RARE JENNINGS BREECHLOADING SINGLE SHOT RIFLE.

SN 102. Cal 54. Standard rifle with 26″ rnd smooth bore bbl, ramrod tube under the bbl containing a brass & hickory cleaning rod that is probably a replacement. It has pin front sight on a dovetail and fixed rear sight on the frame over the chamber area. Left side of frame has the Robbins & Lawrence markings along with “C.P. DICKSON AGENT / NEW YORK / PATENTED 1849”. Receiver & rear end of the bbl are nicely engraved in foliate arabesque patterns. Hammer shank & buttplate tang are engraved to match. Breech cover & pellet priming receptacle are present. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock that has straight grip & crescent buttplate with an engraved 2-1/4″ by 3/4″ nickel silver oval inlaid in the left side. According to Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms there were probably less than 1,000 of these rare rifles produced in 2 varieties 1848-1851. The first model was a repeater and the model described here was a factory conversion or one built at the factory from Jennings Repeater parts. This rifle used the “Rocket Ball” cartridge which was grossly underpowered and unsuitable for either military or sporting use which led to the demise of this design, but propelled the Chief Engineer, B. Tyler Henry into prominence. He later invented the Volcanic line of arms which evolved into the Model 1860 Henry Rifle, which then became the Winchester dynasty. Many of the existing Jennings rifles were converted to muzzle loader. Very few are found today in orig configuration. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains with the metal an overall cleaned gray patina with areas of pitting over the bbl. Receiver is lightly pitted around the breech opening and nipple areas with the remainder a gray/brown patina. Buttplate & trigger guard are matching patina. Trigger guard has welded repairs. Stock has a repaired chip at the toe and another in right side of top tang with a gouge in the left wrist and shows a hand worn patina. Hammer is not solid at full cock, otherwise mechanics are a little loose but functional. Bore is moderately pitted. 52355-1 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1000

SUPERB UNTOUCHED VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS COMPANY NAVY SIZE PISTOL WITH 8″ BARREL NEAR NEW.

SN 324. Cal. 41. 8″ bbl. Blue finish with gun metal receiver. Case colored hammer. Blue lever. 2-pc varnished walnut grips. Bbl has 3-line address reading “The Volcanic Arms Co. Patent New Haven Conn. Feb. 14. 1854”. Rear face of loading collar shows assembly no. “95”. Assembly no. “95” is also stamped on front face of bbl under collar. “598” is stamped on front face of magazine follower. SN appears on left side of grip strap at bottom under grip, on right side of lever by hinge, inside of each sideplate, on side of each toggle, on left side of elevator, right side of firing pin, and at top of each grip on inside. CONDITION: A wonderfully preserved, unfired example of a Volcanic Arms Company Navy Pistol with an 8″ bbl, seldom if ever seen in this condition. Bbl has fabulous blue finish. Bbl address is sharp. Assembly nos. are sharp. Bore appears unfired. Magazine follower retains nearly all of blue finish. Gun metal receiver is a much desired deep rich mustard-brown patina. Rear-sight retains nearly all of the fire-blue finish. Rear of firing pin shows nearly all of fire-blue finish. Elevator shows nearly all of fire-blue finish, with some staining, on both sides of firing pin and at bottom of surface. Hammer shows nearly all of muted case coloring with a few slight scratches on left side. Trigger retains most all of its case color finish. Lever retains nearly all of its dark-blue finish with slight flaking. Hammer screw shows a considerable amount of blue on head. Lever screw is very slightly marred. Elevator and lever spring screws show traces of blue. Trigger spring shows all of its fire-blue. Grips retain nearly all of piano varnish finish with some light handling marks and slight high point wear at bottom of each grip. A Volcanic Arms Company Navy Pistol in a remarkable state of preservation with an estimated production of only 1,500 made. This gives the advanced collector a once in a life time opportunity to add possibly the best specimen extant to his collection. Almost impossible to improve upon. 51096-1 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1001

SUPERB AND RARE VOLCANIC REPEATING ARMS COMPANY LEVER ACTION NAVY PISTOL WITH 6″ BARREL.

SN 662. Cal. 41. 6″ bbl. Blue finish with gun metal receiver, case color hammer, blue lever. Bbl shows 3-line address that reads “The Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Patent New Haven Conn Feb. 14. 1854”. Rear face of loading collar shows assembly no. “47”. Front face of bbl also shows assembly no. “47”. SN is stamped on left inside of grip frame, on inside of sideplates, on side of each toggle, on left side of elevator, left side of firing pin, and at top inside of each grip. CONDITION: Excellent. Bbl shows almost all orig blue, very slight fading near address. Front face of collar near “T”-latch shows some light aging as does muzzle of bbl. Bore is slightly pitted toward muzzle with some evidence of being fired. Bbl shows some light high point wear with a sharp mark. Receiver is a deep rich mustard-brown patina and minuscule handling marks. Right sideplate is very slightly battered at top edge. Ejector port shows a few small dents. Hammer face is slightly battered. Rear-sight retains most all fire-blue. Elevator has traces of fire-blue around bolt. Bottom of elevator also shows generous traces of fire-blue finish. Hammer retains nearly all the case color on left side. Right side is somewhat dull and lightly scratched. Checkering is sharp. Hammer screw is slightly marred. Lever retains half of its bright blue finish with balance turning a smooth silver-gray patina. Trigger shows traces of case color. Trigger spring retains nearly all of fire-blue finish. Grips retain nearly all of piano varnish finish with only some slight scratch marks and a little high point wear on bottom of each grip. An opportunity for the advanced collector to obtain an outstanding example of an extremely rare Volcanic Repeating Arms Company Navy size lever action pistol in a condition that would be difficult to improve upon. 51096-4 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1002

EXTREMELY RARE IRON FRAME HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 131. 44 RF HENRY. Rare Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine and 1st type German silver front sight blade with rounded top. Top flat of bbl has the small 2-line Henry patent date & address with an open dovetail near the receiver. Receiver, side plates and buttplate are of the rare iron variety with a 2nd sight dovetail in top flat of receiver. This receiver dovetail contains an orig, 1st type 1000-yard Henry ladder sight. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered, slab sawed American walnut buttstock with varnish finish and early features of a perch belly stock and iron buttplate with rounded heel and large trap containing an orig 4-pc hickory & iron cleaning rod. Cleaning rod recess in the stock has a beveled area at the bottom of the hole which is distinctive only to the iron frame variety of the Model 1860 Henry rifle. Brass frame versions of the rifle are not known to have this bevel. SN was observed in the usual place on top flat of bbl between rear sight dovetail and frame, left side of lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside top tang of buttplate. All 5 stock & buttplate screws are matching numbered to the rifle. The tang wood screws are also distinctive to the iron frame variety of this model with beveled heads. The rnd portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve is marked with the assembly “151” which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. According to The Henry Rifle, Quick, there were probably less than 200 of the iron frame variety produced within the first 400 rifles. As of the publication of the reference book, there were only 90 of them known and this rifle is listed in a chart on page 54. Apparently there is some controversy as to whether the iron frame Henry was produced at a separate facility or simultaneously with the brass frame version in the same plant. The aforementioned chart on pages 54 & 55 of the reference publication lists 16 known duplicate serial numbers which leads one to speculate however one wishes to speculate. Mr. Quick states that there are no known Martially marked iron frame Henry’s. He also reports that the iron frame Henry may have been an effort to gain a Navy contract which, if true, apparently never materialized. No matter, there are few surviving iron frame Henry’s and extremely few of those show any orig finish. PROVENANCE: The collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain a smooth, even, plummy blue/brown patina with some scattered light surface rust. Receiver & side plates retain about 60-70% matching patina showing light wear and a few nicks & scratches. Lever, hammer & buttplate are also with the same patina. Wood is sound with numerous small nicks & scratches and retains about 90% of an old restored varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with good shine and a few scattered spots of pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 52328-51 JRL (75,000-125,000) – Lot 1003

CIVIL WAR ERA HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE INSCRIBED TO CIVIL WAR CONFEDERATE COL DUDLEY W JONES 9TH TEXAS CAVALRY.

