RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 54730. Cal 45-75. Rare half nickel ’76 carbine with 23-1/2″ rnd bbl, barleycorn front sight bayonet lug with saber bayonet lug on right side of front band and 1876 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Bbl has standard address with caliber marking over the chamber area. Carbine is half nickel finish, 3rd type with integral dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Receiver has a stud & ring in the left side. Mounted with 2 – 3 X uncheckered American walnut with full length forearm that has 2 bands and straight stock with carbine buttplate without trap. Lower tang, under the wood and buttplate are unmarked. Almost certainly this special order carbine was ordered by one of the Central or South American countries or by a U.S. company as a guard weapon. Another possibility is that it was used as an exhibition item. Given that most firearms of the 1885 era, when this carbine was produced, saw hard service on the American frontier it seems likely that this carbine never was carried in a saddle scabbard or wagon box. Regardless of its early ownership it saw very little use, just handling & poor storage. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum Records Office worksheet which identifies this carbine with half nickel & saber bayonet studs, received in warehouse October 30, 1886 and shipped November 8 1886 to order # 11452. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 93-95% strong orig blue with muzzle end wear from bayonet installation. Front band shows wear on the left side otherwise retains most of its orig glossy blue. Middle band retains about 90% bright blue with the losses from flaking, not wear. Receiver & sideplates retain about 80-85% orig nickel with the loss areas from flaking, not wear. Edges of receiver and sideplates remain crisp & sharp. Hammer retains brilliant case colors and the lever bright colors on the sides, faded on outer faces. Buttplate retains about 80% orig nickel. Both sides of the forward end of the forearm has a series of small dings otherwise wood is sound with a few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig factory varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. 51687-8 JRL (25,000-40,000) – Lot 1055

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SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER 2ND MODEL 1876 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 7480. Cal 45-60. Beautiful Deluxe ’76 with 28″ oct to rnd bbl, button magazine, Beaches combination front sight, missing its horizontal bead and 1876 marked rifle ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has standard 2-line address with caliber marking over the chamber. Receiver is 2nd type with attached dust cover rail & impressed thumbprint dust cover. Mounted with 3X – 4X flame grain American walnut with early style checkered forearm that has matching figure and straight stock with smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly no. “3078”. Matching assembly no. is found in top tang channel of buttstock. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which initially identifies this rifle with rnd bbl, plain trigger, “LID”, received in warehouse January 28, 1880, “Changed to 45-60 Caliber, 1/2 Oct, Plain Trigger, 1/2 Magazine, Casehardened, Checkered Stock, Globe & Beach sights”, shipped June 7, 1880 to order no. 20301. The word “LID” refers to the dust cover. Apparently this rifle had been a first model with open top receiver and the rail & dust cover were added at the customer’s request. Obviously, from the letter, this rifle was converted to its current configuration before it ever left the factory and therefore can be considered factory original. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching, buttplate is unnumbered but absolutely original to this rifle. Bbl retains 92-93% orig blue with some fine surface freckling, muzzle end and sharp edge wear. There is a series of small dings on the right side of chamber area. Receiver & side plates retain about 60% orig case colors mostly turned silver on the right side, stronger on the left side and brilliant around the trigger and on bottom tang. Hammer retains about 80% fading case colors and the lever about 30% with the balance turned silver. Forend cap retains virtually all of its orig bright case colors. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches, a series of small bruises in the forearm checkering and overall retains most of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. 51691-1 JRL (16,000-25,000) – Lot 1056

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OUTSTANDING WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 31678. Cal 45-60. Standard grade rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and 1876 marked rifle ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has standard 2-line address with caliber marking over the chamber area. Receiver is 3rd type with integral dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Top tang is marked “MODEL 1876” and carrier is marked with the caliber. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate that has a trap. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum serial number research request sheet which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-60 with oct bbl, plain trigger, received in warehouse January 30, 1883 and shipped Oct 8, 1883. The Model 1876 was Winchesters first effort for a large bore repeating firearm and as such preceded the Marlin Model 1881. It was very popular on the American frontier for both hunting & self protection. The large calibers were capable of taking virtually any North American big game including Elk, Moose and Bears. Rifles of that era usually saw very hard service often with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today with high orig finish. The 45-60 caliber was very popular in its day and is still a popular cartridge for cowboy action shooters. PROVENANCE: The F.P.L. Mills Collection #73 on his estate inventory; The renowned Eldon Owens Collection, James D. Julia Auctions October 2014 Lot 468. CONDITION: Extremely fine. Bbl retains 95-96% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear and some minor surface etching just forward of the forearm. Magazine tube retains about 97-98% strong orig blue and the forend cap 88-90% orig blue with the loss areas flaked to a light patina. Receiver retains about 95% strong orig blue with light sharp edge wear and some light flaking with a series of small scratches on the right sideplate. Hammer retains strong, bright case colors and the lever dark case colors. Buttplate retains about 75-80% thinning orig blue. Stock has a small gouge in the left side with a few other light nicks & scratches. Forearm has a series of small bruises & scratches. Buttstock retains about all of its orig oil finish and the forearm about 50% orig finish showing wear over the carry point. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 51772-3 JRL (12,500-22,500) – Lot 1058

