August Premier Firearms Auction

August 15, 2025 to August 17, 2025 | Starting at 9:00 AM Each Day

August Premier Firearms Auction

August 15, 2025 to August 17, 2025 | Starting at 9:00 AM Each Day

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Showing 1-50 of 1,759 results

Scarce Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Saber Bayonet and Factory Letter

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Carbine with Saber Bayonet

Manufactured in 1884, this is an extremely scarce example of a Winchester Model 1873 saddle ring carbine special ordered with a bayonet lug. It is unknown exactly how many of these carbines configured for use with a bayonet were actually produced by Winchester, but given the rarity with which they show up on the collectors market, one can assume the number total number was quite small. These carbines appear to have been made in a few different configurations, with some being setup to take a socket bayonet, while others like this example have a lug for a saber bayonet. A very similar example to this one is pictured on p. 500 of "Winchester's New Model of 1873 A Tribute Vol. II" by James D. Gordon, with that example being marked for an Argentinian retailer, indicating that at least some of these carbines made their way to South America, possibly accounting for the few that appear on the North American market. That particular example has the bayonet lug mounted on the barrel band. The included factory letter lists the carbine with "barrel extra length for saber bayonet" when received at the warehouse on 6 November 1884, and shipped on 10 November 1884 in order number 15939. The carbine has the Third Model receiver with the integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, while the caliber marking is at the breech and repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model marking is on the upper tang, and the serial number is marked on the lower tang. The special order length barrel is fitted with a block blade front sight, a saber bayonet lug on the right behind the barrel band, and a folding leaf rear sight. The left side of the receiver is fitted with a saddle ring. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor carbine buttplate. Includes a Winchester M1873/1876 yataghan/saber bayonet marked "crown/W" on the right ricasso and "crown/M" on the pommel of the brass grip. Also includes the bayonet scabbard.

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Estimated Price$4,500.00 - $7,000.00

Consecutively Serialized Pair of Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifles with "C.B." Stock Markings Attributed to the British Royal Navy -A) Winchester Model 1892 Rifle

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 2

Consecutively Serialized Pair of Winchester Model 1892 Rifles

Manufactured in 1913, this is a rare, consecutively serialized pair of Winchester Model 1892 rifles, which also, incredibly, have consecutive "C.B./442" and "C.B./443" inspection/rack on the right sides of the stocks, markings which are attributed to shipment to Great Britain for use early in World War I. These rifles, as well as some Model 1892 and 1894 saddle ring carbines were purchased by the British government early in World War I, with their primary use being to back-fill Royal Navy armories on ships which were being emptied to arm the rapidly growing army, with at least one Model 1892 carbine being documented as used in firing on a German U-boat. These two rifles have the standard Winchester factory oval proofs on top of the barrels and receivers at the breech. The upper left of the barrels are marked with the two-line address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The three-line model and trademark information is on the upper tangs and the consecutive serial numbers are marked on the bottom of the receivers. They are fitted with blade front and elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sights. They are mounted with smooth forearms and straight grip stocks with crescent buttplates, with both "A" and "B" rifles stamped "C.B./442" and "C.B./443" respectively on the right sides of the stocks.

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF, 44-40 WCF

Estimated Price$4,500.00 - $7,000.00

Very Fine Winchester Model 1876 "Centennial" Lever Action Rifle in Highly Desirable .50-95 Express with Factory Letter

Lot 3

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle in .50-95 Express

Manufactured in 1883, this is one of only 3,284 Winchester Model 1876s chambered in the venerable .50-95 Express. The Model 1876, an up-sized version of their prolific Model 1873, was designed and introduced with those customers in mind who felt they may need more power than the .44-40 cartridge had to offer. The 1876 was designed as a larger version of the 1873 that could handle larger and more powerful cartridges. Naturally, this made the Model 1876, also known as the "Centennial Rifle" due to its year of introduction, very popular among big and dangerous game hunters. At short range, the .50-95 Express, with its 95 grains of black powder behind a 300 grain hollow point bullet, was capable of stopping even the most dangerous game dead in its tracks. Because of this incredible stopping power, these rifles found popularity among hunters and adventurers in the American West as well as British sportsmen, who found it particularly useful against tigers and lions in the far reaches of the British Empire. This particular example is in the configuration that is far more often associated with the western frontier of North America, and it lacks the British proofs often seen on rifles sold on that market. A rifle like this, with a single well-placed shot, would have been capable of stopping even the most dangerous North American game, including moose, bison, and bear at close range, as well as any human threats one might expect to encounter on the frontier. It was also capable of following up that shot with multiple more in quick succession. While lacking the long range accuracy of some of the single shot rifles of the period, the 1876 in .50 Express made up for its lack of range with delivering stopping power in rapid succession. The included factory letter confirms the rifle in express caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 6 September 1883, and shipped the following day in order number 7011.This particular example is a third model with an integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear and the Winchester Express caliber marking on top, which was standard for rifles in this caliber. The top of the 26 inch barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, with the caliber marking at the breech. The caliber marking is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The model marking is on top of the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and a typical "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight. It is also fitted with a pair of period-added sling swivels on the nose cap and the bottom of the buttstock, which appear to have been fitted outside the factory, an upgrade that was not uncommon for these large, heavy rifles. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included four-piece cleaning rod.

