an attractive coin finish appearance to the engraving pattern. The barrel is fitted with a globe front and adjustable buck horn rear sights, there is a casehardened mid-range tang peep sight and the rifle is mounted with a checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine style buttplate.
BBL: 30 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: NSN
Condition: Professionally custom embellished to near mint condition. There are some slight handling/storage marks overall. This rifle, as most restored by Auth, has been mechanically restored as well and the bore re-lined and chambered for his favorite caliber.
Beautiful Reproduction UMC Cartridge Board by Artist Robert Auth
Lot # 1040 (Sale Order: 41 of 964)
Estimate: $1500 - $3000
Measuring approximately 57 inches by 41 1/2 inches, including the frame, this beautiful reproduction UMC cartridge board is done by Artist Robert Auth in acrylic paint with the cartridges attached to pressed cardboard. The board is framed with a massive 3 3/4 inch deep wooden frame with gold painted outer edges. The board displays rimfire, central fire sporting and military cartridges including shotgun shells, and a display at the bottom center of primers and wads. The cartridges are mostly original with some modern replacements to complete the representative calibers. In the center is a diamond with a large "U.M.C." in the center over a painted scene of an elk in a mountain scene and the bottom reads "FACTORY: BRIDGEPORT. CONN. U.S.A." and "STORES: NEW YORK AND SANFRANCISCO.". Each cartridge marking is also hand painted. This cartridge board is one of two in this auction and each is an individual work of art and the center painting depicts a hunt in which Robert participated in during his time in Idaho. Accompanying this lot is a copy of the book "Francie's Camera, The Art and Stories of Robert Auth". The book details Robert Auth's life through words and pictures, and illustrates much of his work, including this cartridge board.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:
Condition: Excellent plus. The book is new in the original wrapping. This cartridge board would be a beautiful and impressive addition to any cartridge collection or gun room.
Measuring approximately 57 inches by 41 1/2 inches, including the frame, this beautiful reproduction UMC cartridge board is done by Artist Robert Auth in acrylic paint with the cartridges attached to pressed cardboard. The board is framed with a massive 3 3/4 inch deep wooden frame with gold painted outer edges. The board displays rimfire, central fire sporting and military cartridges including shotgun shells, and a display at the bottom center of primers and wads. The cartridges are mostly original with some modern replacements to complete the representative calibers. In the center is a diamond with a large "U.M.C." in the center over a painted scene of an elk in a mountain scene and the bottom reads "FACTORY: BRIDGEPORT. CONN. U.S.A." and "STORES: NEW YORK AND SANFRANCISCO.". Each cartridge marking is also hand painted. This cartridge board is one of two in this auction and each is an individual work of art and the center painting depicts a hunt in which Robert participated in during his time in Idaho. Accompanying this lot is a copy of the book "Francie's Camera, The Art and Stories of Robert Auth". The book details Robert Auth's life through words and pictures, and illustrates much of his work, including this cartridge board.
BBL:
Stock:
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Serial Number:
Condition: Excellent plus. The book is new in the original wrapping. This cartridge board would be a beautiful and impressive addition to any cartridge collection or gun room.
Pair of Black Angora Wooly Chaps Belonging to Artist Robert Auth
Lot # 1041 (Sale Order: 42 of 964)
Estimate: $1000 - $2000
Wooly outer made by Lawrence of Portland, Oregon, with canvas backing and thick leather legs. Basket weave tooled belt stamped "LAWRENCE/PORTLAND" and marked "R. AUTH/YELLOW PINE,/IDAHO/1926" on the inside upper left. Accompanying this lot is a copy of the book "Francie's Camera, The Art and Stories of Robert Auth". The book details Robert Auth's life through words and pictures, and illustrates much of his work. A print by the Author titled "Coffee Break" on page 80 of this book, features a cowboy wearing these chaps. The print is available on the Author's website, robertauthart.com.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:
Condition: Very good. The upper right side of the lining has a minor stitch repair and the canvas lining shows some staining. The belt shows some moderate flex wear and some of the leather has flaked. The book is excellent.
Wooly outer made by Lawrence of Portland, Oregon, with canvas backing and thick leather legs. Basket weave tooled belt stamped "LAWRENCE/PORTLAND" and marked "R. AUTH/YELLOW PINE,/IDAHO/1926" on the inside upper left. Accompanying this lot is a copy of the book "Francie's Camera, The Art and Stories of Robert Auth". The book details Robert Auth's life through words and pictures, and illustrates much of his work. A print by the Author titled "Coffee Break" on page 80 of this book, features a cowboy wearing these chaps. The print is available on the Author's website, robertauthart.com.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:
Condition: Very good. The upper right side of the lining has a minor stitch repair and the canvas lining shows some staining. The belt shows some moderate flex wear and some of the leather has flaked. The book is excellent.
Beautiful Reproduction Remington Cartridge Board Done by Artist Robert Auth
Lot # 1042 (Sale Order: 43 of 964)
Estimate: $1500 - $3000
Measuring approximately 53 inches by 37 inches, including the frame, this beautiful reproduction Remington cartridge board is done by Artist Robert Auth in acrylic paint with the cartridges attached to pressed cardboard. The board is framed with a massive 3 3/4 inch deep wooden frame with gold painted outer edges. The board contains approximately 140 Remington rimfire and center fire cartridges. The cartridges are mostly original with some modern replacements to complete the representative calibers. The background is painted light green and the center features a beautiful painted scene in a diamond. The very top reads "TRADE U MARK" with "CENTER FIRE CARTRIDGES/REMINGTON" over the scene and "BRIDGEPORT. CONN. U.S.A." at the bottom (see illustration). This cartridge board is one of two in this auction and each is an individual work of art and the center painting depicts a hunt in which Robert participated in during his time in Idaho. Accompanying this lot is a copy of the book "Francie's Camera, The Art and Stories of Robert Auth". The book details Robert Auth's life through words and pictures, and illustrates much of his work, including this cartridge board.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:
Condition: Excellent plus. The book is new in the original wrapping. This cartridge board would be a beautiful and impressive addition to any cartridge collection or gun room.