SN 1763. Cal. .44 RF Henry. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, nickel silver front sight, an iron filler in rear dovetail & with a fixed rear sight in top flat of receiver dovetail. Left sideplate is engraved in period script “D.W. JONES” with small engraved flourishes above & below. Mounted with an uncheckered, straight grain American walnut buttstock with straight grip and crescent buttplate that has round heel & large trap with corresponding large hole in the stock to accommodate a 4-pc hickory wiping rod that would have been included with rifle from the factory (cleaning rod not present). SN is found on top flat of bbl at the receiver, left side of lower tang under the wood, in top tang of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. All of the tang & buttplate screws are matching numbered to this rifle. Right side of buttstock has a filled sling swivel base recess and right side of bbl & magazine tube is mounted with a sling loop & ring. Round portion of bbl, under loading sleeve, is marked with the assembly number “565”, which number is also found on rear face of loading sleeve. Bbl has the 2-line Henry address in small font. Rifle has several early features including sharp radius on top rear of receiver, small loop lever, slight perch belly stock & round heel on the buttplate. Follower tab is of the larger, later size, however the receiver does not have the relief cut usually found with the larger size tab. Magazine spring is a little rusty and short, but appears to be orig style.

Accompanied by a large packet of information detailing the very brief life and Civil War service of Col. Dudley William Jones. Col. Jones was born in 1840 in Lamar County, TX, the grandson of one of the first settlers of Lamar County who arrived there in 1836. Shortly after his birth, Col. Jones’ family moved to Mt. Pleasant, TX where he received his education from his mother and common schools of the area then attended Maury Institute at Coffeeville. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he returned to Mt. Pleasant and enlisted as a private in the Titus Grays, Company I of Col. William Simm’s 9th Texas Cavalry. The regimental adjutant, named Bell was accused of abolitionism & bigamy and was subsequently hanged by the men of the regiment who then elected Jones First Lieutenant and Adjutant, effective Oct 14, 1861. During the first year of the war, the 9th Texas Cavalry served with Gen. Ben McCulloch’s army of the West Arkansas, Missouri and Indian Territory where they participated in several small fights. After the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern (Pea Ridge) in March 1862, the regiment was transferred to Mississippi. During the reorganization, Jones was elected Colonel and the regiment became part of Lawrence Sullivan Ross’ famed brigade. For the remainder of the war, Jones remained in command of the 9th Texas Cavalry, participating in innumerable major and minor battles & skirmishes with records showing that the regiment participated in over 30 fights. In the final weeks of the war, Jones commanded Ross’ brigade under the famous and daring Nathan Bedford Forrest’s Cavalry Corps. After the war, Col. Jones traveled for about a year before returning to his father’s farm in 1866. That same year, he was elected to the Constitutional Convention of 1866 and was President of the Texas Club. In 1867, he moved to Houston and began the practice of law and was also the editor of the city’s first daily newspaper, The Ku Klux Vidette. Also included in this packet of information are numerous correspondences about the 9th Texas Cavalry, copies of Col. Jones’ muster rolls, reimbursement slips & other records pertaining to his Confederate service. Col. Jones died of yellow fever in Houston in 1868 and was reportedly buried in an unmarked grave. There are numerous Henry rifles inscribed and/or presented to Union soldiers of the Civil War, but very few are known with history documented to Civil War Confederate soldier. CONDITION: Very good to fine, all matching, as noted above. Bbl & magazine tube are a smooth blue/grey patina with scattered light surface spotting. Receiver and sideplates show moderate sharp edge wear with light nicks & scratches and retains a medium mustard patina. Buttplate has matching patina. Receiver has a deep scratch bottom front. Lever & hammer are a dark patina. Stock is sound with the aforementioned filled recess on the right side, with nicks & dings and shows heavy wear with a fine hand worn patina. Mechanics are a little balky but are functional. Strong dark bore showing heavy wear with fine pitting. 52172-1 JR (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1004

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FINE HOGGSON ENGRAVED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 12181. Cal. 44RF Henry. Beautiful late Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine tube, late style, square back nickel silver front sight and 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight with slide stop screw. Top flat of the bbl has the later large font 2-line Henry’s Patent date and the New Haven Arms Co address. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered American walnut that has the finish of presentation quality Henry’s and the later Winchester Model 1866 rifles (most unusual on a Henry rifle). Left side of buttstock has a factory sling swivel with corresponding sling loop in the left gullet of the bbl. Receiver is silver plated and engraved by Samuel Hoggson with his trademark deer leaping a rail fence on the left sideplate surrounded by foliate arabesque patterns that have pearled background. Right side of the receiver and sideplate, both front side panels, rear edges of the receiver, top 3 flats of the receiver and buttplate tang are engraved to match. SN on the bbl was partially obliterated when the bbl was refinished, with only the last 4 digits visible. Full SN was observed on the left side of lower tang, under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom tang also has the assembly number “68” which is also found on the side of the magazine follower. Left side of top tang is marked with the letter “F”. Rnd section of the bbl, under the rotating sleeve is marked with the assembly number “125” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Rifle has late features including a sloping radius on top rear of receiver, large magazine follower tab with milled rebated area for the tab in bottom front of frame, the late style front sight and pointed heel on the buttplate. Almost certainly this rifle belonged to someone who held it in great regard and cared for it to the best of their ability. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and magazine retain 50-60% thinning, very old style restored blue with a wear spot from a sling near the front sling loop. Chamber area of the side flats have small wrench mark on each side. Receiver retains 88-90% strong orig silver, lightly oxidized showing very light edge wear, exposing the brass. Buttplate retains about 75% strong orig silver showing wear on the heel and toe. Hammer retains strong case colors and the lever is a light silver/brown patina. Stock is sound with a few light scratches and retains most of its fine varnish finish that resembles the later presentation Winchester Model 1866 rifles. Mechanics are crisp. Strong bore with sharp rifling and moderate pitting. 52219-1 JRL (35,000-45,000) – Lot 1005

RARE TYPE-1 MARTIALLY MARKED HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 3558. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Usual configuration with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral mag tube and late-style German silver front sight with square rear edge and a 900 yd. Henry ladder rear sight without slide retaining screw. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured, straight-grain American walnut buttstock that has a factory sling swivel on the left side over the distinctive “Henry Bump” and a corresponding staple and ring on the left side of the bbl. Buttplate is 1st style with rounded heel and large trap. The two buttplate screws have beveled heads and are matching numbered to the rifle. SN is found in the usual places on the top flat of the bbl between the frame and rear sight, left side of the lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Rnd portion of the bbl under loading sleeve is marked with the assembly number “942” with matching number on rear face of loading sleeve. Right flat of bbl, at the receiver, is stamped with the inspector initials “C.G.C.” (Charles G. Chapman) over a small “H” (B. Tyler Henry) inspector initial with a corresponding “H” on the front side of frame. Left bbl flat at frame also has a small “C” with an adjacent “H” on the receiver. Left side of the buttplate heel is also marked with a small “H” and corresponding “H” on the left heel of the wood. Right side of wrist bears the small “CGC” cartouche. Inspector initials on left side of bbl, receiver, buttplate and stock are the first encountered by this cataloger, but appear to be authentic. Accompanied by a 5-pg letter from renowned Winchester historian and author, George Madis, wherein he notes most of the above information and authenticates this rifle.