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SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 61024. Cal 40-60. Standard grade 3rd model rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered half nickel front sight and 1886 marked rifle ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has standard 2-line address with caliber marking over the chamber area. Receiver is 3rd type with integral dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate with trap. While the Model 1876, the “Centennial” rifle was produced in smaller numbers then most other Winchester models, the 3rd model as found here had the highest production with about 30,000 manufactured including rifles, carbines & muskets. The model 1876 was Winchesters first foray into big bore repeating rifles. Until the introduction of the 1876 the model 1873 in caliber 44-40 was the most useful and sought after firearm of that era. The 1876 was produced in 4 calibers, all of which were capable of taking the largest of North America’s wild game. Standard grade rifles were the working mans’ tool and as such are rarely found today with high orig finish. They most often saw service under extreme harsh conditions usually with little or no maintenance. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 96-98% crisp orig blue with only light muzzle end and sharp edge wear. There are a couple of chemical spots on the right side flat at the muzzle. Forend cap retains 92-94% bright orig blue. Receiver & side plates retain 95-96% bright orig blue with scattered light surface etching on the left side & side plate with a few spots on the right side. Hammer retains bright case colors and the lever dark case colors on the sides and in sheltered areas, fading to silver elsewhere. Buttplate retains about 90% orig blue, showing wear on the heel & toe. Wood is sound with a very few light handling & storage nicks & scratches and retains most of its orig factory finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore, shows very little use. 51687-4 JRL (12,000-16,000) – Lot 1059

RARE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1876 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 54949. Cal 40-60. Fine deluxe “Centennial” Winchester Model 1876 rifle with 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, combination front sight & 1876 marked ladder rear sight. Top flat of bbl has the Winchester & King address & patent dates and caliber marking over the chamber area. Mounted with 2-3X deluxe shell & flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and serpentine grip buttstock that has ebony inlay in grip cap & crescent buttplate with trap. Receiver has single set trigger. Left side of lower tang, under the wood has the assembly number “2694” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. According to Blue Book of Antique American Firearms & Values, Fjelstad & Allen there were 63,871 Model 1876 rifles & carbines produced in the period 1876-1897 in 4 different calibers and a variety of bbl lengths, both standard grade and deluxe plus muskets. Deluxe features on this model were special order only and are rarely encountered today. The Model 1876 was the first big bore repeating rifle offered on the American market. It was a favorite on the western frontier where the larger & heavier caliber bullets were capable of taking the very largest North American big game including Grizzly Bears, Moose, Elk & Buffalo. This model was a favorite of President Theodore Roosevelt which he carried on many hunting expeditions around the world. Deluxe versions of this rifle are quite rare with few encountered today. The extra cost of ordering such a rifle was generally prohibitive to the working man of that era and so few were ordered. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Overall the rifle retains 98-99% strong, early Turnbull style restored finish with bright blue on the bbl & magazine tube and bright case colors on the receiver, side plates, lever, hammer & buttplate. Forend cap colors have faded. There is a hair-line back of the top tang, otherwise wood is sound and retains about all of a fine professionally restored Winchester style finish with freshened checkering. Set trigger needs adjusting, otherwise mechanics are crisp. Bright bore with good shine and scattered fine pitting. 51378-1 JRL (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1060

EXTREMELY RARE SEMI-DELUXE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 BIG 50 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 76084. Cal 50 EX (50-110). Very rare semi-deluxe rifle with 26″ #1 weight heavy oct bbl, full magazine, sporting front sight, platinum line 3-leaf express rear sight and Lyman tang sight with duplex aperture. Receiver has single set trigger. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with black insert, serpentine grip buttstock that has smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Bottom of stock & forend cap have factory sling swivels. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “726” and “CFS”. Matching assembly number is found in top tang channel of buttstock. Inside toe of buttplate has the assembly number “471”. Rear face of buttstock has 2 extra holes where it appears that there may have been a rubber buttplate at one time that was changed to its current configuration. The heel screw hole is stripped. This rifle was produced about 1893 undoubtedly purchased as a hunting rifle. This caliber was capable of taking any major game animal in the world, especially any North American big game such as Moose, Elk or Grizzly Bears. The caliber was also a favorite for the African dangerous game hunter. As such, these rifles usually saw hard service with exposure to the elements on a regular basis. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight quickly fades case colors. The fact that this rifle remains in pristine condition attests to the premise that it saw very little outdoor use. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum Records Office worksheet which identifies this rifle in caliber 50-110 with oct bbl, extra heavy, set trigger, plain pistol grip stock with shotgun butt and Lyman rear sight, received in warehouse March 9 1893 and shipped the next day to order # 15305. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus, matching as noted above. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 99% crisp orig factory blue with one ding and a couple of small nicks about mid-point on right side of bbl. Receiver & forend cap retain virtually all of their orig case colors, brilliant on sides of receiver. Bottom edge of receiver has the second lacquer coat lines. Lever & hammer retain virtually all of their bright case colors, a little more faded on right side of lever. Forend cap retains virtually all of its bright orig case colors. Stock has a repaired small sliver by the left of the top tang otherwise wood is sound with 1 or 2 very minor handling & storage nicks in the finish and retains virtually all of its orig factory finish. The area around the buttplate is a slightly lighter color and at one time may have had a slip on recoil pad. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. Appears to be new & unfired with factory grease still in the receiver. 51687-3 JRL (40,000-65,000) – Lot 1061