Measuring approximately 53 inches by 37 inches, including the frame, this beautiful reproduction Remington cartridge board is done by Artist Robert Auth in acrylic paint with the cartridges attached to pressed cardboard. The board is framed with a massive 3 3/4 inch deep wooden frame with gold painted outer edges. The board contains approximately 140 Remington rimfire and center fire cartridges. The cartridges are mostly original with some modern replacements to complete the representative calibers. The background is painted light green and the center features a beautiful painted scene in a diamond. The very top reads "TRADE U MARK" with "CENTER FIRE CARTRIDGES/REMINGTON" over the scene and "BRIDGEPORT. CONN. U.S.A." at the bottom (see illustration). This cartridge board is one of two in this auction and each is an individual work of art and the center painting depicts a hunt in which Robert participated in during his time in Idaho. Accompanying this lot is a copy of the book "Francie's Camera, The Art and Stories of Robert Auth". The book details Robert Auth's life through words and pictures, and illustrates much of his work, including this cartridge board.
BBL:
Stock:
Gauge:
Finish:
Grips:
Serial Number:
Condition: Excellent plus. The book is new in the original wrapping. This cartridge board would be a beautiful and impressive addition to any cartridge collection or gun room.
Superb Documented Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in 45-70 Caliber
Lot # 1043 (Sale Order: 44 of 964)
Estimate: $22500 - $35000
This is a truly exceptional example of a documented Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with casehardened receiver. According to the included Cody Firearms Museum Records Office letter, this rifle arrived at the warehouse on October 2, 1899, and was shipped October 7 of the same year. The letter confirms rifle configuration, .45-70 caliber, octagon barrel and plain trigger. The rifle has German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is roll-stamped "-MODEL 1886-" and lower tang has the Browning and Mason patent marking "-PAT.OCT.14.1884./JAN. 20. 1885" and the serial number. Mounted on a select straight grain walnut stock and forearm with a varnish finish. The buttstock is fitted with a smooth steel buttplate with a sliding brass door.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45/70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 119683
Condition: Excellent plus. The barrel and magazine tube retain 98% original blue finish showing very minor edge wear on the flats and muzzle. The bolt retains nearly all of the original blue finish and the loading gate retains 95% with some minor thinning. The casehardened components retain 95% plus original fiery and deep case colors. The stock and forearm are excellent plus with nearly all of the original varnish finish. Wear is limited to some scattered and very minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a superb example of a Model 1886 Winchester rifle with a spectacular casehardened receiver.
This is a truly exceptional example of a documented Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with casehardened receiver. According to the included Cody Firearms Museum Records Office letter, this rifle arrived at the warehouse on October 2, 1899, and was shipped October 7 of the same year. The letter confirms rifle configuration, .45-70 caliber, octagon barrel and plain trigger. The rifle has German silver blade front and folding ladder rear sights. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight and "45-70" at the breech. The upper tang is roll-stamped "-MODEL 1886-" and lower tang has the Browning and Mason patent marking "-PAT.OCT.14.1884./JAN. 20. 1885" and the serial number. Mounted on a select straight grain walnut stock and forearm with a varnish finish. The buttstock is fitted with a smooth steel buttplate with a sliding brass door.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45/70
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 119683
Condition: Excellent plus. The barrel and magazine tube retain 98% original blue finish showing very minor edge wear on the flats and muzzle. The bolt retains nearly all of the original blue finish and the loading gate retains 95% with some minor thinning. The casehardened components retain 95% plus original fiery and deep case colors. The stock and forearm are excellent plus with nearly all of the original varnish finish. Wear is limited to some scattered and very minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a superb example of a Model 1886 Winchester rifle with a spectacular casehardened receiver.