The federal government purchased a total of 1,731 Henry rifles during the Civil War, of which about 1,100 were the Type 1 series, primarily found in the 3xxx serial range mostly from orders placed in 1863. Type 2 martial Henry’s are those from orders of 1864 & 1865, in the 7xxx to 9xxx serial range. From research of the Federal archives it appears that this rifle may have been issued to the 1st DC Cavalry then recalled and late in the war issued to the 3rd Regiment of Veteran Volunteers. This unit was intended to become a regiment of “shock” troops, however, due to their late entry into the war, were used primarily for picket and guard duty protecting the Capitol and saw very limited action. As part of their enlistment, with honorable service, upon completion of their term of service, they were permitted to retain their issue arms and accoutrements. Apparently, most of these troops availed themselves of this benefit and these fine Henry rifles became hunting and home protection rifles with many of them going west during the great westward expansion of Manifest Destiny. Few of these rifles survive today and rarely with any original finish. It is rare to find a visible cartouche on the stock. PROVENANCE: Barnes Family Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl and mag tube retain an artificially aged pleasing brown patina over very fine pinprick pitting. Receiver and side plates have crisp edges and a wonderful dark mustard patina. Lever and hammer are a natural dark patina. Stock has a couple of hairlines back of top tang otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks and scratches, a couple of minor grain checks near the right toe and retains a slightly enhanced hand-worn patina. The “Henry Bump” is prominent. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with moderate pitting. Sling is not antique. Cleaning rod is fine. 52527-17 (35,000-45,000) – Lot 1006

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Revised: 10/25/2017

Please Note: This is a 2nd model, not a 1st model.

RARE HENRY 1860 1ST MODEL LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 428. Cal 44 RF HENRY. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl that has integral magazine, early style rounded German silver front sight, no provision for a rear sight on the bbl with a dovetail in top flat of receiver containing a 1st type 1,000 yard Henry ladder rear sight without slide retaining screw. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and 1st type buttplate with round heel and large trap to accommodate the accompanying 4-pc hickory & steel wiping rod. The 2 buttplate screws and 3 tang screws are all matching numbered to this rifle. Serial number was observed on top bbl flat at the receiver, left side of the lower tang under the wood, inside top tang channel of buttstock and inside buttplate tang. Round portion of the bbl, under the loading sleeve is marked with the assembly # 20 with matching assembly number on rear face of loading sleeve. It should be noted that although the sideplate coloration is different from the receiver & buttplate this is not an unusual occurrence with Henry rifles. This cataloger has noted several such occurrence and one is even pictured with non-matching colors on page 50 of The Henry Rifle, Quick. In actuality the coloration of the receiver & sideplates on that rifle, SN 346 very closely matches the coloration on this rifle. Accompanied by a 3-page and another 2-page letter from Kurt Saxon authenticating this rifle and its original hickory cleaning rod, and stating most of the above information. Kurt is listed in the acknowledgements section as a contributing resource on page 14 of Les Quick’s Henry book. This rifle exhibits all the early features of a Henry rifle including the rounded front sight, small font address, 1,000 yard ladder rear sight, sharp radius at rear of receiver, small magazine follower tab with no rebate for the tab, slight perchbelly stock and buttplate with round heel & large trap with corresponding large hole in the wood. These early rifles produced at the very start of the Civil War almost undoubtedly saw hard service throughout the war and later on the American frontier. Rarely are they found today in orig configuration with any orig finish. This Henry is the gun that inspired the cover theme magazine article for the Fall 2012 The Winchester Collector, “What’s in a Number” and the article titled, “The Cube Root of ‘8’ Equals ‘2’, Why Numbers are Important to Gun Nuts,” which dealt with the Firearms fraternity’s fascination with firearms SN’s. On page 16 is the associated cover article discussing this serial number 428 and also showing a picture of the serial number and top of the barrel and receiver of this Henry on page 17. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain a dark brown patina with some thinning on the magazine tube about mid-point with possibly some old touch-up. Receiver & sideplates show light to moderate wear with receiver retaining a mottled dark mustard patina and the sideplates a smooth dark bronze patina. Buttplate is a matching mottled patina. Stock is sound with light nicks, dings & scratches and retains most finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with good shine and scattered light pitting. 52330-1 (27,500-35,000) – Lot 1007

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SCARCE FIRST TYPE MARTIAL HENRY MODEL 1860 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 3063. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard Henry rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, integral magazine tube and early 1st type German silver front sight blade with rnd top and 2nd type 900 yard Henry ladder rear sight without slide stop screw. Right forward side of frame has the inspector initials “HH” and correspondingly on the right bbl flat at the receiver the inspector, “CGC”. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut buttstock with straight grip and early style brass buttplate with rnd heel and large trap for the accompanying 4-pc hickory & steel cleaning rod. Right side of buttstock is amateur inlaid with a 5-point brass star secured with a single nail through the center. Right wrist of buttstock shows the outline of a cartouche visible under strong light. Right heel of buttplate is marked with a tiny “C” inspector mark with corresponding “C” adjacent on the wood. SN was observed in the usual place on top flat of bbl between rear sight & frame and on left side of the lower tang under the wood as well as in the top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The 2 buttplate screws are matching numbered to the rifle. The 3 receiver screws, although unnumbered are orig Henry style screws and probably orig to this rifle. Left top front side of receiver has a small plugged hole which likely was installed for ease of access to change the extractor which was a weak point on the Henry rifle. The lever latch tab is too short to engage the lever latch on the lower tang indicating that the lever is from another rifle, probably an 1866 or 1873. Given the overall condition, along with the “Texas star” in the buttstock, the argument can be made that this probably was a Confederate captured rifle during the Civil War and saw extensive hard service thereafter, both during the war and on the American frontier. There were a total of 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the US Military, of which only about 800 were the Type-1 as found here, the majority of which were used to arm the 3rd Regiment Veteran Volunteers. This unit was initially intended to act as “shock troops”, but were primarily used for guard and picket duty around Washington, D.C. They did have a few small engagements just toward the end of the war and then were absorbed into the 2nd Maine Cavalry until the war was over. These veteran volunteers, as part of their enlistment agreement with honorable service were allowed to retain their arms and accoutrements at their expiration of service. Apparently the majority of those soldiers took advantage of this provision and took their Henry rifles home with them where they usually saw very hard service on the American frontier, some of which were so harshly used that they are unidentifiable as Martial issued. PROVENANCE: The collection of Robert Roughton. CONDITION: Fair, all matching. Bbl & magazine retain a crusty brown patina under a coating of old varnish with heavy pitting on both sides. Receiver & side plates show numerous nicks & dings with light scratches and retains a dark brown brass patina. Lever & hammer are also dark patina with moderate to heavy rust on the lever. Stock is sound showing a “Henry bump” on the left side with numerous light nicks & scratches and retains a very old, dark restored finish. Mechanics are balky on closing, otherwise they are fine. Strong bore with moderate to heavy pitting and a couple of rings about mid-point. Cleaning rod is extremely fine. 52328-52 JRL (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1008

Revised: 10/31/2017

Please Note: Additional Information: This extraordinary rifle was awarded silver medal #442 at the annual NRA show in Milwaukee, WI, 2006. The medal & certificate accompany this lot.