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Express

Estimated Price$9,500.00 - $16,000.00

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Short Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 4

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Short Rifle

Per the Madis serial number data published by Winchester, this rifle is legally an antique. The factory letter indicates the serial number was applied on 28 September 1899. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .32-40 caliber with a 22 inch half octagon barrel, a half magazine, and a plain pistol grip stock with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate when it was received at the warehouse on 7 October 1899, and shipped on the same day in order number 38764. According to the research conducted by Oswalt and Hawk published in "Armax Vol. V" on the first 353,999 Model 1894 records, only 2,252 rifles were produced with a 22 inch barrel, 26,579 had a half magazine, 13,703 rifles had pistol grip stocks, and 17,768 had a shotgun butt, making this rifle quite a scarce configuration. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent information, while the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked "8684 CF RB". It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade "Jack sight" and an elevation adjustable No. 24 "Sporting" notch rear sight. It is mounted with a straight grain forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber grip cap and checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate. Both the forearm and stock were professionally upgraded with attractive, deluxe style, spade-pattern carved checkering.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32-40 WCF

Estimated Price$4,500.00 - $6,500.00

Lot 5

Framed 1958 Calendar for the Mint Saloon of Montana

Operating in Montana, the Mint Saloon was most famous as the home base for Western artist Charles Russell, who was given the run of the house in exchange for a number of his original works, which decorated the Saloon. Following Russell's passing in 1927, the Saloon sold their originals. Measuring approximately 20 3/4" x 14", the top half features Russel's work "Redskin Raiders" from 1902, above text noting "THE FAMOUS MINT" as the "World's Largest Selection of Russell Reproductions", and the calendar at the bottom, which appears complete. Installed in a glass-topped frame.

Interest:

Estimated Price$950.00 - $1,600.00

Exceptional Extremely Early Production Serial Number 5 Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Lever Action Pistol

Lot 6

Early Production Engraved New Haven Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol

Offered here is an extremely rare early production, serial number 5, Volcanic No. 1 Pocket pistol manufactured c. 1857 by the New Haven Arms Company upon being reorganized from the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company. This example has non-standard features when compared with the following production models, and bears no manufacturer markings, with the only visible markings being "PATENT" lightly stamped on top of the barrel, the early single digit serial number "5" on the right side of the grip frame, with "35" visible on bottom of the component ahead of the lever. Approximately 850 of the production No. 1 Pocket pistols were manufactured by New Haven Arms Company with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857-1862, per "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, page 73. The pistol has a 3 3/4 inch barrel in .31 caliber. Although New Haven advertised No. 1 pocket pistols with a 4 inch barrel, the barrels actually measured 3 1/2 inches on production examples. No. 1 pistols manufactured by Smith & Wesson c. 1854-1855 had a 4 inch barrel but these barrels were part octagon. The barrel on this pistol is full octagon. The contours to the front of the frame distinguish it from the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol. The frame contours on this pistol feature a “stepped” type design, with these contours being similar to those found on small frames manufactured by Smith & Wesson. Note that a single screw secures the lever and side plates rather than two as on the Smith & Wesson specimens. Other design features on this pistol are shared with the standard New Haven No. 1 Pocket pistol. These shared features include a full octagon barrel, a flat bottom grip, a finger loop lever without spur, a single screw securing the lever and side plates, and engraved brass side plates and frame. The distinctive octagonal barrel has an integral magazine below, with a pinched blade front sight on top, and a notch rear sight on top of the frame. A broad floral scroll pattern is engraved on the silver plated side plates and frame, with floral patterns engraved on the back strap and top flats of the receiver. Note that the engraving coverage deviates from the standard New Haven No. 1 pocket pistol pattern as the front sides areas of the frame are plain which is more commonly observed on Smith & Wesson engraved small frames. This lack of engraving was presumably due to the “stepped” contour which created less surface area for a proper embellishment. A combination of the aforementioned features makes this pistol highly unusual, and coupled with its single digit serial number indicates it to be an early production gun New Haven Arms Company likely manufactured before settling on the familiar design of the No. 1 Pockets. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Estimated Price$11,000.00 - $18,000.00

Lot 7

Cased Portrait of a Union Soldier Armed with a Volcanic Pistol

The portrait has a camp background and shows a man with a Volcanic pistol in his hand laying across his lap. His cheeks have light blush, his buttons and the lever of the pistol have gold tinting and his pants are tinted blue. The portrait is set within a Scovill Manufacturing Co. gutta percha "Union Case."

Estimated Price$3,000.00 - $5,000.00

Highly Attractive Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 8

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Rifle

Manufactured in 1894, this is a very attractive example of the formidable John Browning designed, Winchester Model 1886 in a highly desirable special order, deluxe configuration and chambered in the powerful .45-90 W.C.F. cartridge. The Model 1886 was the first repeater designed by Browning for Winchester, and it stood head and shoulders above the company's previous toggle-link designs with regards to the strength of the action, allowing it to utilize some of the most powerful cartridges of the time. A Model 1886 in .45-90 W.C.F. such as this example would have been capable of taking some of the largest and most dangerous game on the planet. The included factory letter lists this rifle in .45-90 caliber with a half octagon barrel, plain trigger, Lyman combination front sight, and a fancy checkered stock with sling swivels and a shotgun butt when received at the warehouse on 23 April 1895, and shipped the following day in order number 10597. The letter further lists three repair and return dates of 22 June 1896, 27 March 1897, and 5 June 1908. These first return and repair dates appear to have been simple factory maintenance, keeping the rifle in peak condition to perform, quite possibly by a dangerous game hunter whose success and life were depending on it. The receiver on this rifle would have originally been casehardened, which was standard on the '86 until 1901. During the 1908 repair date, the rifle received a full factory blue finish, as well as the oval proofs which are present on the barrel and the receiver at the breech, which started in use in 1905. The top flat of the barrel has the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang has the model marking, while the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "445 SXX", with "445" crossed out, as well as "689". The stock inlet is marked both "689" and "445", and the inside of the buttplate is stamped "445 S". It is fitted with a Lyman No. 5-I combination front sight, an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight, and factory sling swivel eyes on the forearm cap and bottom of the buttstock. It is fitted with a very nicely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Estimated Price$8,500.00 - $13,000.00