Extraordinarily Rare and Important, Fully Documented Briggs Patent Henry Rifle Formerly of the Winch
Lot # 1044 (Sale Order: 45 of 964)
Estimate: $180000 - $275000
One of less than 10 Briggs patent Henrys held in private hands. This is an extremely rare opportunity, possibly once in a lifetime to own what is essentially the first real Winchester rifle produced. This extremely important rifle represents a critical transition period from 1864-1865 where the New Haven Arms Company was dissolved and the Winchester Arms Company was established. From the beginning of the Civil War when the first shots were fired on Fort Sumpter until its conclusion in April of 1865 the technology and designs of firearms changed drastically. Reliable and effective repeating arms were among the foremost significant improvements that had come out of the Civil War. No other repeating firearm of the period is more famous than the Henry lever action rifle. Invented by Benjamin Tyler Henry and manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company, approximately 14,000 Henry rifles were manufactured during their production run. The Henry Rifle was advertised to shoot "sixty shots per minute" and was the gun Confederate troops joked; that it could be shot for days at a time before needing to be reloaded. While widely recognized and famous the Henry rifle had its flaws. In fact it is widely agreed by many firearms experts and historians that Spencer rifles and carbines were a far superior repeating weapon than the Henry. The main reason for this belief was the "exposed magazine" found on Henry rifle which was known to jam and fill with dirt while the Spencer had an enclosed magazine in the buttstock. Fast forward to the end of the Civil War which also coincides with the end of the New Haven Arms Company. It was precisely at this time when Benjamin Tyler Henry left the New Haven Arms Company which was subsequently dissolved and reorganized into the Winchester Arms Company under Oliver F. Winchester. It was Winchester's first priority to improve the design of the Henry rifle. The most noteworthy problems of the Henry Rifle were the previously mentioned "slotted" or "exposed" magazine which among other problems required heavier steel, leading to weight and balancing issues. The second problem was the sensitive loading gate which was known to be unstable, leading to loading malfunctions, breaking the magazine spring and others. This particular rifle, represents Winchesters first attempt to improve the design of the Henry Rifle making this the first real rifle manufactured under the Winchester banner. The Improved design was the work of George W. Briggs for which he was issued a patent on October 16, 1866. Brigg's patent was comprised of a sliding magazine tube which allowed cartridges to be loaded and held in an enclosed magazine tube. The magazine tube that Briggs built eliminated the "slot" and was a self contained magazine. The sliding loading gate was much more sturdy and while the sliding forearm acted to protect the loading mechanism from damage. In the mean time however, Nelson King, whom was hired as the factory superintendent who replaced Henry, was also working on a new design. King's design altered the receiver and called for a "loading port" or "loading gate" on the right side of the receiver. King's design was an improvement on a number of levels even on the Briggs design. King's design put an end to an exposed magazine of any kind. Even the Briggs Henry had to be pushed forward allowing the tube to be exposed. King's design also called for less steps when loading the weapon. King's design was the breakthrough Mr. Winchester was looking for which would immortalize the Winchester for decades to come. This rifle features a 24 inch round barrel secured by two barrel bands. The front sight is a Beeches folding globe sight. There is a rear dove tail cut out in the rear of the receiver. The tang is mounted with a Henry/1866 long range folding peep sight. The sliding iron forearm measures 6 inches. The forearm loading release button is on the right side of the forearm. The stock is a semi-deluxe walnut. No barrel address or serial numbers are visible on any exterior parts or components and no barrel address was ever stamped. One of the most intriguing features on the rifle are the Winchester proofs which are stamped on the barrel and the receiver. It is unclear how many of these Briggs patent Henry rifles were manufactured but it is in our belief that this example sat in the Winchester shop in the white as their factory example specimen. It was subsequently finished for preservation sometime after the turn of the century when it was mandated that anything that was passed through the shop would be proofed. This rifle was kept by the factory museum collection until it was sold in June of 1991 in the Musser Auction in Cody Wyoming which liquidated part of the museum collection. And so this rifle has sat for 20 years with its original owner. This particular rifle is extensively documented and photographed on pages 215-218 in the book "The Story of Benjamin Tyler Henry and His Famed
One of less than 10 Briggs patent Henrys held in private hands. This is an extremely rare opportunity, possibly once in a lifetime to own what is essentially the first real Winchester rifle produced. This extremely important rifle represents a critical transition period from 1864-1865 where the New Haven Arms Company was dissolved and the Winchester Arms Company was established. From the beginning of the Civil War when the first shots were fired on Fort Sumpter until its conclusion in April of 1865 the technology and designs of firearms changed drastically. Reliable and effective repeating arms were among the foremost significant improvements that had come out of the Civil War. No other repeating firearm of the period is more famous than the Henry lever action rifle. Invented by Benjamin Tyler Henry and manufactured by the New Haven Arms Company, approximately 14,000 Henry rifles were manufactured during their production run. The Henry Rifle was advertised to shoot "sixty shots per minute" and was the gun Confederate troops joked; that it could be shot for days at a time before needing to be reloaded. While widely recognized and famous the Henry rifle had its flaws. In fact it is widely agreed by many firearms experts and historians that Spencer rifles and carbines were a far superior repeating weapon than the Henry. The main reason for this belief was the "exposed magazine" found on Henry rifle which was known to jam and fill with dirt while the Spencer had an enclosed magazine in the buttstock. Fast forward to the end of the Civil War which also coincides with the end of the New Haven Arms Company. It was precisely at this time when Benjamin Tyler Henry left the New Haven Arms Company which was subsequently dissolved and reorganized into the Winchester Arms Company under Oliver F. Winchester. It was Winchester's first priority to improve the design of the Henry rifle. The most noteworthy problems of the Henry Rifle were the previously mentioned "slotted" or "exposed" magazine which among other problems required heavier steel, leading to weight and balancing issues. The second problem was the sensitive loading gate