EXTREMELY RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE ENGRAVED IN HIGH RELIEF BY JOHN ULRICH AND DISPLAYED AT THE 1876 PHILADELPHIA WORLD EXPOSITION.

SN 104468. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Extraordinarily beautiful example of the engraver’s art, this rifle has 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight and 900 yd. Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured, about 3X shell grain buttstock and flame grain forearm with straight stock and crescent buttplate. Right side of buttstock is inlaid with small German silver bowtie-shaped plaque. Bottom of stock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked “V / XXXX”. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked with spurious matching SN and inside toe of buttplate with orig matching SN. Trigger is of the narrow, pointed-toe style often found on special 1866 rifles. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate are gold washed. The rifle is incredibly engraved with absolutely full coverage. Relief engraving art by John Ulrich featuring a total of seven panels all surrounded by intricate, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have extremely fine pearled backgrounds. Left sideplate is engraved with the large deep relief round vignette of a bugling bull elk set in an extremely detailed forest scene. Forward of that panel is the small round vignette of a flying waterfowl over a marsh scene. On the left rear side is the small vignette of a running fox in a field scene. Left front flat is engraved with the large vignette of a deep relief regal bull elk in a detailed forest scene. Right sideplate is also engraved with the large round vignette in deep relief depicting a bull elk in a detailed forest scene. The right front side flat has the large vignette of a deep relief engraved skulking mountain lion and the right rear of the frame has the small vignette of a squirrel on a limb surrounded by foliate patterns. Remainder of receiver, sideplates, top and bottom tangs are covered in semi-relief foliate arabesque patterns with various small open accent panels. Forend cap and buttplate tang are engraved to match. This rifle was manufactured in about 1872 and was believed to have been part of the factory sample collection which was exhibited at the 1876 Philadelphia World Exposition. This rifle is very similar to SN 104463, which is pictured, both sides on pg. 146 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson with much of the same themes and the panels and nearly identical engraving patterns. PROVENANCE: Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl and magazine tube retain a smooth blue brown patina with stronger blue in sheltered areas. Bbl has a few spots of blood pitting toward the muzzle. Receiver has been polished a long time ago, which removed some of the shading in the background of the larger vignettes. Edges of receiver and sideplates show light to moderate wear and overall shows traces of orig gold wash. Buttplate and forend cap are a medium to dark mustard patina which matches the patina of the receiver. Hammer retains strong case colors, bright in sheltered areas. Lever is a brown patina with fine pitting. The replacement buttstock has a repaired chip in the toe with some light wood filler and a few grain checks on right side. Otherwise wood is sound and retains an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Bright shiny bore. 52170-29 (100,000-150,000) – Lot 1009

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EXTRAORDINARY JOHN ULRICH ENGRAVED AND SIGNED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN EXHIBITED AT THE 1876 PHILADELPHIA CENTENNIAL WORLD EXPOSITION.

SN 103671. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Spectacular gold washed ’66 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, thinned half nickel front sight and 900-yd Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with outstanding 2-3X, uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has a trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Buttplate toe screw is a replacement and the hole is stripped. Bottom of stock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Trigger is of the thin pointed toe style found on numerous special order rifles. Left side of lower tang is marked “XXX”. The top tang channel of buttstock retains no vestige of the number that might have been there, having been obliterated during numerous removal and re-installation of the buttstock. Buttplate tang has the entire matching SN inside the toe. There is little doubt, however, that this buttstock is probably orig to this rifle or certainly of the period.

This rifle is incredibly engraved in semi-relief by master engraved John Ulrich and signed microscopically on the bottom tang “J.Ulrich”. Engraving consists of full coverage, very tight foliate arabesque patterns on the receiver with the large scalloped border vignette of a standing bull elk in a forest scene on the left sideplate and a smaller round vignette in semi-relief of a walking bull elk in a meadow scene on the left front flat. The hammer screw hole is surrounded by a large flower blossom with a small scroll on the sideplate having another very detailed smaller flower blossom. Right sideplate has the scallop bordered semi-relief vignette of a bugling bull elk in an extremely detailed forest scene with the smaller round vignette of a walking bull elk in a meadow scene on the right front flat. Right side hammer screw hole is engraved with mirror image to the left side, of a flower blossom. Two small scrolls above the loading gate opening terminate in detailed flower blossoms. All of the foliate arabesque patterns have very fine pearled background. Full coverage engraving extends over the entire top and bottom of receiver along with top tang. Bottom tang is engraved to match. Bottom of carrier is engraved with foliate arabesque patterns on front and rear edges with tiny diamond and dot patterns in the center. Similar, slightly larger diamond and dot patterns are engraved between the timing screws. Top edges of ejection port are engraved in feather patterns. Forend cap also has full coverage foliate arabesque and floral patterns. Buttplate tang is lightly engraved to match. This rifle was produced in about 1872 and was probably intended as part of the Winchester Exhibition Collection. It, along with other similarly engraved rifles and carbines was part of the Winchester Exhibit at the 1876 Philadelphia World Exposition. Although this rifle is not pictured in the Winchester Engraving books by Wilson, pg. 144 of The Book of Winchester Engraving pictures rifle no. 109651 which is nearly identically engraved in semi-relief with nearly identical vignettes and coverage. The caption for that rifle also states that it was believed to have been displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia Expo. Most certainly it is of exhibition quality and was probably sold after the 1876 Philadelphia display. CONDITION: About good. No orig finish remains with the bbl a smooth dark brown patina, the remains of an old refinish with scattered fine pitting. The bbl address was mostly obliterated during the refinish process. Magazine tube is also a smooth dark brown patina. Receiver, sideplates, forend cap and buttplate show light to moderate edge wear with very light wear on the engraving, just touching the high points and overall retains an even dark mustard patina with traces of orig gold in the engraving. Hammer retains silvered case colors and the lever in a dark brown patina. Wood is sound with numerous nicks, scratches and dings, a bruise on the right wrist and a couple more on the forearm and overall retains about 85% orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine. Strong sharp bore with good shine and scattered pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 52573-1 (75,000-125,000) – Lot 1010

WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE ELABORATELY ENGRAVED BY CONRAD ULRICH WITH DELUXE WOOD.