Lot 9

Antique Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle in .38 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1895, this is an exceptional example of an antique Winchester Model 1892 rifle. These standard configuration rifles were highly valued, particularly in the American West, where they could be paired with a Single Action Army revolver in the same caliber. They were typically viewed as a tool and are often found showing signs of hard use on the frontier, leaving very few examples available to collectors in high condition like this example. Having been made when much of the western frontier remained fairly unsettled, this rifle could have easily been the prized possession of a rancher for protecting his herd. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent date information, while the serial number is marked on the lower tang. It is fitted with a Beach combination front sight, an elevation adjustable No. 24 rear sight, and a graduated peep sight mounted on the upper tang. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Estimated Price$5,500.00 - $8,000.00

Extremely Scarce Special Order Winchester Straight Grip Deluxe Model 90 Slide Action Takedown Rifle with Checkered Slide Handle

Lot 10

Special Order Winchester Straight Grip Deluxe Model 90 Rifle

Manufactured in 1928, this is an attractive example of the Winchester Model 90 rifle ordered in an extremely scarce, special order, "straight grip deluxe" configuration with a checkered slide handle. Page 227 of "Winchester Slide-Action Rifles Vol. I" by Ned Schwing notes that only 3.5% of all Model 90s ordered were a "straight grip deluxe", equating to just 81 total rifles. This example however is even scarcer as it was also ordered with a deluxe checkered slide handle which Schwing notes was only ordered on four rifles. The book shows sn. 796604 with a checkered slide handle. The combination of these two extremely rare special order features on one rifle make for a Model 90 that is quite possibly one-of-a-kind and an extreme rarity among Winchester slide action collecting. It is marked with Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and the receiver at the breech. The upper left flat of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent dates as well as the model and caliber marking. The lower front face of the receiver is marked "W.R.F." and "33". The matching serial number is marked on the bottom of the frame and the lower tang. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight, elevation adjustable notch rear sight, and a Marble combination peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with the extremely scarce, very finely figured, multi-point checkered slide handle and the rare multi-point checkered, very finely figured, straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 WRF

Estimated Price$9,000.00 - $14,000.00

Rare Stainless Steel Barrel Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Takedown Rifle

Lot 11

Stainless Steel Barrel Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Rifle

Manufactured in 1928 as a third model with the rare and desirable stainless steel barrel. Stainless barrels were offered by Winchester from around 1927-1934 for extra cost for most of the period. However, these barrels were not well received due to them retaining their black lacquer finish poorly. The unpopular nature of these barrels at the time has made them quite scarce and collectible. It has standard markings including the "-STAINLESS STEEL-" marking on the upper left flat of the barrel, and factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Fitted with blade front, elevation adjustable notch rear sights, checkered hammer, and standard markings on the upper tang. Short 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip buttstock with hard rubber grip cap and blue steel crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang and inside of the buttplate have matching assembly number "262" the wood is unmarked.

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 22 LR

Estimated Price$4,000.00 - $6,500.00

Lot 12

Glass Winchester Store Display Gun Cabinet

This factory store display cabinet was manufactured in the early 1900s to aid Winchester dealers in displaying their Winchester long guns. Display cabinets such as this would have easily become a centerpiece near the gun counter of hardware stores and sporting goods stores across the nation around the turn of the century, and they remain extremely desirable on the collectors market today for enhancing the display of a Winchester collection. There is a brass Walrus Mfg. Co. Decatur, Illinois rectangular manufacturer plaque attached to the bottom. It is constructed of dark varnished oak, with full length glass panels and a cathedral top with glass panels. The top of door is stamped with the serial number for the cabinet "355". It stands approximately 73 inches in height on four legs with the copper foot sheathes present, and each side is approximately 18 inches wide. The inside display height is approximately 45 inches. On the inside is a four sided rack that will hold 20 long guns. All four sides are 5/8 inch thick and are marked "WINCHESTER" in white and black bordered red letters with black lettered "PATENT APPLIED FOR" on a white background below. The bottom of the case and the inner edge of the rack is lined with original green felt.