which was known to be unstable, leading to loading malfunctions, breaking the magazine spring and others. This particular rifle, represents Winchesters first attempt to improve the design of the Henry Rifle making this the first real rifle manufactured under the Winchester banner. The Improved design was the work of George W. Briggs for which he was issued a patent on October 16, 1866. Brigg's patent was comprised of a sliding magazine tube which allowed cartridges to be loaded and held in an enclosed magazine tube. The magazine tube that Briggs built eliminated the "slot" and was a self contained magazine. The sliding loading gate was much more sturdy and while the sliding forearm acted to protect the loading mechanism from damage. In the mean time however, Nelson King, whom was hired as the factory superintendent who replaced Henry, was also working on a new design. King's design altered the receiver and called for a "loading port" or "loading gate" on the right side of the receiver. King's design was an improvement on a number of levels even on the Briggs design. King's design put an end to an exposed magazine of any kind. Even the Briggs Henry had to be pushed forward allowing the tube to be exposed. King's design also called for less steps when loading the weapon. King's design was the breakthrough Mr. Winchester was looking for which would immortalize the Winchester for decades to come. This rifle features a 24 inch round barrel secured by two barrel bands. The front sight is a Beeches folding globe sight. There is a rear dove tail cut out in the rear of the receiver. The tang is mounted with a Henry/1866 long range folding peep sight. The sliding iron forearm measures 6 inches. The forearm loading release button is on the right side of the forearm. The stock is a semi-deluxe walnut. No barrel address or serial numbers are visible on any exterior parts or components and no barrel address was ever stamped. One of the most intriguing features on the rifle are the Winchester proofs which are stamped on the barrel and the receiver. It is unclear how many of these Briggs patent Henry rifles were manufactured but it is in our belief that this example sat in the Winchester shop in the white as their factory example specimen. It was subsequently finished for preservation sometime after the turn of the century when it was mandated that anything that was passed through the shop would be proofed. This rifle was kept by the factory museum collection until it was sold in June of 1991 in the Musser Auction in Cody Wyoming which liquidated part of the museum collection. And so this rifle has sat for 20 years with its original owner. This particular rifle is extensively documented and photographed on pages 215-218 in the book "The Story of Benjamin Tyler Henry and His Famed
The Rarest of All Winchester Firearms, Extensively Documented, Exceptional Patent Model of the Winch
Lot # 1045 (Sale Order: 46 of 964)
Estimate: $90000 - $150000
Offered here is not only one of the most advanced rarities in American firearms collecting, this pistol is also a tangible historical artifact that is a testament to the important and renowned American manufacturing power of the 19th and 20th century. This pistol transcends a single collectable genre be it; Winchesters, Colts, Smith & Wesson’s and carries with it a fascinating tale that encompasses; advancements in firearms design, company rivalry, and the purest of all American capitalistic beliefs, competition. The most famous and recognizable manufacturers of firearms in the 19th and 20th century is Colt and Winchester. Colt is known for its revolvers and Winchester for their lever action rifles. However, there was an interesting period between the late 1870s and 1880's when they went head to head with one another. Although to fully understand these events you must look a few decades into the past. When the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company purchased Smith & Wesson's patent rights for their "lever action magazine pistols" they continued working with the pistol design first conceived under the leadership of Smith & Wesson. The manufacturing output of Volcanic Arms and later New Haven Arms included pistols, carbines and eventually the Henry rifle. Smith & Wesson in the meantime developed and owned the exclusive rights for manufacturing revolvers with a bored through cylinder held under the Rollin White patent. The results of the Rollin White patent were that Smith & Wesson was the only game in town manufacturing a pistol with a bored through cylinder that could fire the self contained metallic cartridge. With the expiration of the patent in 1869 many other firearms firms threw their hat in the ring and started to produce revolvers with bored through cylinders and the revolver market exploded with competition. The most immortalized revolver of all time is the Colt Single Action Army which had an initial production run from 1872 until the outbreak of WWII. Colt emerged as the big winner in the revolver market winning a series of highly competitive U.S. Army contracts and also a large share of the civilian market. The New Haven Arms Company had enjoyed initial success with the Henry rifle in the years of the American Civil War but folded when the war ended and was reorganized as Winchester Arms Company. It was the Winchester Arms Company goal to improve the design of the Henry rifle and did so with the Model 1866. This is how Winchester and Colt became the dominate manufacturers of rifles and revolvers. It is also important to note that the competition in the revolver market was slightly more competitive as Smith & Wesson also won a few U.S. contracts and had a large civilian following. In the early 1870's it was announced that the U.S. government as well as the Russian government were on the market for a new side arm. Smith & Wesson as well as Colt competed for these contracts but what many people do not realize, so did Winchester. "Winchester submitted a number of pistols for trial to the Russian representatives but the Smith & Wesson design was awarded the contract for 140,000 guns. Winchesters design was similar to Smith & Wesson's except the Winchester ejected spent cartridges individually while the Smith & Wesson ejected all six at once". The failure to gain the contract did not put an end to Winchesters plans for developing a revolver to put on the market. Winchester's plan was to make a splash in the market and planned on doing so at the Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. “Winchester invested a great deal of money and time in the "Centennial model 76" (see Madis pg 562). This pistol designed by Hugo Borchardt and S.W. Wood is the patent model revolver for the Winchester “Centennial” revolver series. It is the only patent model known and one of only a handful of Winchester revolvers in private hands. It is the only 32 caliber manufactured. It is the only pocket model manufactured. It is the only spur trigger manufactured and most importantly the only fully functional swing-out cylinder manufactured. "The three major designs developed in the Wood and Borchardt revolvers; A) a double action mechanism, B) fixed thumb and cylinder extractor, and C) swing-out cylinder and simultaneous extractor" (see Wilson, pg 319). This was the first and only successful swing-out cylinder design of its time. Accompanying this revolver is a 14 page letter written by R.L. Wilson. In the letter Mr. Wilson writes about the discovery; "this patent model was discovered circa 1970 and was in the Washington D.C. area in which the United States Patent Office has been since 1802." In the letter Mr. Wilson compares 9 known Winchester revolvers most of them still held by the Winchester Museum in Cody Wyoming to the patent model and lists similarities and difference in each. The swing-out cylinder and push rod ejector system made this revolver the most innovative of its time. In 1883 Colt bega