SN 46038. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Spectacular Conrad Ulrich engraved ’66 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, German silver Rocky Mountain front sight and replacement full buckhorn, Kentucky rifle style rear sight with fine “V” notch. Mounted with very highly figured, about 4-X uncheckered American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has a trap. Bottom of stock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with a “G” and “VXXX”. Left side of top tang is marked “20”. Top tang channel of buttstock has the entire matching SN and inside toe of buttplate has last four digits of matching SN. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate tang are elaborately engraved by Conrad F. Ulrich with full coverage on both sides of receiver. Left side has the rectangular vignette of a hunter and his dog with a buck deer in the background all set in a forest scene. Left front side flat is engraved with a walking bear set in a forest scene. Right sideplate has the round vignette depicting a hunter holding his firearm with a bird dog on point in the foreground all set in a detailed forest scene. Right front side flat depicts a buck deer standing in a meadow nibbling leaves off a tree. Both sides of receiver and sideplates are completely surrounded by very detailed and nicely shaded foliate arabesque patterns that have a very fine pearled background and Mr. Ulrich’s typical scalloped borders. One scroll on the left side terminates in a flower blossom with another on the right side and a small scroll at the right rear that terminates in a dog’s head. Top of receiver is deeply engraved in foliate and geometric patterns with fine zig-zag borders and very fine pearled background. Top and bottom tangs are engraved to match. Bottom of receiver and bottom of carrier are likewise engraved. Forend cap is also engraved to match with matching scalloped border. Buttplate tang is engraved in similar pattern to that found on top of receiver ring. Altogether, an incredibly beautiful example of the engraver’s art. This rifle, is pictured, both sides, and identified by SN on pg. 107 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson, with credit to the Ivan B. Hart collection. This rifle is similarly engraved to several other 1866 rifles and carbines engraved and signed by Conrad Ulrich, although none of them are fitted with such a highly figured stock and forearm. PROVENANCE: Ivan B. Hart collection; Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Good, all matching. No orig finish remains, with the bbl and magazine tube a smooth artificially aged grey brown patina with a few spots of light rust over the forearm area around the rear sight. Receiver and sideplates show moderate to heavy wear with the engraving still mostly sharp and clear. Lever and hammer are matching patina to the bbl. Forearm has three grain checks and there is a hairline back to top tang in the buttstock, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks and bruises and retains a smooth dark refinish. Mechanics are fine. Worn dark bore with moderate to heavy pitting. 52170-28 (65,000-95,000) – Lot 1011

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE L.D. NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 DELUXE SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 118353. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Extraordinary ’66 carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, integral front sight/bbl band and 2-postition flip rear sight graduated 100,300 & 500 yds. Left side of receiver has a staple and ring. Mounted with uncheckered, extraordinary, 3-4X center crotch, flame grain American walnut with straight stock and rifle buttplate with trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked “XXV”. Unusually, the full SN is found in the top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. This carbine is one of the most elaborately Nimschke engraved arms to come to market in recent history. The engraving consists of nearly full coverage on the sides and top of receiver & sideplates with fabulous, sweeping, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Above the lever screw on each sideplate is engraved with a large shell or fan pattern reminiscent of nearly identical patterns observed on Nimschke engraved handguns. One of the large scrolls on the left sideplate incorporates a mythical dog’s head also reminiscent of similar engravings on Nimschke engraved handguns. Top of receiver ring is engraved in Mr. Nimschke’s trademark flower blossom which is usually found on bottom of carrier. Balance of top of receiver is engraved with matching foliate arabesque patterns which extend around the hammer slot and onto the top tang. Buttplate tang is engraved to match. A most unusual and elaborate feature, attesting to the extensive degree of engraving, is the matching engraving patterns on sides of the hammer, sides of the lever, forearm band and front sight band, features almost never seen on engraved arms of that era. Given the extensive and elaborate engraving found on this carbine along with the very highly figured wood, it can almost certainly be surmised that it was intended as an exhibition piece or for presentation to a head of state or someone of equal importance or high rank. The fact that it shows moderate to heavy wear testifies to its having been used by whomever was the recipient. This exact carbine, identified by SN, is pictured both sides on pg. 51 of The Book of Winchester Engraving, Wilson and identically on pg. 60 of Mr. Wilson’s book, Winchester Engraving. Both book entries are credited to the Paul Sorrell collection. PROVENANCE: Paul Sorrell collection; Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Good. Only traces of orig silver plating remain in the most sheltered areas, visible near the forearm band, around the rear sight and on the top and bottom tangs under the wood. Traces of oxidized silver can also be seen on the bottom tang and around the trigger slot, along with other traces on the loading gate. The gun metal receiver sideplates and buttplate show moderate to heavy edge wear with moderate wear to the engraving, which is still sharp and clear. Bbl and magazine tube are a dark brown patina with an area of rust on bbl and a ding in the magazine tube. Forearm band and front band are brown patina, as are the lever and hammer with pitting on the lever. Stock has a repaired crack through the wrist that is only faintly visible, otherwise wood is sound and retains an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine. Dark bore with sharp rifling and moderate to heavy pitting. 52170-32 (65,000-95,000) – Lot 1012

EXTRAORDINARY AND WELL KNOWN WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE INTRICATELY AND WONDERFULLY PANEL SCENE ENGRAVED BY MASTER ENGRAVER CONRAD ULRICH AND SIGNED IN NUMEROUS PLACES.

SN 79868. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Wonderful gold washed ’66 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 900 yd. ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl, forward of rear seat has the 2-line Winchester and King’s address and patent dates. Mounted with very nicely figured, uncheckered, flame grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has a trap containing a 4-pc brass and iron cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked “OXX”. Left side of upper tang is marked three times with the microscopic rectangular signature stamp of master engraver Conrad F. Ulrich with another signature just behind the trigger slot. Reportedly there are other signature stamps on front face of receiver under the forearm. Forearm was not removed to determine this fact. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked with four digits of SN “6098” or “6088” and inside toe of buttplate is marked with four digits of SN “4855” indicating that the buttstock and buttplate are replacements. Bottom of buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels.

This rifle is one of Mr. Ulrich’s most detailed and intricately engraved pieces of work known. The receiver is fully engraved on sides with the left sideplate having the large vignette morbidly depicting a crocodile devouring a native child with the child’s mother and father staring on helplessly, all set in a detailed savanna scene. This vignette is surrounded by scalloped borders. The area that is part of the rear edge of left side panel and left rear flat have a saddled horse and a gentleman carrying a bucket incorporated within the intricate foliate arabesque patterns. The area of the forward edge of left side panel and receiver has the very detailed figure of a gentleman holding a rifle with his dog incorporated within the foliate arabesque patterns. The left front side flat has the scalloped bordered vignette of a buck and doe deer feeding in a very detailed forest scene. The right sideplate depicts the scalloped border vignette of two hounds and a deceased buck deer in the foreground with a hunter holding a rifle in the background, all set in a detailed forest scene. The area at the back edge of the sideplate and rear side flat have the very highly detailed figures of charging bull buffalo and a standing grizzly bear incorporated within the foliate arabesque patterns. The flat above loading gate opening has a skulking mountain lion incorporated within the foliate arabesque patterns and the right front side flat is engraved with the scallop bordered vignette of a recumbent doe and standing buck deer in a very detailed field scene. The very intricate foliate arabesque patterns are in semi-relief with extremely fine pearled background. Matching foliate arabesque patterns extend over top side flats and top edges of side plates and top & bottom tangs. Front edge of the receiver is engraved with deep, sharply pointed scallop patterns with matching patterns on the forend cap. Buttplate tang is engraved by another hand with a light foliate arabesque flourish. Bottom of receiver and bottom of carrier are lightly engraved with foliate arabesque patterns. This rifle is pictured, both sides, on pg. 99 of The Book of Winchester Engraving and on pg. 111 of Winchester Engraving, both by Wilson. This rile was produced in about 1871, and is similarly engraved to several others of that immediate era which were known to have been part of the Winchester Exhibition Collection which was displayed at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition. Given the elaborate and extraordinarily detailed engraving there can be little doubt that this rifle was an exhibition piece very likely intended to influence buyers from the African and Asian continents where crocodiles are prevalent. The fact that this rifle shows hard and heavy use supports the idea that after the 1876 Expo, it was sold to someone on one of those continents where it became a hunting rifle. CONDITION: Fair to good. Bbl and magazine tube are a dark mottled brown patina with a few scattered spots of light surface rust. Bbl address is completely legible. Receiver and forend cap retain traces of orig gold wash with the balance of the gun metal receiver, forend cap & buttplate a dark mustard patina. Front raised edge of receiver, at the forearm is lightly battered. Hammer retains traces of case colors and the lever is a blued patina. Engraving, while showing light surface wear is mostly sharp and clear with a few light nicks and scratches, mostly on right side of receiver. Buttplate is battered on the face with a dark mustard patina. Buttstock has a repaired crack in the toe corresponding with the bottom buttplate screw hole and retains an old restored finish. Forearm has a repaired full length crack in the left bbl channel with restored finish in that area and overall retains traces of orig finish showing moderate to heavy wear. Right sideplate lever and sideplate screw holes have been bushed with steel bushings. Mechanics need attention, lever will not fully extend to chamber a round. Worn dark bore with heavy pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 52573-2 JRL (45,000-70,000) – Lot 1013

EXTRAORDINARILY RARE L.D. NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION MUSKET.