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RARE AND VERY FINE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE WITH 30″ BARREL.

SN 19401. Cal. 45-70. Very fine deluxe ’86 with rare special order 30″ oct bbl, full magazine, Lyman “certifiable antique ivory” bead hunting front sight and tang sight, 1886 and 1000yd ladder sight is also added. Mounted with nicely figured XX American walnut with H-style checkered forearm, checkered pistol grip buttstock with black insert, crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “40” & “XX”. Matching assembly number “40” is also found in top tang channel of buttstock. Buttplate was not removed but is no doubt orig. This rifle, based on factory letter, was received and shipped on June 22, 1888; repaired and returned December 28, 1895, matching configuration noted on factory letter 45-70 cal., 30″ oct bbl, set trigger, checkered stock, pistol grip and Lyman front and rear sights. This rare special order 30″ oct bbl seems heavier than standard and this gun weighs in at 10lbs 10oz. PROVENANCE: Ex-Robert Nichols Collection, 1978; Ex-Jay Lyndes Collection. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Very fine overall, all matching. Rifle retains about 95% orig blue on bbl, magazine, frame retains about 80% case colors with remainder silver/grey, buttplate and lever retain about 30-50% muted case colors, overall silver/grey with staining on lever. Stocks are sound and well fit, retaining most of their orig varnish. There is a 1″ sliver missing from lower right side buttstock, just above trigger. There are several scuffs and scratches in wood, especially on right side near base of pistol grip as seen in photos. Mechanically fine with crisp fine bore. 50412-8 (30,000-50,000) ESA – Lot 1062

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*RARE FACTORY ENGRAVED WINCHESTER 1886 DELUXE LIGHTWEIGHT TAKE-DOWN, VERY FINE CONDITION INSCRIBED “J. H. POOLE, DETROIT”.

SN 147849. Cal. 33 WCF. 24″ rnd bbl, pedestal mounted Marbles fine bead front sight, sporting rear sight. Factory engraved receiver with bold foliate scroll & punch-dot background, wavy border with alternating punch dots & circle vignette of a buck deer with forested background on left side; similar border & foliate scroll on right side with a running buck deer. Accenting scroll on top & bottom of receiver, double wavy-line border along bolt & wedge of scroll engraving over chamber of bbl. Mounted with “XX” walnut, H-style checkered forearm, H-style checkered pistol grip with Winchester hard rubber grip cap, Winchester hard rubber shotgun butt & 1″ gold oval in comb engraved “J.H. Poole / Detroit”. Inspection of lower tang reveals assembly no. “886 XX”; same number can be found in top tang channel of stock. John H. Poole was Managing Director of the Union Trust Company of Detroit about the time of this gun’s manufacture in 1909. Accompanied by letter dated June 6, 1979, from John F. Miller, Far West Gallery of Palm Springs, California, stating factory configuration. Winchester records from SNs 146000-150799 are missing, but no doubt this gun is as fine as can be found. PROVENANCE: John F. Miller (Far West Gallery); Ex-Jay Lyndes Collection, 1979. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-98% orig blue with some minor spots of faint surface oxidation & faint mark from take-down lever. Receiver retains 94-95% orig blue, some minor flaking on take-down ring, some thinning across top & sharp edges. Hammer retains most of its orig case colors with a thin silver line on left side. Lever has dark case colors on side, thinning & silvering across bottom. Stock is sound with good checkering, minor nicks, scrapes & a few scratches, retaining most of its fine piano varnish finish. Forend is sound with minor nicks & scratches & some flaking to its fine piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp with a shiny bore. 50412-1 (30,000-50,000) C&R – Lot 1063