Interest:

Estimated Price$15,000.00 - $27,500.00

Highly Desirable Documented P. Orr & Sons Madras, India, Marked and Shipped Special Order Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action "Tiger" Rifle in .50 Express with Factory Letter

Lot 13

P. Orr & Sons Special Order Winchester Model 1886 "Tiger" Rifle

This is a fine example of a special ordered Winchester Model 1886 rifle from 1901 in the highly desirable .50 Express caliber which made its way to one of the 19th and 20th century world's famous hunting grounds. This example is marked for P. Orr & Sons, a high end retailer in India, to be marketed to sportsmen looking to hunt dangerous game. The firm was established by Scotsman Peter Orr in 1846 in Madras, India (now known as Chennai), and it was primarily known as a retailer of luxury items, similar to the American firm Tiffany & Co. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .50 Express with a half octagon barrel, set trigger, half magazine, Lyman front sight, and a shotgun butt and notes the rifle as received at the warehouse on 13 December 1901 and as shipped on 23 December 1901 "ticket number 7983, to Mark P. Orr & Sons, along with 6 other Model 1886s." A rifle such as this would have been highly prized for hunting essentially any thin-skinned game the sub-continent had to offer, including the dangerous Bengal tiger. Though it is a special order rifle, this 1886 is clearly a pure, no frills hunting rifle, with essentially all of its features being functional. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address and desirable "50 EX" caliber marking at the breech. The upper left flat of the barrel is stamped "MADE FOR P.ORR & SONS. MADRAS." The upper tang has the model marking and the lower tang is marked with the two-line patent dates as well as the serial number. It is fitted with a German silver No. 21 "Sporting" blade front sight (not Lyman as listed in the letter), a three-leaf "express" rear sight with platinum inlaid centerlines, and a close-coupled set trigger. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a smooth steel shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 50 Express

Estimated Price$18,000.00 - $27,500.00

Very Fine Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Company Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Lever Action Pistol

Lot 14

Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Volcanic No. 1 Pocket Pistol

This Volcanic No. 1 Pocket pistol with extra cost factory engraving and silver-plated frame was one of approximately 850 No. 1 pistols manufactured with a 3 1/2 inch barrel between 1857-1862, per "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter, page 73. At that time, this pistol would have cost $13.50 compared to $12.00 for the plain version, an inexpensive upgrade at the time that has made this particular pistol especially valuable today. Volcanic firearms are historically significant and represent an important step in the development of American repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges. The lever action and integral spring-loaded magazine introduced with Volcanic pistols and carbines served as the basic design for the Henry rifle and the Winchester Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 rifles. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. eventually led to the establishment of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. This pistol has the distinctive octagonal barrel with integral magazine, "pinched" blade front sight fitted at the muzzle, and "NEW HAVEN CONN./PATENT FEB. 14. 1854" in two lines on top. The silver plated frame features classic factory scroll and border engraving and a dovetail mounted notch rear sight. The hammer has hand-cut knurling on the spur. The matching serial number is stamped on the right side of the lever, left side of the frame beneath the grip, and on the interior of each grip panel. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Estimated Price$6,000.00 - $10,000.00

Scarce and Desirable Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Small Frame Volcanic No. 1 Lever Action Pistol with Desirable Ivory Grips

Lot 15

Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 1 Pistol

This very scarce early repeating pistol is one of approximately 1,200 of these No. 1 pistols manufactured by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson in Norwich, Connecticut; 700 of which believed to have been manufactured and assembled by Smith & Wesson between 1854-1855, and the remaining 500 believed to have been assembled by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. from parts acquired from Smith & Wesson between 1855-1857, per page 31 of "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter. These are historically significant pieces for both Smith & Wesson and Winchester collectors, as they marked Smith and Wesson's first business venture and are key pieces in the evolution of lever action repeating firearms and self-contained cartridges, which developed into the famous Henry rifle and then Winchester's famous line of lever actions. The octagon section of the barrel is marked "PATENT/FEB. 14. 1854." on the left, "SMITH & WESSON/NORWICH. CT." on top, and "CAST-STEEL" on the right. Features factory floral scroll engraving on the frame, side plates, and hammer, with antique ivory grips. Post front sight mounted on the barrel, with a notch rear sight mounted on top of the frame. Matching serial number "53" marked on the left side of the grip frame and handwritten on the interior of both grip panels. Provenance: The Charles Marx Collection

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 31 Volcanic

Estimated Price$5,500.00 - $8,500.00

Phenomenal, Rare and FRESH Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 "Centennial" Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 16

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1884, this is an incredible, benchmark example of a special ordered Winchester deluxe Model 1876 rifle that is truly capable of raising the bar for even the most prestigious lever action, Winchester, or 19th century American arms collections. These large framed rifles were introduced by Winchester in the centennial year of the United States, offering customers a scaled up version of their incredibly popular Model 1873, which was capable of handling larger and more powerful cartridges, many of which were quite capable of handling the largest and most dangerous game in North America. The Model 1876 is known to have been a favorite of America's "cowboy in chief", Theodore Roosevelt, during his time spent in Dakota Territory, prior to being elected president. In his "Hunting Trips of a Ranchman", Roosevelt claimed that he used his "centennial" rifle almost exclusively and that it was "the best gun for any kind of game to be found in the United States, for it is deadly, accurate, and handy as any, stands very rough usage, and is unapproachable for the rapidity of its fire and the facility with which it is loaded.” While this example is not configured like Teddy's '76, it certainly shows a comparable level of special order and deluxe features, the sort that would have been required by a discerning western rancher or hunter of similar standing as Roosevelt. The included factory letter with this rifle confirms the casehardened finish, .40-60 caliber, an octagon barrel, set trigger, Beach and graduated peep sights, and a checkered pistol grip stock when received at the warehouse on 29 July 1884 and shipped the following day in order number 13505. Winchester author and historian George Madis estimates that one out of every nine Model 1876s was casehardened, one of every 14 had a set trigger, one of every 400 had special wood, one of every 420 had a pistol grip stock, and one of every 630 had checkered wood, making this rifle's configuration relatively scarce. This specific example has the Third Model receiver, with the integral dust cover guide and the dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, as well as the caliber marking at the breech, which is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang has the model marking under the sight base, and the serial number is on the lower tang, perpendicular to the line of the rifle itself. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1971 XXX", with "S 1971" in the stock inlet, and "1971" inside the buttplate. It is fitted with the documented special order, gold washed Beach combination front sight, an "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight, and the documented graduated peep sight on the upper tang. It is also fitted with the documented special order set trigger as well as a set of sling swivels that, while not documented in the factory letter, appear to have been installed by the factory. It is mounted with a very attractive, highly figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and an incredibly figured, checkered, pistol grip stock with an ebony insert on the bottom of the grip and a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing an included five-piece cleaning rod. Provenance: The Ray Bentley Collection (sold 2005); Herb Glass Jr.; The Pelton Family Collection