SN 72133. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Rare engraved musket with 27″ rnd bbl, 7/8 magazine, square base front sight/bayonet lug and 900-yd Henry-type ladder rear sight that is probably orig to this musket. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with 2/3 length forearm, 3 bands and straight stock that has musket/carbine buttplate with trap, containing a 4-pc brass and iron cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number 2393 with matching number in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom of stock and middle forearm band have factory sling loops. The receiver and sideplates are beautifully engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with nearly full coverage on the sides consisting of elaborate, sweeping, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have a fine pearled background. Two of the scrolls on the left side terminate in feather patterns with a panel in the center of left sideplate engraved “M.R.” and an empty panel in the front side flat. Right side is equally beautifully engraved with more tight patterns having a sweeping ribbon in the center through which a foliate arabesque pattern emerges from an engraved rectangle. Right front side flat is a mirror image of the left. The transition flats from sideplates to front side panels are unusually engraved in foliate and floral patterns. Bottom of the carrier is engraved in a geometric pattern with multiple borders and there is Mr. Nimschke’s flower blossom between the timing screws. Bottom tang is engraved in a geometric pattern behind trigger slot surrounding Mr. Nimschke’s “LDN” initial signature. Top of receiver is engraved in foliate & floral and geometric patterns. Sides of top and bottom tangs, under the wood and in other sheltered areas show orig gold wash. Given the elaborate engraving, which is unusual to find on a musket, it seems likely that this musket would have been intended as a presentation to some governmental authority to solicit a contract or as a presentation. The fact that this musket shows moderate to heavy use would indicate that is may not have remained in the U.S. but was probably shipped into the Middle East or South America. This musket is pictured, both sides, on pg. 50 of The Book of Winchester Engraving and on pg. 59 of Winchester Engraving, both by Wilson with credit to the James D. Stewart collection. PROVENANCE: The James D. Steward collection; Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Good, all matching. Bbl, magazine tube and bands retain most of a fine professionally restored finish. Receiver and sideplates retain about 30-40% orig gold wash, stronger on left side. Lever and hammer are a mottled grey/brown patina. Wood is sound with usual nicks, dings and scratches showing heavy wear and an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Strong sharp bore with good shine and spots of heavy pitting. Cleaning rod has replacement slotted tip and one damaged female thread section, otherwise is fine. 52170-31 (30,000-50,000) – Lot 1014

RARE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 36078. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Fine ’66 with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, thinned half-nickel front sight and Henry-style 900 yard ladder rear sight. Receiver is beautifully engraved, probably by one of the Ulrichs with full coverage on sides of beautiful foliate arabesque patterns with very fine pearled background. Both sides have large blank panels with wonderful edges & shading and Ulrich’s alternating triangle borders. Top of receiver, top tang, bottom tang, forend cap & buttplate tang are engraved to match and have matching borders around most areas. Mounted with very highly figured, uncheckered, shell grain Claro walnut with straight stock and crescent brass buttplate. Forend cap has an orig sling loop and buttstock has a corresponding orig loop that is centered 5-1/4″ from toe. While no exact matches could be found for these patterns, serial numbers 36068 & 35969, pictured on p. 71 of Winchester Engraving, Wilson, are very similar, especially 35969, which has a similar flower around hammer screw. Left side of lower tang is stamped “S” and “XX”. Examination of top tang channel in buttstock disclosed no serial number markings and the number inside toe of buttplate is “6189”, indicating the buttstock is probably a period of use replacement. Inside the buttplate and upper & lower tangs, under the wood show silver-plating. Buttplate has a trap containing a 4-pc iron & brass wiping rod. It appears that this rifle was silver plated originally as there are traces of silver on tangs & inside of receiver. Carrier retains strong silver on inside. According to Mr. Wilson, these simple patterns and large open panels suggests that the company may have been considering having engraved rifles in stock for custom inscriptions. CONDITION: Fine to very fine. Bbl retains about 85% thin orig blue, stronger around front sight with a few scattered spots of fine pitting. Magazine tube retains about 90% stronger orig blue with some fine surface rust. Receiver with very lightly rounded edges and is a medium mustard patina with silver only as noted above. Wood is sound with minor nicks & scratches and forearm retaining about 60% orig piano varnish with balance a dark, hand-worn patina. Buttstock retains about 80% brilliant restored piano varnish finish with light nicks & scratches and some flaking on right side of wrist with oil stain around wrist and a couple of small chips around tangs. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore with a very few scattered spots of light surface erosion. Cleaning rod is fine. 52392-1 (27,500-35,000) – Lot 1015

RARE L.D. NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE INSCRIBED WITH INITIALS “HWC” PURPORTED TO HAVE BELONGED TO OREGON U.S. SENATOR HENRY W CORBETT.

SN 28860. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Spectacular Nimschke engraved ’66 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, German silver, knife blade front sight and 900 yd. Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Bottom of buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Top tang channel and buttstock is marked with last four digits of matching SN, which are also found inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is beautifully engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with about 70% coverage on the receiver and flourishes on forend cap and buttplate tang. Receiver engraving consists of the fabulous vignette of a screaming eagle’s head on left sideplate and the patriotic vignette of a shield and stars overlaid by a wide ribbon engraved with the initials “H.W.C”. Both vignettes are surrounded by Mr. Nimschke’s sweeping foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Both front side flats are identically engraved to match. Top of receiver is engraved in foliate and floral patterns with geometric patterns on top flat. Top tang, behind hammer slot is also engraved with foliate and floral pattern. Bottom of the carrier is engraved with Mr. Nimschke’s trademark flower blossom and there is a foliate pattern between the timing screws that has four stars in the center. Bottom tang, behind trigger slot is engraved with a geometric and stars pattern. Forend cap and buttplate tang are engraved to match with foliate arabesque patterns. According to consignor, this rifle had been presented to Oregon U.S. Senator, Henry W. Corbett (1827-1903). Senator Corbett was born in Massachusetts and eventually wound up in Oregon, where he was elected to the United States Senate and served 1867-1873. This rifle was produced in about 1869 during his term in office and undoubtedly was a presentation from a benefactor seeking an appointment or favor from the Senator. Accompanied by a 2-pg. letter from renowned researcher and author, George Madis, wherein he substantiates most of the technical information above. Another Model 1866 with identical engraving is pictured on pg. 121 of The Winchester Book, 1985 edition. PROVENANCE: Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains, with the bbl and magazine tube being mostly a grey/brown patina. Bbl address is faint but mostly legible. Receiver and sideplates show moderate to heavy edge wear with light to moderate wear on the engraving, which is still completely clear and overall retain a fine medium mustard patina. Forend cap and buttplate are matching patina. Wood is sound with light handling and storage nicks and scratches and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Dark bore with good rifling and moderate to heavy pitting. 52170-30 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1016