Offered here is not only one of the most advanced rarities in American firearms collecting, this pistol is also a tangible historical artifact that is a testament to the important and renowned American manufacturing power of the 19th and 20th century. This pistol transcends a single collectable genre be it; Winchesters, Colts, Smith & Wesson’s and carries with it a fascinating tale that encompasses; advancements in firearms design, company rivalry, and the purest of all American capitalistic beliefs, competition. The most famous and recognizable manufacturers of firearms in the 19th and 20th century is Colt and Winchester. Colt is known for its revolvers and Winchester for their lever action rifles. However, there was an interesting period between the late 1870s and 1880's when they went head to head with one another. Although to fully understand these events you must look a few decades into the past. When the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company purchased Smith & Wesson's patent rights for their "lever action magazine pistols" they continued working with the pistol design first conceived under the leadership of Smith & Wesson. The manufacturing output of Volcanic Arms and later New Haven Arms included pistols, carbines and eventually the Henry rifle. Smith & Wesson in the meantime developed and owned the exclusive rights for manufacturing revolvers with a bored through cylinder held under the Rollin White patent. The results of the Rollin White patent were that Smith & Wesson was the only game in town manufacturing a pistol with a bored through cylinder that could fire the self contained metallic cartridge. With the expiration of the patent in 1869 many other firearms firms threw their hat in the ring and started to produce revolvers with bored through cylinders and the revolver market exploded with competition. The most immortalized revolver of all time is the Colt Single Action Army which had an initial production run from 1872 until the outbreak of WWII. Colt emerged as the big winner in the revolver market winning a series of highly competitive U.S. Army contracts and also a large share of the civilian market. The New Haven Arms Company had enjoyed initial success with the Henry rifle in the years of the American Civil War but folded when the war ended and was reorganized as Winchester Arms Company. It was the Winchester Arms Company goal to improve the design of the Henry rifle and did so with the Model 1866. This is how Winchester and Colt became the dominate manufacturers of rifles and revolvers. It is also important to note that the competition in the revolver market was slightly more competitive as Smith & Wesson also won a few U.S. contracts and had a large civilian following. In the early 1870's it was announced that the U.S. government as well as the Russian government were on the market for a new side arm. Smith & Wesson as well as Colt competed for these contracts but what many people do not realize, so did Winchester. "Winchester submitted a number of pistols for trial to the Russian representatives but the Smith & Wesson design was awarded the contract for 140,000 guns. Winchesters design was similar to Smith & Wesson's except the Winchester ejected spent cartridges individually while the Smith & Wesson ejected all six at once". The failure to gain the contract did not put an end to Winchesters plans for developing a revolver to put on the market. Winchester's plan was to make a splash in the market and planned on doing so at the Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. “Winchester invested a great deal of money and time in the "Centennial model 76" (see Madis pg 562). This pistol designed by Hugo Borchardt and S.W. Wood is the patent model revolver for the Winchester “Centennial” revolver series. It is the only patent model known and one of only a handful of Winchester revolvers in private hands. It is the only 32 caliber manufactured. It is the only pocket model manufactured. It is the only spur trigger manufactured and most importantly the only fully functional swing-out cylinder manufactured. "The three major designs developed in the Wood and Borchardt revolvers; A) a double action mechanism, B) fixed thumb and cylinder extractor, and C) swing-out cylinder and simultaneous extractor" (see Wilson, pg 319). This was the first and only successful swing-out cylinder design of its time. Accompanying this revolver is a 14 page letter written by R.L. Wilson. In the letter Mr. Wilson writes about the discovery; "this patent model was discovered circa 1970 and was in the Washington D.C. area in which the United States Patent Office has been since 1802." In the letter Mr. Wilson compares 9 known Winchester revolvers most of them still held by the Winchester Museum in Cody Wyoming to the patent model and lists similarities and difference in each. The swing-out cylinder and push rod ejector system made this revolver the most innovative of its time. In 1883 Colt bega
Excellent Early Winchester Second Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter
Lot # 1046 (Sale Order: 47 of 964)
Estimate: $16000 - $25000
Winchester Model 1873 Carbine with Cody Firearms Museum letter. The letter states that this carbine was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on May 11, 1880. The letter does not identify any special features. The carbine has the Second Model receiver with dust cover guide secured by two screws, dust cover with serrated edges and exposed trigger pin. The carbine has a round barrel, full-length magazine tube and block-mounted front sight behind the barrel band. The front sight has a steel blade. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted, first pattern, two-leaf rear sight. A staple-mounted saddle ring is mounted on the left side of the receiver. The straight grain, black walnut stock and forearm have a varnish finish. The stock is fitted with a carbine style buttplate with sliding brass trap door. The forearm is secured by a single screw-fastened barrel band. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands receiver and dust cover have a blue finish and the hammer, loading lever and buttplate are color casehardened. The loading gate has a niter blue finish. London "Crown/GP" and "Crown/V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight. A "Crown/V" inspection mark is stamped on the top left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped with the designation: "MODEL 1873" in fancy letters. The serial number, "51750" is stamped in script numbers on the lower tang between the lever latch and the rear tang screw.