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 40-60 WCF

Estimated Price$130,000.00 - $225,000.00

Lot 17

Antique Winchester First Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1876, the centennial year of the United States, this is an outstanding example of Winchester Model 1873 rifle with the "first model" receiver type. According to Madis' approximations, only 31,000 of these "first model " 1873s were produced across four fairly distinct types of dust cover, with all featuring the recognizable dust cover guides on top of the receiver on either side of the cartridge elevator mortise. The Winchester Model 1873, much like its Model 1866 predecessor, is often cited among the "guns that won the West" and have become one of the iconic firearms of the American frontier. These early production first model '73s in particular are known for having made their way west in large numbers, where they almost universally saw hard use in the harsh and unforgiving environment of the "Wild West". Because of this, very few examples of early Model 1873s are left available, particularly in high condition like this specific rifle, making them extremely desirable on the collectors market. The "first model" receiver on this example has the distinct dust cover guides on either side of the top of the receiver and the last variation of the "first model" dust cover with has the impressed oval of checkering for a grip area on top. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking, and the rifle correctly lacks caliber markings, which didn't begin to appear on .44-40 chambered '73s until the 150,000 to 160,000 serial number range. The upper tang has the model marking and is factory drilled and tapped for a peep sight, with filler screws in place. The serial number is marked on the rear of the lower tang. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and a later production replacement, elevation adjustable, flat-topped notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a four-piece cleaning rod.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Estimated Price$14,000.00 - $22,500.00

Stunning and Rare, 1895 Winchester Single "W" Cartridge Board

Lot 18

1895 Vintage Winchester Single "W" Cartridge Board

Manufactured c. 1895, this is an outstanding example of an iconic Winchester advertising piece. These eye-catching bullet boards were a staple of advertising in the late 19th and early 20th century, being a piece that could both grab a customer's attention as well as show off the wide range of ammunition that was manufactured by Winchester. These sorts of advertisements would have been seen in hardware and sporting goods stores throughout the nation, with many being displayed for decades, taken for granted, and not viewed as collector's items, leaving few available to collectors today and even fewer still in extremely high condition like this example. This advertisement displays the wide range of ammunition produced by Winchester from percussion caps up to the massive express cartridges and large gauge shot shells. This is an extremely rare board as it has both 1894 and 1895 vintage (30 WCF and 25-35 WCF) and 1895 vintage (30 U.S.G. and .236 U.S.N.) cartridges as well as Winchester Leader 12 gauge shotgun shell. Also, the Rival sectional No. 12 metal lined and No. 10 blue Rival paper shot shells are all unique to this board. There are three versions of this board known to knowledgeable collectors, this being the last. The surviving number of this specific variation of bullet board is believed to be very small. The ammunition is displayed in a large single "W" pattern and additional cartridges are organized in star and circular patterns as well as lines of shotshells on the sides. The board displays a dark brown woodgrain background, "WINCHESTER/REPEATING ARMS CO." at the top in bold red and yellow lettering, a pair of ducks at center, and vignettes of two hunters in the woods with a Winchester rifle aimed at unseen game and a cowboy using his horse for cover as he engages a distant foe with his Winchester. All of the cartridges appear to be present and remain attached. The back of the board has the original "PRESENTED WITH COMPLIMENTS OF THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. PLEASE HANG IN A PROMINENT PLACE" paper label affixed to the top center. The overall display including the frame measures approximately 37 3/4 x 50 3/4 inches.

Interest:

Estimated Price$40,000.00 - $70,000.00

Exceptional Documented First Year Production Winchester Deluxe Model 1901 10 Gauge Lever Action Shotgun with Factory Letter

Lot 19

Winchester Model 1901 Lever Action Shotgun

Offered here is a spectacular first year production deluxe Winchester Model 1901 lever action shotgun. The Model 1901 was a redesign of the Model 1887 shotgun offered in 10 gauge only, and production serial numbers began at 64856. From 1901 to 1920 Winchester manufactured 13,500 Model 1901s with deluxe variations being extremely rare. This deluxe example was manufactured in 1901, the first year of production, and is in exceptional condition, making it a true crown jewel in Winchester collecting. Any high condition Model 1901 is difficult to find, let alone a deluxe, as Winchester had trouble with the heat treated receivers taking the blue finish. Moreover, this Model 1901 has an interesting factory record. The accompanying factory letter lists this rare Model 1901 shotgun with a 32 inch barrel in 10 gauge and checkered pistol grip stock when it was received in the warehouse on October 18, 1901 and shipped on October 21 (order number 113951). The shotgun returned to the warehouse on November 20, 1901 and shipped the next day with the configuration listed as "10 gauge, 32 inches, fancy, checkered stock" (order number 123701). The factory records list a third and final ship date of September 2, 1902 (order number 153963). Winchester firearms with multiple return and ship dates were often used as factory display pieces. The Pan-American Exposition, for instance, was held in Buffalo, New York, from May 1-November 2, 1901. The first block of dates listed in the factory letter makes it possible that this shotgun was on display for the last month at this New York exhibition. The shotgun features a single bead sights, full choke, 3 inch chamber, and 12 15/16 inch length of pull. The top of the barrel has the two-line address/patent dates followed by "MODEL 1901. 10 GA". The left side of the frame has the ''WRA CO." logo and the upper tang is marked "-WINCHESTER-." The two piece forearm and round knob pistol grip stock are checkered deluxe walnut. The stock is fitted with a checkered steel buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 10