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SCARCE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 105521. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Fine ’66 rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, altered Rocky Mountain front sight with German silver blade and replacement Kentucky rifle style fixed rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock that has crescent buttplate with trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with an “X”, a “P” and an “F”. Last four digits of matching SN are found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom of stock and forend cap have factory-style sling swivels that may have been added. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate tang are beautifully engraved in period New York style, probably from the L. D. Nimschke shop. Engraving consists of nearly full coverage, extremely well executed foliate arabesque patterns with fine pearled background on both sides. Each sideplate exhibits an empty rnd panel with dash and dot border. The transition on the left side is engraved with diamonds and the right side with diamond and dot patterns. Receiver ring over the top is engraved in a large “X” pattern with diamond and dot background. Diamond patterns are also engraved on top edges of receiver overlapping the sideplates. Foliate arabesque patterns extend over the top of the receiver, by the hammer slot and onto the top tang. Bottom of carrier is engraved in diamond and dot patterns with matching foliate arabesque patterns between the timing screws. Just below that engraved pattern is a stamped small rectangle which encloses the initials “JPE”, possibly those of the engraver which are unknown to this cataloger. Matching foliate arabesque patterns are engraved on each side of the nosecap and buttplate tang. This rifle was produced in about 1872 at a time when the West was still very wild with marauding Indians and other dangers and any repeating firearm was in great demand. Almost certainly this rifle would have been in the possession of a wealthy individual or as a presentation to an important person. The fact that it shows extensive use attests to the fact that it saw hard frontier service. PROVENANCE: Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains with all of the steel parts a cleaned grey/brown metal patina. The brass receiver, forend cap and buttplate retain a medium mustard patina showing moderate to heavy wear on the engraving with worn edges. Left front raised area of the receiver has a series of small dings. Stock has a hairline back of top tang, otherwise wood is sound with an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine. Worn dark bore with sharp rifling. Cleaning rod is fine. 52170-33 (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1017

EXTREMELY RARE POSSIBLY ONE OF A KIND WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE IN CALIBER 44 RUSSIAN.

SN 22531. Cal. 44 Russian. Standard carbine with 20″ bbl, full magazine, front sight integral with the front band and 2-leaf 2-position rear sight, graduated 100-300-500 yards. Magazine tube is correct type with threaded plug in the muzzle end. Bbl address is in 2-lines “HENRY’S PATENT – OCT. 16 1860 / KING’S PATENT – MARCH 29. 1866”. Chamber area of the bbl, between rear sight and frame reads “44 RUSS.”. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured, slab sawed American walnut with straight stock and rifle buttplate with trap. Receiver, side plates & buttplate are made of “gun metal” (bronze or brass). Buttstock has early feature of a perch belly. SN was noted on the bottom tang between trigger & hammer spring tension screw. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked “X22531” and inside toe of buttplate is marked “2531”. This carbine is chambered in 44 Russian and a chamber cast confirms the dimensions of a 44 Russian cartridge case. The casting shows that the bbl chamber has a rim diameter of .520″, a base diameter of .460″ and an overall case length of .960″ which conform to the dimensions of the 44 Russian case. A 44 Russian cartridge functions through the actions and chambers without binding. A 44 American cartridge will not chamber or eject through the ejection port. The bolt & bolt face are blued as has been observed on other, later center fire 1866 bolts. Accompanied by a 2-page letter over the signature of well known Winchester collector and authority, the late Lewis E. Yearout, wherein he states that after having examined this carbine that he finds it completely orig and authentic. He justifies the finding with the information that this serial numbered receiver would have been produced around 1869-1870 and that the development of the 44 Russian cartridge by Smith & Wesson was around 1870, which is substantiated in several books on cartridges. Smith & Wesson developed the 44 Russian cartridge to facilitate a contract with the Russian government for their large frame No. 3 revolvers. It stands to reason that this information would have come to the attention of Winchester who would have wanted to pursue a contract with the Russians for rifles & carbines of the same caliber. In the same year of 1870 Winchester filled a contract with the Turkish Ottoman Empire for 15,000 1866 muskets & 5000 1866 carbines. With that success Winchester would have been eager to follow up with a Russian contract for a companion rifle, musket or carbine to the Smith & Wesson No. 3 revolver. Such a contract apparently never materialized, probably something the Russians would live to regret because in 1877, at the Battle of Plevna, the Turks decimated the Russian Army using their 1866 muskets & carbines. The likelihood is that this carbine is one produced as a sample or test piece for the Russians. It is also possible that this carbine was intended as an ammunition test bed for the development of the 44 Russian cartridge. Regardless this is a very special and most unusual 1866 carbine. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Bbl, magazine tube, bbl bands, rear sight, bolt, trigger & lever lock along with the loading gate retain about 99% plus bright, high polish blue. Receiver, side plates & buttplate have sharp edges with a beautiful medium mustard patina with no evidence of having been cleaned or filed. Screws also retain bright blue. Lever & hammer retain most of their strong, bright case colors. Wood is sound with a few light handling & storage marks and retains virtually all of its fine oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows little if any use. 52467-1 JRL (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1018

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FINE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 118709. Cal. 44 RF HENRY. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, Rocky Mountain front sight with slightly altered nickel-silver blade and musket style rear sight graduated to 900 yards with exposed tension flat spring. Top flat of the bbl is marked with the 2-line Winchester & King’s patent address. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent brass buttplate that has a trap containing an orig 4-pc brass & iron cleaning rod. Last 4-digits of matching SN are found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Bottom of stock & forend cap have factory style sling swivels. This rifle is produced in about 1874 when the west was still very wild and any repeating firearm was in great demand on the American frontier. Firearms of that era usually saw very hard and continuous service under extremes of weather and harsh conditions often with little or no maintenance. The Model 1866 was extremely popular and remained in service well into the 1880s in the U.S. and even longer in South & Central America. Very few are found today in orig configuration with orig finish. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains 60-70% thinning orig blue with the balance a light patina showing a few minor nicks & dings. Magazine tube is mostly a blue/gray patina. Receiver & side plates have nice sharp edges with only a few minor nicks & scratches and shows a wonderful, even, smooth dark mustard patina. Side plates fit extremely well and show no evidence of battering. Buttplate & forend cap are of equal condition and patina. Hammer retains case colors on the right side and rear edge, faded elsewhere. Lever shows traces of case colors, being mostly a brown patina. Forearm has a small gouge and the wood overall shows a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of a restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, strong sharp bore with good shine and a few scattered spots of pitting. Cleaning rod is fine. 52665-1 JRL (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1019

FINE LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE W/ FACTORY LETTER.