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 51750
Condition: Excellent. The carbine retains over 90% of the original blue overall. Both barrel bands show moderate high point wear. The receiver has some slight contact wear present on the right side of the receiver and dust cover. The side plates have some minor edge wear. The loading gate retains 98% of the bright original niter blue finish. The hammer, lever and buttplate retain more than 90% of the original case-hardened finish. The bore is mirror bright. The barrel and receiver markings are crisp. The stock and forearm are both in very fine condition with minor handling and storage marks. Most of the original oil finish remains intact. This is an excellent example of a Second Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine. Early production Winchester Model 1873 Carbines were working firearms that saw hard use; examples like this carbine in excellent original condition are very hard to find.
Winchester Model 1873 Carbine with Cody Firearms Museum letter. The letter states that this carbine was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on May 11, 1880. The letter does not identify any special features. The carbine has the Second Model receiver with dust cover guide secured by two screws, dust cover with serrated edges and exposed trigger pin. The carbine has a round barrel, full-length magazine tube and block-mounted front sight behind the barrel band. The front sight has a steel blade. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted, first pattern, two-leaf rear sight. A staple-mounted saddle ring is mounted on the left side of the receiver. The straight grain, black walnut stock and forearm have a varnish finish. The stock is fitted with a carbine style buttplate with sliding brass trap door. The forearm is secured by a single screw-fastened barrel band. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands receiver and dust cover have a blue finish and the hammer, loading lever and buttplate are color casehardened. The loading gate has a niter blue finish. London "Crown/GP" and "Crown/V" proof and inspection marks are stamped on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight. A "Crown/V" inspection mark is stamped on the top left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped with the designation: "MODEL 1873" in fancy letters. The serial number, "51750" is stamped in script numbers on the lower tang between the lever latch and the rear tang screw.
BBL: 20 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 51750
Condition: Excellent. The carbine retains over 90% of the original blue overall. Both barrel bands show moderate high point wear. The receiver has some slight contact wear present on the right side of the receiver and dust cover. The side plates have some minor edge wear. The loading gate retains 98% of the bright original niter blue finish. The hammer, lever and buttplate retain more than 90% of the original case-hardened finish. The bore is mirror bright. The barrel and receiver markings are crisp. The stock and forearm are both in very fine condition with minor handling and storage marks. Most of the original oil finish remains intact. This is an excellent example of a Second Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine. Early production Winchester Model 1873 Carbines were working firearms that saw hard use; examples like this carbine in excellent original condition are very hard to find.
Excellent Winchester Model 1886 Special Order Semi-Deluxe Extra Lightweight Take-Down Short Rifle
Lot # 1047 (Sale Order: 48 of 964)
Estimate: $11000 - $16000
This is an excellent example of a Winchester Model 1886 Semi-Deluxe short rifle that was manufactured in 1900. This Extra Lightweight Take-Down Rifle has a 22-inch round barrel, full-length magazine, special order pistol grip stock with shotgun buttplate and set-triggers. The barrel, magazine, forearm cap and receiver are blued and the hammer and lever are casehardened. The straight grain walnut stock and forearm have a varnish finish. The stock has a hard rubber pistol grip cap embossed "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS" and a black, checkered, hard rubber buttplate with the round Winchester logo in the center. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted Lyman front sight and a sporting style rear sight with serrated edges and screw-adjustable center notch. A Lyman "N-Ni" Model 86 receiver sight is mounted on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "MANUFACTURED BY THE/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. "NICKEL STEEL" is roll-stamped on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight. The caliber "45-70" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang is stamped with the two-line patent dates behind the trigger and the serial number, "124855", behind the tang screw.
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 124855
Condition: Excellent plus. The rifle retains 98% of the bright original blue finish. Wear is limited to some very minor finish loss on the muzzle and one or two nearly undetectable handling marks on the sides of the receiver. The loading lever has nearly 95% of the original, vivid casehardened finish. The right side of the hammer has some minor function wear. The excellent buttstock and forearm are in excellent condition. The stock retains nearly all the original varnish finish; wear is limited to several minor handling marks. The forearm is also in excellent condition with nearly all of the original finish and has a few minor handling marks. The barrel and receiver markings are perfect and the bore is mirror bright. This is an outstanding example of a Winchester Model 1886 Special order, Extra Lightweight Take-Down Short Rifle.
This is an excellent example of a Winchester Model 1886 Semi-Deluxe short rifle that was manufactured in 1900. This Extra Lightweight Take-Down Rifle has a 22-inch round barrel, full-length magazine, special order pistol grip stock with shotgun buttplate and set-triggers. The barrel, magazine, forearm cap and receiver are blued and the hammer and lever are casehardened. The straight grain walnut stock and forearm have a varnish finish. The stock has a hard rubber pistol grip cap embossed "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS" and a black, checkered, hard rubber buttplate with the round Winchester logo in the center. The barrel has a dove-tail mounted Lyman front sight and a sporting style rear sight with serrated edges and screw-adjustable center notch. A Lyman "N-Ni" Model 86 receiver sight is mounted on the left side of the receiver. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "MANUFACTURED BY THE/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.-" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. "NICKEL STEEL" is roll-stamped on the left side of the barrel below the rear sight. The caliber "45-70" is stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang is stamped with the two-line patent dates behind the trigger and the serial number, "124855", behind the tang screw.
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock:
Gauge: 45-70
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 124855
Condition: Excellent plus. The rifle retains 98% of the bright original blue finish. Wear is limited to some very minor finish loss on the muzzle and one or two nearly undetectable handling marks on the sides of the receiver. The loading lever has nearly 95% of the original, vivid casehardened finish. The right side of the hammer has some minor function wear. The excellent buttstock and forearm are in excellent condition. The stock retains nearly all the original varnish finish; wear is limited to several minor handling marks. The forearm is also in excellent condition with nearly all of the original finish and has a few minor handling marks. The barrel and receiver markings are perfect and the bore is mirror bright. This is an outstanding example of a Winchester Model 1886 Special order, Extra Lightweight Take-Down Short Rifle.