Estimated Price$14,000.00 - $22,500.00

Stunning Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Presentation Cased, L. D. Nimschke Master Engraved, and Silver and Gold Plated Winchester Deluxe Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle with Ammunition Attributed as Presented to Railroad Tycoon James J. Hill, "The Empire Builder"

Lot 20

Cased Nimschke Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This incredible rifle dates to 1870 and is identified as passed down through the family of Canadian-American railroad tycoon "The Empire Builder" James J. Hill and is attributed as presented to him. The stunning rifle is certainly fit for a millionaire from the Gilded Age with its beautiful engraving from legendary Master Engraver Louis D. Nimschke of New York City, silver plated frame and mounts, gold plated hammer, trigger, and lever; and a stunning deluxe walnut stock and forearm. It comes in rare and desirable Schuyler, Hartley & Graham rosewood presentation case with silver plated hardware and ammunition. The engraving compares beautifully with Nimschke's other master engraved Winchester Model 1866 rifles we have had the pleasure of cataloging, including the solid silver frame Model 1866 made for presentation by President Jose Balta of Peru to President Mariano Melgarejo of Bolivia sold by Rock Island Auction Co. in December 2021 for nearly $1 million. The engraving consists primarily of finely detailed interlacing scrollwork with beaded backgrounds similar to the patterns shown in pulls on pages 48-51 of "L. D. Nimschke: Firearms Engraver" by R. L. Wilson. The barrel features a dovetailed nickel-silver blade front sight, the Winchester and King's markings on the top flat, and Henry style notch and folding ladder rear sight. The serial number and "B" are marked on the lower tang. Silver plated sling swivels are fitted to the forend cap and buttstock. The stock compartment contains a takedown cleaning rod. The receiver, forend cap, carrier and buttplate tang are beautifully engraved in Nimschke style with full coverage foliate arabesque patterns with punch dot background. The front flats of the receiver have about 95% coverage and the engraving extends completely over the top of the receiver, around the hammer and down the top tang. The front of the ejection port is engraved with an oval leaf shaped pattern. The buttplate tang is full coverage engraved with geometric, foliate and arabesque patterns with punch dot background and the forend cap has about 50% coverage arabesque patterns. The receiver, forend cap and buttplate are silver plated while the lever, hammer and trigger are gold washed. The scarce original Schuyler, Harley & Graham rosewood case has silver hardware, a large trade label inside the lid, red and green velvet lining, and French fitted interior for the rifle and the ten included full Winchester boxes of .44 Henry Rimfire ammunition (multiple unopened) and also contains a mahogany cartridge block of additional ammunition and a compartment containing a leather sling. James Jerome Hill (1838-1916) was one of the most powerful railroad tycoons of the Gilded Age in the late 19th century and early 20th century. He was born in Canada and was forced to discontinue his education when his father died in 1852 in order to find work to support his family. He volunteered for the Union Army in 1861 but was turned away due to being blinded in the right eye as a boy in an archery accident, but he was reportedly a very good rifle shot using his left eye. By 1865 started his own shipping business in St. Paul, Minnesota, and began working with the St. Paul & Pacific Railroad and began trading in coal and formed the steamboat shipping firm Red River Transportation Company in 1872. He gained steadily in influence in the railroad industry following the Panic of 1873 and is especially remembered as the head of the Great Northern Railway. He was personally involved in scouting the best routes for his railroad which by 1893 ran from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Seattle, Washington, and he successfully navigated the company through the disastrous Panic of 1893 which left many other railroads bankrupt. In the 1901, Hill, J. P. Morgan, Edward H. Harriman, and other businessmen formed the Northern Securities Company which owned the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroads as well as several smaller railroads and gave them control of shipping in the northwestern United States. Hill was the president of the powerful new company, but it was short lived as President Theodore Roosevelt famously won a suit against the company under the Sherman Antitrust Act. However, Roosevelt and Hill worked together in support of conservation. In addition to the railroads, Hill was also active in the coal, iron, steamboat, and banking industries; agricultural development, international trade (especially with Canada and Japan), and land speculation, including actively encouraging the settlement of Russian and Scandinavian immigrants along his lines in the northern U.S. and thus influencing the demographics of the region to this day. By the end of his life in 1916, Hill had a net worth of over $63,000,000 (nearly $2 billion today adjusted for inflation) and had amassed an incredible private collection of art at his mansion in St. Paul in which this spectacular rifle would have been right at home. Provenance: James Jerome Hill; The Hill Family; The Creighton Audette Collection; The Eldon Owens Collection; The Bobby Smith Collection, The Wes Adams Collection, Private Collection