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FINE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 83471. Cal. 45-70. Fine deluxe ’86 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight and “1886” marked reproduction ladder rear sight. Receiver has single set trigger. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with assembly number “943” and “XX”. Matching assembly number is found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 45-70 with oct bbl, set trigger and checkered pistol grip stock, received in warehouse August 22, 1893 and shipped the next day to order # 22577. This rifle was produced in 1893 and was undoubtedly someone’s prized hunting rifle. Given that exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight causes case colors to rapidly fade, it seems very likely that this rifle saw very little outside activity. PROVENANCE: Wes Adams Estate Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue; forend cap retains smoky case colors; receiver retains 93-95% orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas, moderately to heavily faded elsewhere, stronger on left side, turning silver on bottom; hammer retains bright to brilliant case colors turned silver on top edge; lever retains brilliant case colors on sides and trigger bow with outer face of finger loop turned silver; buttplate retains 80-85% original case colors, brilliant on tang, fading on the face. Wood is sound with a few minor nicks & scratches and retains virtually all of its orig bright piano varnish finish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. 51688-4 JRL (20,000-35,000) – Lot 1064

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SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 66675. Cal 40-82. Beautiful Deluxe ’86 with special order 28″ oct bbl, full magazine, bead sporting front sight & platinum line 3-leaf express rear sight. Receiver, lever, hammer, forend cap & buttplate are color case hardened. Mounted with beautiful 3X to 4X flame grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with crescent buttplate. Forearm is matching grain walnut. Left side of the lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly no. “114” and “XXX”. Top tang channel of buttstock is marked with matching assembly no. and the buttplate with assembly no. “66” inside the toe. Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum letter which identifies this rifle in caliber 40-82 with 28″ oct bbl, plain trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip, shipped April 30, 1892. No other information available. This rifle was produced at a time when hunting was a way of life. It seems likely that this rifle would have been someones prized hunting rifle. It was apparently well cared for and actually saw little outside exposure. Case colors when exposed to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight quickly fades. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains about 75-80% thinning orig blue that has been lightly cleaned. Magazine tube retains matching finish. Receiver retains brilliant case colors on the sides with a few scattered spots of pin-prick surface etching. Top edges are lightly to moderately faded and the bottom lightly to moderately faded with the 2nd coat lacquer lines still strong and visible. Hammer retains strong case colors and the lever brilliant case colors in sheltered areas fading to silver on the outer faces. Top tang retains mostly smoky case colors, strong around the hammer slot. Bottom tang retains bright case colors. Forend cap retains bright case colors on right side, fading elsewhere with fine surface etching. Buttplate retains bright case colors around the tang screw hole with the balance a mottled silver/brown patina with fine pitting. Stock has a hairline on the right side of the toe and is missing a small chip by the left heel with some fine squiggly scratches on the left side, a couple of heavy scratches on the right side and a bruise in the checkering on the left wrist. Otherwise wood is sound and retains most of its orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine, bright shiny bore. 51079-14 JRL (20,000-30,000) – Lot 1065

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*EXTREMELY RARE SEMI-DELUXE WINCHESTER BIG 50 TAKE-DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 145020. Cal. 50 Express (50-110). Blue finish with 26″ rnd bbl, half-magazine take-down with express front sight and platinum line 3-leaf express sight in the rear seat. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with standard forearm and uncheckered, capped pistol grip stock with crescent buttplate. Buttstock & forend cap have sling eyes. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number “653” and a “0” and an “F”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. The recess in the buttstock, under the buttplate, contains one orig “WRACO” 50-110 WHV cartridge wrapped in a strip of old muslin. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 50 Express with rnd nickel steel bbl, 4-cartridge magazine, take-down, plain trigger, plain wood, pistol grip stock, sling eyes, “Winchester High Velocity”, received in warehouse March 25, 1909 and shipped the same day with one other Model 1886 to order number 197064. These big bore rifles were extremely popular in the Rocky Mountain region, Northwest Territories & Alaska as well India and in Africa for extremely large game. They usually are found with shotgun buttplate as it is fairly well known that the severe recoil of this Cal. was very punishing with a crescent buttplate. PROVENANCE: Ex-Mike Ginn Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain 95-96% strong orig blue with slight muzzle end wear, some minor chemical spotting & a couple of small spots of rust. Receiver retains about 80% orig blue showing wear on the bottom, over the receiver ring & top rear edges, with some light flaking on the sides. Bbl extension retains strong traces orig blue with the balance a grey patina. Lever & hammer retain muted case colors, turned silver/gray on top edge of hammer and outer faces of the lever with small areas of staining & pinprick pitting. Buttplate is a grey patina. Buttstock has an longitudinal 3″ crack repaired by the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with a number of light nicks & dings and a series of scratches on the buttstock. Stocks retain most of an old restored varnish. Mechanics are crisp, bright shiny bore. Cartridge is fine. 50142-16 JS205 (15,000-20,000) C&R – Lot 1066