Scarce Early Production First Model Winchester 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter
Lot # 1048 (Sale Order: 49 of 964)
Estimate: $7500 - $13000
This is a fine, original example of an 1874 production Winchester First Model 1873 lever action rifle with Cody Firearms Museum letter. The letter states that the rifle was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on July 28, 1874, equipped with a 24-inch octagon barrel and set-trigger. The rifle has the early First Model receiver with raised dust cover guides and first style dust cover with finely checkered raised oval "thumb-print". The tang has the early threaded lever latch. The trigger lacks the trigger block fitted on later models and is secured by an internal pin. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped for a tang-mounted rear sight. The full octagon barrel has a dove-tail mounted sporting front sight with brass blade and a sporting rear sight with checkered rear edges. The buttplate has a sliding brass trap door. The rifle has a blue finish on the barrel, magazine, forearm cap and receiver. The hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate are casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS.NEW HAVEN.CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16.1860". The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped "MODEL 1873". The serial number, "1580" is stamped in script numerals behind the lever latch.
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1580
Condition: Fine. The rifle retains 60% of the original blue finish. Substantial amounts of the original blue finish are present on the barrel flats, magazine tube and forearm cap. The balance has a dark brown patina. The dust cover, side plates and the top and sides of the receiver retain most of the original blue finish. The lower portion of the receiver, upper tang and edges of the side plates show moderate finish loss and light scratches and handling marks. Traces of casehardened finish are present on the hammer and lever; the balance is a silver-gray patina. The brass cartridge elevator has an attractive age patina. The case colors on the buttplate have faded to a silver patina; the buttplate has scattered patches of age discoloration. The forearm and stock are both in fine condition with scattered, minor, handling marks and scratches. Mechanically functions fine, but hammer occasionally falls as the trigger is extremely light on the pull, and the set screw has been milled flush with the trigger. This is a fine example of a scarce and very desirable early First Model Winchester 1873 rifle.
This is a fine, original example of an 1874 production Winchester First Model 1873 lever action rifle with Cody Firearms Museum letter. The letter states that the rifle was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on July 28, 1874, equipped with a 24-inch octagon barrel and set-trigger. The rifle has the early First Model receiver with raised dust cover guides and first style dust cover with finely checkered raised oval "thumb-print". The tang has the early threaded lever latch. The trigger lacks the trigger block fitted on later models and is secured by an internal pin. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped for a tang-mounted rear sight. The full octagon barrel has a dove-tail mounted sporting front sight with brass blade and a sporting rear sight with checkered rear edges. The buttplate has a sliding brass trap door. The rifle has a blue finish on the barrel, magazine, forearm cap and receiver. The hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate are casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS.NEW HAVEN.CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16.1860". The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped "MODEL 1873". The serial number, "1580" is stamped in script numerals behind the lever latch.
BBL: 24 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 44
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1580
Condition: Fine. The rifle retains 60% of the original blue finish. Substantial amounts of the original blue finish are present on the barrel flats, magazine tube and forearm cap. The balance has a dark brown patina. The dust cover, side plates and the top and sides of the receiver retain most of the original blue finish. The lower portion of the receiver, upper tang and edges of the side plates show moderate finish loss and light scratches and handling marks. Traces of casehardened finish are present on the hammer and lever; the balance is a silver-gray patina. The brass cartridge elevator has an attractive age patina. The case colors on the buttplate have faded to a silver patina; the buttplate has scattered patches of age discoloration. The forearm and stock are both in fine condition with scattered, minor, handling marks and scratches. Mechanically functions fine, but hammer occasionally falls as the trigger is extremely light on the pull, and the set screw has been milled flush with the trigger. This is a fine example of a scarce and very desirable early First Model Winchester 1873 rifle.