Documentation

Has Box

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40

Estimated Price$325,000.00 - $475,000.00

Lot 21

Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

The factory letter describes this rifle as "Type: Rifle, Caliber: 32, Barrel Type: Round, Trigger: Plain", and "1/2 Magazine" and states that it was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on May 14, 1884. The rifle has a 24-inch round barrel with screw-fastened, button tip, half-magazine. The third style receiver has a integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The receiver has the step at the junction with the barrel found on .22, .32 and .38 caliber Model 1873s. The barrel has a standard sporting style front sight with nickel silver blade and buckhorn, sporting style, rear sight with serrated edges and solid face. The upper receiver tang is factory drilled and tapped. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1865. OCTOBER 15. 1860" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. "32-CAL." is roll-stamped on the top of the barrel just in front of the receiver. The upper receiver tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1873-" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end of the marking. "32 CAL." is roll-stamped in script across the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The serial number is roll-stamped in script numerals on the lower tang between the lever latch and rear tang screw. The barrel has a blue finish and the forearm cap, receiver and dust cover are a high polish blue. The loading gate has a fire blue finish. The hammer, trigger, lever and crescent buttplate are casehardened. The stock and forearm are straight grain American walnut with a varnish finish.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 32 WCF

Estimated Price$9,500.00 - $14,000.00

Very Fine Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .45-90 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Lot 22

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .45-90 W.C.F.

The accompanying factory letter (copy) states the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 7, 1896 and shipped on October 30, 1897 and confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle has the desirable early casehardened receiver found only on Model 1886 rifles manufactured prior to 1902. It is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester address and caliber designation. The upper tang is stamped "-MODEL 1886-," and the lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and serial number. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Estimated Price$8,000.00 - $11,000.00

Lot 23

Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1929, this is an exceptional example of the Winchester Model 92 saddle ring carbine. The Model 1892 was intended by Winchester as a more rugged replacement for their prolific but dated Model 1873 as well as a competitor the Marlin Model 1889 which had recently been released. For such a design, Winchester again approached the legendary American firearms designer John Moses Browning who had already delivered the successful Model 1885 single shot, Model 1886 lever action rifle, and Model 1887 lever action shotgun for the company. It is said that Browning told Winchester that if he didn't deliver a prototype within a month, the design would be free. In typical John Browning fashion, he delivered it in half that time. The Model 1892 went on to become a success, being popular for many of the same reasons as the Model 1873, including sharing many calibers with the iconic Colt Single Action Army revolver. For this reason, the '92 remained widely used, particularly in the American West, well into the 20th century by ranchers and other rural folk in need of dependable protection. The upper right of the barrel has the standard two-line address, while the left is marked with the model, trademark, and caliber. The upper tang is has the three-line trademark, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a pinned Sheard beaded blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Estimated Price$17,000.00 - $25,000.00

Fine Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Very Scarce .40-70 W.C.F.

Lot 24

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .40-70 WCF

Manufactured in 1895, this is a fine example of a Winchester Model 1886 rifle chambered in the very scarce .40-70 W.C.F. cartridge. These robust rifles and carbines designed by the legendary John Moses Browning were highly valued in the American West, even long after much of the frontier had been tamed. The 1886 was Browning's first repeating design for Winchester and spawned a line of very successful and rugged lever actions for the company. According to research on the Model 1886 conducted by John T. Madl, only 862 of the model were produced in .40-70 W.C.F., making it a considerably rare caliber for collectors to get their hands on. It has the desirable casehardened finish, which was only standard on the '86 until around 1901. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address along with the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. It is fitted with a German silver No. 21 "Sporting" blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 40-70

Estimated Price$4,500.00 - $6,500.00

Lot 25

Antique Special Order Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1881, this is a fine example of a special ordered Winchester Model 1873, "the gun that won the West". These '73 rifles and carbines were extremely desirable in the American West due to sharing a range of calibers with Colt's prolific Single Action Army revolver, allowing one to pair a long gun and sidearm that used the same ammunition. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel and set trigger when received at the warehouse on 23 March 1881, and shipped the next day in order number 24813. This example has the Second Model receiver with the dust cover retained by two screws and the dust cover having the grip serrations at the rear. The top barrel flat is marked with the standard two-line address/King's patent marking and the caliber marking at the breech, which is repeated on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang has the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. the assembly number "1944" is marked on the left of the lower tang, in the stock inlet, and inside the buttplate. It is fitted with a German silver No. 21 "Sporting" blade front sight, an elevation adjustable No. 22 "Sporting" notch rear sight, and a special ordered set trigger. It is mounted with smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a special order, smooth steel, shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Estimated Price$3,000.00 - $4,500.00

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in Very Scarce .38-70 W.C.F.

Lot 26

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .38-70 WCF

Manufactured in 1895, this is a solid example of a Winchester Model 1886 in the rarely encountered .38-70 W.C.F. According to knowledgeable collectors, as well as research conducted by John T. Madl, only around 830 Model 1886s were chambered for the cartridge. The '86 was only produced in this caliber for a few years, as its popularity seemed to suffer from being both too similar to .38-56 and not differing enough from the popular .40 caliber offerings. Due to its lack of popularity at the time and small production numbers, few are available in any condition, leaving them very desirable on the collectors market. This example has the desirable casehardened receiver, which was standard on the '86 until around 1901. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang has the model designation while the lower tang has the two-line patent dates and the serial number. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 24 notch "Sporting" rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm, which has a period added diamond panel of stippling on the bottom, as well as a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 38-70 WCF

Estimated Price$2,500.00 - $4,000.00

Lot 27

Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle

The factory letter lists the serial number as applied on October 9, 1902, and lists the rifle in .32 W.S. with an octagon barrel and plain trigger and indicates it was received in the warehouse on October 18, 1902, and shipped on October 21, 1902, in order 164190. This is a very fine example of Winchester's Model 1894 chambered in .32 Winchester Special. This cartridge, like the slightly earlier .30-30 W.C.F., was designed with sportsmen in mind and is based on the necked down .38-55 W.C.F. In .32 W.S. rifles, the rate of twist was slowed in an attempt to reduce fouling for sportsmen reloading their own cartridges with black powder. The top of the barrel has the standard two-line address and caliber marking, three-line model and trademark information on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and the special .32 W.S. marked, elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 32 W.S.