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SCARCE SPECIAL ORDER DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 88345. Cal 45-90. Beautiful ’86 rifle with 26″ oct to rnd bbl, full magazine, tall sporting front sight with screw, Lyman 6A 2-leaf folding bbl sight and Lyman tang sight with folding aperture. Mounted with about 3X, center crotch, flame grain American walnut that has “H” style checkered forearm and serpentine grip buttstock with black insert in the grip cap and crescent buttplate. Left side of the lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “351” & “XX”. Matching assembly number is also found inside top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1894 and undoubtedly was someone’s prized hunting rifle. This caliber was very accurate and capable of taking the largest North American game including Grizzly Bears, Moose and Elk and was an outstanding law enforcement or self-defense arm. CONDITION: Fine to very fine, all matching. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 95% orig blue turned somewhat dull with some extremely fine pinprick surface discoloration. Receiver retains traces of case colors being mostly a silver gray patina. Lever & hammer also retain light faded case colors. Wood is sound with handling & use nicks, scratches & dings, mostly on the surface only and overall retains about 95-96% orig piano varnish finish. Mechanics are fine, very bright shiny bore. 51378-4 JRL (12,500-17,500) – Lot 1067

SCARCE DELUXE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 60544. Cal 38-56. Fine deluxe ’86 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Marbles Improved front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight that has been filed flat and a locking Lyman tang sight with dual aperture. Mounted with about 2X flame grained American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and serpentine grip buttstock that has black insert in the grip cap and crescent buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “189” & “X”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Most likely this was someone’s prized hunting rifle or personal defense arm. CONDITION: About good, all matching. Bbl retains 60-70% thin orig blue, strong and bright in sheltered areas. Magazine tube retains about 70% orig blue, strong in sheltered areas turning to plummy patina on the outer radius. Receiver shows traces of faded case colors being mostly a faded silver patina with some light surface discoloration. Hammer retains thin, faded case colors and the lever, traces of case colors, being mostly a silver gray patina. Buttplate is a mottled gray patina. Buttstock has a repair at the left heel, otherwise wood is sound and shows most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are fine, strong sharp, frosty bore. 51137-5 JRL (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1068

RARE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE SHORT RIFLE.

SN 70975. Cal 40-65. Fine rare rifle with 24-1/4″ oct bbl, full magazine, 1/2 nickel front sight, semi-buckhorn rear sight & Lyman tang sight with combination aperture. Receiver is color case hardened with single set trigger. Mounted with about 3-X American walnut that has “H” style checkered forearm and black insert, serpentine grip buttstock with smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly number “529”, “XXX” & an “S”. Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock & inside toe of buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle with 24″ oct bbl, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with shotgun butt. Received in warehouse January 27, 1893 and shipped the next day to order number 13731. Almost certainly this would have been someones prized hunting rifle from an era when hunting and carrying a gun on a daily basis was a way of life. Most arms of that era saw very hard service under adverse conditions and are rarely found today with any orig finish. Deluxe special order examples are extremely rare. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl retains about 95-96% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear and some thinning near the muzzle. Magazine tube retains about 95-97% orig blue, thin towards the muzzle end. Receiver retains 60-65% orig case colors, moderately faded and turned silver over the top & bottom. Lever & hammer retain faded case colors and the buttplate shows 60-70% thin orig blue turning brown. Buttstock has a hairline back of the top tang and is missing a couple small chips at the receiver, otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and retains most of its bright orig piano varnish finish on the buttstock and about 80-85% orig finish on the forearm, showing wear on the bottom at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp, strong bore with good shine & light to moderate pitting. 51621-1 JRL (10,000-15,000) – Lot 1069

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SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 67660. Cal. 40-82. Standard grade carbine with 22″ rnd bbl, full mag, square base front sight and 1886 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Bbl has standard Winchester markings with cal. marking over chamber area. Receiver is color case hardened with a stud and ring in the left side. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and smooth steel carbine buttplate. Left side of lower tang, under the wood is marked with the assembly # “47” and a “C”. Accompanied by a four page letter from the late renowned Winchester historian and author, George Madis, wherein he verifies the above information with numerous historical notes regarding this model of Winchester. Model 1886 carbines in and of themselves are scarce with, according to Mr. Madis, only one of every 200 Model 1886 firearms being a carbine. These carbines in cal. 40-82 are additionally scarce. This carbine was produced about 1892, and firearms of that era usually saw very hard service in saddle scabbards or wagon boxes and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Color case hardened examples with orig finish remaining are extremely rare. Exposure to the ultra-violet rays of sunlight quickly fades those colors. PROVENANCE: Dr. R. L. Moore Collection. CONDITION: Very fine, all matching. Bbl and mag tube retain about 95% strong orig blue and bbl bands about 50% orig blue. Receiver retains about 60% orig case colors with almost full coverage on the right side, which is moderately faded. Left side shows about 60-65% coverage, moderately faded but strong and bright around the rear 1/3. Hammer retains bright case colors and the lever faded case colors on sides, turned silver on the outer faces. Buttplate is a silver grey patina. Stock has several small chips and a couple slivers missing from the wrist area on each side of the top tang, otherwise wood is sound with light dings and scratches and retains a lightly cleaned hand-worn patina. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. 51742-6 (15,000-17,000) – Lot 1070

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SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 SADDLE RING CARBINE.