SN 156697. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard grade rifle with 24-1/4″ rnd bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 1873-style, short, semi-buckhorn rear sight with checkered edges. Receiver and sideplates are gun metal (brass or bronze) and the forend cap & buttplate are steel. Top tang has installed a Model 62A, lollipop tang sight with its orig locator pin. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate that has a trap. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with assembly no. 4624. Top tang channel of buttstock has spurious matching number and inside toe of buttplate is marked 2448. Accompanied by a Winchester factory letter confirming gun as round barreled rifle and shipped with 49 other arms on June 17, 1882 to order 33283. At this juncture, rimfire arms were rapidly waning in demand, although they were still popular in South and Central America. Few of these rifles survive today with high orig finish, usually having been exposed to heavy wear in saddle scabbards and wagon boxes under all sorts of inclement weather, often with little or no maintenance. CONDITION: Fine, numbered as noted above. Bbl and magazine tube retain 95-97% strong orig blue with some minor surface etching. Receiver shows light sharp edge wear with flush fitting sideplates showing no appreciable damage, only a few minor nicks and overall retains a wonderful dark mustard patina. Loading gate retains 30-40% orig fire blue. Hammer retains about 60-70% strong case colors, turned silver on the spur. Lever retains traces of case colors, being mostly a silver/brown patina. Forend cap is a plummy blue patina. Buttplate shows about 70% case colors, strong and bright in sheltered areas with a mottled silver/brown patina elsewhere. Buttstock has a gouge on each side of the comb with light nicks and dings elsewhere and retains most of its original finish. Forearm has a few light nicks and scratches along with some light gouges and also retains most of its finish. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore shows only light use. Tang sight retains about 88-90% bright orig blue. 52609-5 (11,000-16,000) – Lot 1020

FINE EARLY WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 24226. Cal. 44 RF HENRY. Standard carbine with 20″ barrel, full magazine, front sight integral with front band and 2-position, 2-leaf flip rear sight graduated 100, 200 & 500 yards. Barrel address has the Winchester and King’s patent dates and address. The receiver side plates and buttplate are gun metal (bronze or brass). Left side of receiver has a staple and ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock and rifle crescent buttplate with trap. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked with the last 4 digits of matching SN which are also found inside toe of buttplate. Left side of buttstock has a hand scratched name that is indecipherable. This is one of the earliest “Winchester” marked ’66s just after they changed the barrel address from the earlier Henry marking. These early ’66 carbines were in great demand on the western frontier by just about anyone who made their living on a horse. This encompassed all the cowboys, outlaws and lawmen as well as ordinary citizens. These carbines usually saw extreme hard service under very adverse conditions and are almost never found in orig configuration with high orig finish. PROVENANCE: Ray Saign; The collection of Tim Zissler. CONDITION: Fine plus, all matching. Barrel retains blue in sheltered areas, being mostly a smooth blue/brown patina. Magazine tube retains about 60% strong original blue with an area of what appears to be blood pitting just below the front band. Front band retains 20-25% bright orig blue. Forearm band is a blue/gray patina. Receiver, side plates and buttplate retain sharp edges showing only light wear with a few very light scratches and all retain a wonderful medium to dark mustard patina. Buttplate has a ding in the point of the heel. Loading gate retains about 60% thinning fire blue and the trigger about 75% blue turning plum. Lever and hammer have mostly turned to silver and dark patina. Wood is sound with a few minor scratches and retains most of an old refinish. Hammer will not catch at full cock when operated by the lever but will catch when retracted manually (a cursory inspection of the interior of the action disclosed that a simple cleaning would probably fix this problem). Otherwise mechanics are crisp. Strong bore with sharp rifling and some shine with moderate pitting. 52463-4 JRL (15,000-25,000) – Lot 1021

FINE LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 157400. Cal. .44 RF HENRY. Standard carbine with 20″ bbl, full mag, barleycorn front sight and an orig reverse mounted carbine ladder rear sight marked 1873 on the standing leaf. Receiver, side plates and buttplate are gun metal (bronze, brass) and receiver has a staple and ring in the left side. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & brass carbine buttplate with trap. Left side of bottom tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “C 854”. Top tang channel of buttstock has the matching 3 digit SN along with a series of other numbers. Inside toe of buttplate is marked “634”. Although it appears that this buttplate may not be orig to this buttstock, it does fit perfectly with only a slight wood shrinkage near the toe and gives the appearance of being in place for the life of the carbine. This carbine was produced in about 1882 at a time when the west was very wild with marauding Indians, outlaws & other natural dangers associated with that era. Any repeating firearm was in great demand during the 1880s and especially carbines such as this that were easily handled from the back of a horse. They usually saw extreme hard service under adverse conditions and are rarely found today in orig configuration or with orig finish. Many of these late carbines, after the center fire cartridge had come into being with the popularity with the 1873 Winchester, were sold into south and central America where the .44 RF was still very popular. Most of those arms that have been returned to the U.S. are in near relic condition. PROVENANCE: The collection of Tim Zissler. CONDITION: About fine. Numbers matching as noted above. Bbl and mag tube retain about 40% orig blue turning plummy with the balance a mottled silver/brown patina. Bbl bands retain about 40-50% thin orig blue. Receiver, side plates & buttplate retain sharp edges and show a wonderful medium to dark mustard patina. Lever and hammer are mostly dark patina. Stock has a few nicks and dings, otherwise wood is sound showing about 50% orig finish on the buttstock with the balance of the stock and forearm a hand worn patina. Mechanics are fine. Strong sharp bore with good shine & scattered pitting. 52463-19 JRL (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1022

FINE EARLY WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH HENRY MARKED BARREL.

SN 20390. Cal. 44 RF Henry. Standard Grade rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, globe front sight with post and a reproduction 1st model 1000 yd Henry ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl is marked with 2-line Henry’s patent and King’s patent address. Receiver is “gun metal” (bronze or brass). Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and rifle crescent buttplate. Bottom of buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. SN was observed on bottom of lower tang between the trigger and hammer spring tension screw. Last 4 digits of matching serial number are also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Top tang does not have the second wood screw nor is it drilled and tapped for tang sight. These features were not standard and early ’66s can be found with or without these screws. Receiver on this rifle is 2nd type with sloping radius on the top rear. Magazine tube is orig type with threaded plug. These early 66 rifles were in great demand on the American frontier and usually saw extreme hard service with frontiersmen of all walks of life and on both sides of the law. They are rarely found in orig configuration and high orig finish. CONDITION: Good, all matching. Bbl and magazine tube retain most of a smooth, clean artificially aged blue brown patina showing sharp edge wear and a cleaned spot over the address area. Receiver and side plates show evidence of having been draw filed a very long time ago and now have a fine mustard patina. Side plates show no nicks or dings on top or bottom edges and fit extremely well. Buttplate is matching patina with some stock finish overruns. Forearm has a few light nicks and scratches and the buttstock a series of heavier scratches on both sides, otherwise wood is sound and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are crisp. Strong sharp bore with good shine and scattered pitting. 52506-16 (10,000-12,500) – Lot 1023

LATE WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

NSN. Cal. 44 RF HENRY. Standard grade carbine with 20-1/4″ round bbl, full magazine with musket front and forearm bands with an after-market sling swivel threaded hole in the bottom. Front sight is a replacement & is integral with the front band. It has a scarce 3rd type Henry 900-yd ladder rear sight. Mounted with replacement, uncheckered American walnut with strait stock and carbine butt plate with trap. Lower tang is without serial number with only a partial “4” visible. Butt stock and butt plate are unnumbered. Bbl has Winchester and Kings patent names and address. Receiver and side plates are after market engraved, probably in South America with light patterns of flower blossoms and double borders. Left side plate is engraved “MODEL 1873”. Bottom of the bbl about 4-5/8″ from the muzzle has a screw slot cutout and the magazine tube has a screw slot cut out 8-5/8″ from the muzzle end. It appears that the bbl magazine tube and front band have been recycled from a Winchester musket. CONDITION: Fair to good. No orig finish remains with the bbl and magazine tube a smooth plummy blue restored patina with scattered fine surface rust. Wood is sound and retains most all of its fine custom finish. Receiver and side plates were cleaned and polished a long time ago and are now a medium mustard patina. Lever and hammer are brown metal patina. Mechanics are fine, strong bore with good shine and moderate pitting. 51935-5 JRL (3,500-5,000) – Lot 1024