Very Fine, Exceptionally Rare, Original Winchester "One of One Thousand" 1873 Lever Action Rifle wit
Lot # 1049 (Sale Order: 50 of 964)
Estimate: $150000 - $275000
This is a very fine example of an all original, factory documented, Winchester 1873 "One of One Thousand" lever action rifle. The factory letter that accompanies this rifle is dated August 1989 and shows this rifle was shipped from the Winchester factory in November 1879 along with five other rifles on order number 13488 and verifies the exact configuration 26 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered stock, casehardened finish, of this rifle with the extremely important notation "1 of 1000". Originally intended as a sales strategy by Winchester to market a more accurate, higher grade of Winchester 1873 rifle, obviously with the intention that they could charge a higher price. These rifles were originally produced by selecting barrels that showed the ability to fire more accurate or consistent groups, which where then completely hand fitted, factory engraved and fitted with special select fancy walnut stock and forend. 1 of 1000 rifles are the most sought after rifles of any serious Winchester collector and are the prized possession of any collector fortunate enough to acquire one. A renewed interest in these rifle was spurred on by Universal Pictures movie Winchester 73 released in 1950. As part of a publicity stunt leading up to the release of the movie, Universal Pictures in conjunction with Winchester put on a national search for original unknown Winchester 1 of 1000's. This specific rifle has the type two receiver with the dust cover guide held on by two screws, with the 1/2 inch impressed oval checkered dust cover. As noted in the factory letter the rifle is equipped with the pinned set trigger. Early style tang markings "MODEL 1873" with the serial number engraved lengthwise in a script pattern on the lower tang. The top of the barrel has the early style markings of "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS, NEW HAVEN CT." over "KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29 1866. OCT 16 1860." The muzzle features a factory platinum band and beautifully executed scroll and punch dot motif. The breech end of the barrel also has a factory platinum band and features the fourth style "One of One Thousand" legend. The quality of the engraving work on "1 of 1000" rifles is widely recognized to be by the hand of John Ulrich and this rifle is no exception. It has the correct half-German silver fixed front sight with the semi-buckhorn adjustable rear sight. It is correctly fitted with a deluxe 3x fancy figured American walnut stock and forend with factory checkering. These rifles had a casehardened receiver, hammer, loading lever, forend cap and buttplate with the barrel, magazine tube and trigger being blued. This is an exceptionally fine, all original example of a Winchester 1873 lever action rifle. As noted in the first line this lot is accompanied by a factory letter.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 31268
Condition: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain approximately 60% of the original Winchester blued finish with the balance having aged to an even brown patina. The case colors on the receiver, hammer, loading lever and buttplate have mostly faded to a light brown patina finish overall. Some traces of original casehardening pattern remain with some overall minor collector type handling marks. The stock and forend retain most of their respective high polish finish having thinning on exposed edges and showing some minor handling marks from actual use. The checkering on both the stock and forend are still all original and fully detailed on the pistol grip while the forend show a little more even honest wear on the underside of checkering, but no abuse. The thing that I like most about this rifle is that it has that actual look of "having been there", out west. This was not a gun that spent its life in a closet or on the wall. Consider it a Ferrari of its day, one that was actually driven and well cared for. The screws are all unbuggered with and they have dried oil and dirt still in the screw heads and around the side plate and edges of the metal. The stock and forend is the same way, it looks like it has never been off the rifle in over 100 years, has some light handling marks here and there showing honest frontier use but no abuse. A completely straight, honest, all original Winchester "One of One Thousand" rifle. Certainly this would be the center piece of any advanced Winchester collection or Western collection.
This is a very fine example of an all original, factory documented, Winchester 1873 "One of One Thousand" lever action rifle. The factory letter that accompanies this rifle is dated August 1989 and shows this rifle was shipped from the Winchester factory in November 1879 along with five other rifles on order number 13488 and verifies the exact configuration 26 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered stock, casehardened finish, of this rifle with the extremely important notation "1 of 1000". Originally intended as a sales strategy by Winchester to market a more accurate, higher grade of Winchester 1873 rifle, obviously with the intention that they could charge a higher price. These rifles were originally produced by selecting barrels that showed the ability to fire more accurate or consistent groups, which where then completely hand fitted, factory engraved and fitted with special select fancy walnut stock and forend. 1 of 1000 rifles are the most sought after rifles of any serious Winchester collector and are the prized possession of any collector fortunate enough to acquire one. A renewed interest in these rifle was spurred on by Universal Pictures movie Winchester 73 released in 1950. As part of a publicity stunt leading up to the release of the movie, Universal Pictures in conjunction with Winchester put on a national search for original unknown Winchester 1 of 1000's. This specific rifle has the type two receiver with the dust cover guide held on by two screws, with the 1/2 inch impressed oval checkered dust cover. As noted in the factory letter the rifle is equipped with the pinned set trigger. Early style tang markings "MODEL 1873" with the serial number engraved lengthwise in a script pattern on the lower tang. The top of the barrel has the early style markings of "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS, NEW HAVEN CT." over "KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29 1866. OCT 16 1860." The muzzle features a factory platinum band and beautifully executed scroll and punch dot motif. The breech end of the barrel also has a factory platinum band and features the fourth style "One of One Thousand" legend. The quality of the engraving work on "1 of 1000" rifles is widely recognized to be by the hand of John Ulrich and this rifle is no exception. It has the correct half-German silver fixed front sight with the semi-buckhorn adjustable rear sight. It is correctly fitted with a deluxe 3x fancy figured American walnut stock and forend with factory checkering. These rifles had a casehardened receiver, hammer, loading lever, forend cap and buttplate with the barrel, magazine tube and trigger being blued. This is an exceptionally fine, all original example of a Winchester 1873 lever action rifle. As noted in the first line this lot is accompanied by a factory letter.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut checkered
Gauge: 44-40
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 31268
Condition: Very fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain approximately 60% of the original Winchester blued finish with the balance having aged to an even brown patina. The case colors on the receiver, hammer, loading lever and buttplate have mostly faded to a light brown patina finish overall. Some traces of original casehardening pattern remain with some overall minor collector type handling marks. The stock and forend retain most of their respective high polish finish having thinning on exposed edges and showing some minor handling marks from actual use. The checkering on both the stock and forend are still all original and fully detailed on the pistol grip while the forend show a little more even honest wear on the underside of checkering, but no abuse. The thing that I like most about this rifle is that it has that actual look of "having been there", out west. This was not a gun that spent its life in a closet or on the wall. Consider it a Ferrari of its day, one that was actually driven and well cared for. The screws are all unbuggered with and they have dried oil and dirt still in the screw heads and around the side plate and edges of the metal. The stock and forend is the same way, it looks like it has never been off the rifle in over 100 years, has some light handling marks here and there showing honest frontier use but no abuse. A completely straight, honest, all original Winchester "One of One Thousand" rifle. Certainly this would be the center piece of any advanced Winchester collection or Western collection.