SN 121108. Cal 40-65. Standard carbine with 22″ bbl, full magazine, square base front sight with German silver blade and 900 yard carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & checkered steel shotgun buttplate. CONDITION: Fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 85-87% orig blue with scattered light surface rust and the magazine tube turning a little plummy. Receiver retains 25-30% faded case colors in sheltered areas with the balance a silver/brown patina with light pin-prick pitting. Hammer retains strong case colors and the lever traces of case colors. Wood is sound with light nicks & scratches, a couple small gouges on the left wrist and a bruise on the right with the buttstock retaining about 60% orig finish and the forearm a handworn patina. Mechanics are crisp, strong sharp bore with moderate to heavy pitting. Would still be a good shooter. 51791-1 (7,500-8,500) – Lot 1071

OUTSTANDING ANTIQUE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 108470. Cal 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight with screw and semi-buckhorn rear sight. This rifle was produced about 1896 when carrying and using a rifle was a standard daily practice throughout the American west. Those firearms were exposed to harsh elements continuously, often with little or no maintenance and are rarely found today in high orig condition, especially standard grade arms which were usually simply working tools for the common man. CONDITION: Extremely fine plus. Bbl & magazine tube retain 97-98% strong orig blue with only faint sharp edge & muzzle end wear and 3-4 small spots of surface rust. Receiver retains virtually all of its orig case colors, brilliant on the sides, lightly faded over the top and thin on the bottom at the carry point. Second coat lacquer lines are still visible on the belly of receiver. Hammer retains virtually all of its brilliant case colors and the lever brilliant case colors on the sides, faded on the outer faces. Forend cap retains virtually all of its fading case colors and the buttplate silvered case colors. Wood is sound with a few light nicks & dings, a series of small scratches on the forearm and overall retains about 98% orig finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore shows little or no evidence of ever having been fired. 51173-4 (9,000-14,000) – Lot 1072

SCARCE WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 BIG 50 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 96227. Cal 50 EX (50-110). Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, Lyman hunting front sight and 3 leaf platinum line express rear sight. Receiver, forend cap and buttplate are color case hardened. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Buttstock & forend cap have sling eyes. Accompanied by a full box of Winchester 50-110 EX ammunition. Box has round corners with green & black label and is marked “To be used in Winchester Model 1886 rifles”. Ammunition has 300 grain soft point bullets and has the head stamp “50-110 EX.” Also accompanied by 4 rounds of reloaded 50-110 ammunition in “CCC” brass cases with cast lead bullets. This rifle was produced at about 1895 at a time when hunting for subsistence and market hunting was a way of life. The Big 50 was designed to be effective for all North American big game including the Grizzly Bear, Elk & Moose and anything else the shooter wished to shoot. Firearms of that era, especially hunting arms usually saw extensive hard service and are rarely found today with high orig finish. Color case hardening when exposed to ultraviolet rays of sunlight fades rather rapidly. This rifle is somewhat unusual with crescent buttplate as most of the Big 50’s were sold with shotgun buttplates. Shooting one of these big bores with a crescent buttplate is a near religious experience. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl retains 95-96% strong orig blue with only light sharp edge wear. Magazine tube retains about 95% orig blue with a few small scratches. Receiver retains virtually all of its orig case colors, strong & bright especially on the left side and over the top. Right side & belly of the receiver are moderately faded. The 2nd lacquer coat lines are still visible on belly of the receiver. Lever & hammer retain strong case colors, bright on right side of lever, moderately faded elsewhere. Forend cap retains strong bright case colors around the rear half with the balance fading to silver. Buttplate is a silver/brown patina. Top & bottom tangs are mostly a gray patina. Stock has a hair line in the left wrist with some light oil staining around receiver with light handling & use nicks & dings and retains most of its orig oil finish. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore with some minor rust spots about 4″ from the muzzle. Box has small repaired seams at each end of the bottom, otherwise is completely sound. It shows heavy soil with edge wear & some light losses on top of the lid. Ammunition is lightly to moderately oxidized with a couple of minor handling dings. 51570-2 JRL (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1073

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SUPERB CASE COLORED ANTIQUE WINCHESTER 1886 RIFLE.

SN 77663. Cal. 45-70. 26″ oct bbl with nickel silver bladed sporting front sight and “1886” dated sporting folding staff rear sight. Bbl has traditional 2-line Winchester address on top bbl flat. Marked “45-70″ on top flat over chamber. Case colored receiver, hammer, finger lever, buttplate and forend cap. 2-pc nicely figured walnut stocks with crescent butt. Manufactured 1893 and is accompanied with factory letter verifying this configuration. CONDITION: Fine overall condition, with much factory blue finish remaining with several areas of finish loss now turning plum on muzzle of bbl and 12″ from muzzle on right side bbl flats. All corners of oct flats are sharp and fine. Full length tube magazine has slight pitting encompassing the last 4”, but has aged very well and now is rather plum overall. Case colored solid receiver has strong vivid case colors with area of darkening and light pitting on right side of receiver above loading gate assembly. Left side of receiver and top of chamber are excellent with vivid case colors and much factory lacquer remaining with some very minor lacquer loss and several very small areas of slight pitting. Upper and lower tangs are exceptionally fine with most all slightly fading case colors remaining. Walnut forearm is very fine with several small bruises on right hand side that are now slightly oil darkened but most all factory varnish remains. Buttstock very fine with several small bruises at wrist and several compression scratches towards crescent butt. An area of oil staining is present surrounding upper tang and climbing onto comb. This is a very pleasant and fine overall antique 1886 rifle with excellent bore and mechanics. 51591-5 (8,000-12,000) – Lot 1074

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*1886 WINCHESTER 45-70 OCTAGON RIFLE.

SN 130517. Cal. 45-70. Manufactured in 1903, octagon barrel caliber 45-70 with full magazine, blue receiver with case color hammer and lever, and 2-pc walnut stocks with crescent butt. 23″ oct bbl with Watson sporting front sight and D.W. King sporting rear sight. Traditional 2-line Winchester address on top bbl flat with “45-70” cal. marking at rear bbl on top flat. Blue receiver with tang marked “-Model 1886-“. 2-pc straight grain walnut stocks with standard forend cap and crescent butt. Factory letter included indicating rifle was returned to the factory in 1908. Consignor’s notes state that the gun was sent back to the factory for shortening of the barrel. CONDITION: Good as having been modified. Oct bbl and magazine tube have been shortened to a length of 23”. Minor finish loss on corners of bbl flats with thinning of finish towards muzzle with balance turning plum. Magazine tube with replacement magazine guide have been finished in a plum brown finish. Forend cap has had a 1/8″ sling swivel stud brazed into place. Receiver retains approximately one-third of its bright factory blue with thinning on bottom of receiver, as well as finish loss on high points of upper edges of receiver with upper tang having been worn silver. Balance of finish on receiver has turned somewhat plum with silvering at high points. Crescent butt is brown overall. Case colored hammer and lever have traces of case color in protected areas with balance having turned silver. Buttstock having been sanded and refinished at some previous point and having evidence of a fracture in the upper wrist area that has been repaired and is quite stable. Wood loss is evident along upper tang on left side and at confluence of stock with receiver on right. Bore has strong rifling with small areas of darkness in grooves. Mechanics are crisp and tight. 51591-6 (6,000-8,000) C&R – Lot 1075

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WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 TAKE DOWN LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 91957. Cal 45-70. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, slightly altered half nickel front sight and 1000 yd rifle ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, nicely figured American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle was produced about 1894 when the west was still fairly wild and hunting was a way of life. The firearms of that era usually saw continuous hard service under adverse conditions, often with little or no maintenance. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains about 80% blue/brown patina with strong blue in sheltered areas. Magazine tube retains about 90% dulling orig blue. Receiver shows about 25-30% blue in sheltered areas having been cleaned a long time ago. Top & bottom tangs are a gray/brown patina. Lever & hammer retain faded case colors as does the buttplate. Stock has a bruise by the top tang otherwise wood is sound with a few light nicks & scratches and shows an old refinish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. Would make a fine cowboy action shooter. 51570-4 (4,500-5,500) – Lot 1076

Revised: 4/6/2017

Ivory Note due to ivory beads. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meet the standard for sale under ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase.

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 103290. Cal 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, bead sporting front sight and a replacement semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. This rifle was produced in about 1895 when hunting was a way of life across America. This cartridge was capable of taking the largest and most dangerous North American big game up to and including the largest Bears. Arms of that era with color case hardened receivers are rarely found with high orig finish. Exposure to the ultraviolet rays of sunlight rapidly fades those colors leaving a silver patina. CONDITION: Very fine. Bbl & magazine tube retain about 98% strong orig blue with only sharp muzzle end edge wear. Receiver retains 70-75% orig case colors, strong & bright in sheltered areas on the sides, faded over the top & bottom. Top & bottom tangs show very bright case colors. Hammer retains dark case colors, as does the lever on the sides. Forend cap retains 60-70% faded case colors and the buttplate is a silver patina. Wood is sound and retains most of an old restored finish. Mechanics are crisp, very bright, shiny bore. Would make an outstanding shooter. 51460-5 (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1077

WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 49202. Cal 45-90. Standard grade rifle with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, half nickel front sight & semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with straight stock & crescent buttplate. Accompanied by a Cody Firearms Museum letter which identifies this rifle in cal 45-90 with oct bbl, plain trigger. Received in the warehouse November 18, 1890 and shipped April 18, 1891 with 7 other Models 1886 to order number 34141. Also accompanied by a full orig box of Winchester 45-90-300 ammunition. Box has a green & black label with square corners and has patent date of Dec 14 1886. Ammunition is original with soft point bullets. Given the large order it seems likely that these rifles were ordered for a ranch, mine, bank or rail security. In either case they would have seen hard service probably with limited maintenance. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains about 90% strong orig blue with sharp edge & muzzle end wear. Magazine tube retains about 90% orig finish turning dull & plum colored. Receiver retains about 60-70% orig case colors, strong on the sides turned silver on the belly. Hammer retains bright case colors and the lever fading case colors on the sides turned silver elsewhere. Forend cap retains smoky case colors and the buttplate has turned silver. Wood is sound with numerous light nicks & scratches and shows a hand worn patina. Mechanics are crisp, very bright shiny bore. Box has 3 open edges and shows worn edges with moderate staining and some minor losses to the label. Ammunition is crisp & clean showing light oxidation. 51570-3 JRL (4,000-7,000) – Lot 1078

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WINCHESTER MODEL 1886 DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 28903. Cal 40-65. Early deluxe ’86 with 26″ oct bbl, full magazine, sporting front sight, missing its bead and semi-buckhorn rear sight. Mounted with about “XX” fancy grain American walnut with “H” style checkered forearm and serpentine grip buttstock with ebony inlay & smooth steel shotgun buttplate. Left side of lower tang under the wood is marked with the assembly number “890”, “XX” & an “S”. Matching assembly number is found in top tang channel of buttstock and partially in the inside toe of buttplate along with an “S”. This rifle was produced in about 1889 when the west was still very wild with outlaws & Indians and carrying a firearm was expected. Rifles of that era usually saw very hard service on horseback or in a wagon box under very adverse conditions usually with limited or no maintenance. It is very likely that this rifle belonged to a westerner who used it on a regular basis. CONDITION: About good, all matching. Bbl retains about 70% of a plummy blue/brown patina with strong blue in sheltered areas. Magazine tube retains about 80% thinning orig blue turning a little plum. Receiver, lever & buttplate are a mottled silver/brown patina. Hammer retains traces of case colors. Top tang screw is missing as is the tang sight plug screw. Wood is sound with numerous light nicks & scratches. Buttstock retains about 70% orig varnish with the balance stained dark from handling. Forearm retains traces of orig finish being mostly dark stain. Mechanics are crisp, strong bright bore with some light orange peel pitting. 51165-3 JRL (3,500-5,500) – Lot 1079

*WINCHESTER EXTRA LIGHT WEIGHT MODEL 1886 SEMI DELUXE LEVER ACTION RIFLE.

SN 136199A. Cal 45-90. Fine light weight ’86 with 24″ extra light tapered rnd bbl, 5-rd magazine, pedestal mounted Lyman ivory bead front sight & flat top rear sight. Mounted with straight grain American walnut that has I-style checkered forearm and capped pistol grip stock with Winchester embossed hard rubber buttplate. Left side of buttstock is inlaid with a small 1/2″ compass. This rifle was produced about 1905 and almost certainly was a north woods hunting rifle for Moose & Bear. This cartridge was certainly capable of taking any North American big game up to and including the largest Bears. Those rifles of that era usually saw very hard service.Accompanied with factory letter indicating the following. Rifle, 45/90 24 inch barrel plain trigger checkered pistol grip checkered stock Lyman semi Jack sight front and rear 1/2 magazine Extra light shotgun butt. Received in warehouse April 7 1906 and shipped April 17 1906 to order number 47546. Special Note: This item(s) contains plant or animal properties that may be covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have taken care to ensure that this item(s) meets the standard for sale under the ESA. However, certain states and other countries have laws that are more restrictive than the ESA. It is the bidder’s responsibility to ensure that it is lawful to purchase or transport this item(s) into their state, and to obtain the necessary import and export approvals. Delay or failure to obtain any such permit or approval does not relieve the buyer of paying for the item(s) and consummating the purchase. CONDITION: Very good to fine. Bbl retains 93-95% orig blue with a couple of thin spots showing wear over the chamber area carry point. Magazine tube retains about 98% orig blue. Receiver retains 88-90% orig blue, strong on the sides, thinning over the top and bottom. Hammer retains bright case colors and the lever bright case colors on the left side with the balance fading to silver. Buttstock has a few light nicks & scratches and a series of dings in left side of wrist otherwise wood is sound and retains most of its orig oil finish showing wear on the forearm at the carry point. Mechanics are crisp, brilliant shiny bore. 51565-2 JRL (4,000-7,000) C&R; ESA – Lot 1080

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