Estimated Price$2,000.00 - $3,000.00

Attractive and Rare Documented Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Desirable "Nickel Trim" and Factory Letter

Lot 28

"Nickel Trim" Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Rifle

Manufactured in 1883, this is a very desirable example of a special ordered, nickel trimmed, deluxe Winchester Model 1876 rifle. With a total production of just 63,871, the Model 1876 is already more scarce than some of Winchester's other, more prolific models. Adding into account that the '76 was primarily viewed as a heavy-hitting working and hunting gun, with many ending up in some of the world's harshest environments, many fewer have survived in any condition. Also due to this working gun reputation, these guns were generally not ordered with deluxe finishes and features, making these special ordered examples a true rarity. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .45-60 caliber with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, and nickel trim when received at the warehouse on 1 February 1883 and shipped the same day. Madis notes in "The Winchester Book", that only one out of every 90 of them were ordered with a plated finish of any kind, one out of every 400 ordered with special wood, one out of every 420 had a pistol grip, and one out of every 630 was ordered with checkered wood like this example. This example has the "third model" frame featuring an integral dust cover guide and dust cover with grip serrations at the rear. The nose cap, frame, dust cover, and buttplate have nickel plated finish, a configuration Winchester referred to as "nickel trim" in their ledgers. The top of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line address and King's patent marking as well as the caliber marking at the breech, which is repeated on the bottom of the nickel plated cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model marking and the serial number is marked on the lower tang, perpendicular to the long axis. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XXX 1611 R", with "P 1611" stamped in the stock inlet and "1611" on the inside toe of the buttplate. It is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade "Hunter" front sight, an "1876" marked folding ladder rear sight, and a Lyman combination tang peep sight on the upper tang. It is mounted with a very finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a horn insert at the bottom of the grip and a trapdoor crescent buttplate containing a five-piece cleaning rod. Provenance: The Cam & Deb Cooper Collection

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 45-60 WCF

Estimated Price$9,000.00 - $14,000.00

Attractive Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Second Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Scarce Nickel Finish, Fancy Stock, and Factory Letter

Lot 29

Antique Special Order Nickel Finish Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Manufactured in 1879, this Winchester Model 1873 has the second model receiver with dust cover guide retained with two screws and dust cover with the sunken, checkered "thumbprint" grip area. According to Winchester historian George Madis, only one out of every 600 Model 1873s were special ordered with a plated finish, either full or half like this example. Madis also notes that only one out of every 600 were ordered with special wood like this specific rifle. The included factory letter lists the rifle with an octagon barrel, nickel finish, set trigger, sling and swivels, and fancy stock when received at the warehouse on 9 April 1879 and shipped on 10 April 1879 in order number 15092. All of these special order features would have made the rifle particularly desirable on the Western Frontier, the durable finish, set trigger for accuracy, and sling swivels for portability. The top barrel flat has the standard two-line address/King's patent marking, and it correctly lacks caliber markings as .44-40 W.C.F. was standard. The model designation is marked on the upper tang and the serial number is on the lower tang. The left side of the lower tang is marked "XX 6", with "6" repeated inside the stock inlet and inside the buttplate (one of the buttplate screws is broken, but in place). It is fitted with a blade front sight (blade absent), elevation adjustable semi-buckhorn rear sight, a special order set trigger, and special order sling swivels. It is mounted with a very finely figured, smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included).

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Estimated Price$6,500.00 - $10,000.00

Very Scarce Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Large Frame Volcanic No. 2 Lever Action Pistol

Lot 30

Factory Engraved Smith & Wesson Volcanic No. 2 Pistol

Smith & Wesson of Norwich, Connecticut, manufactured fewer than 500 of these .41 caliber large frame No. 2 Volcanic pistols between 1854-1855, per page 25 of "Volcanic Firearms" (2011) by Lewis and Rutter. They are based on a patent of Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson and were manufactured prior to the subsequent renaming of the company to Volcanic Repeating Arms in 1855. The company was then reorganized by Oliver Winchester as the New Haven Arms Company in 1857 which would ultimately become the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson continued to pursue their own development of revolvers starting around 1856, and the rest is history. Surviving examples of these early Smith & Wesson Volcanics are scarce and extremely desirable in any condition, as part of the beginning of the development of lever action repeaters that evolved into the Henry and Winchester 1866 rifles, and they also mark the very beginning of Smith & Wesson. This factory engraved, large frame No. 2 Volcanic lever action pistol has an 8 inch barrel, and the distinctive "Type II" features which include a crowned muzzle and rounded magazine locking spring. The frame has a hump behind the lever, the loading lever has a finger spur, the barrel has an integral 10-shot magazine below, a bead front sight, and a screw-fastened notch rear sight on top of the frame. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the three-line legend "SMITH &WESSON/PATENT/NORWICH. CT." ahead of "CAST-STEEL". The hammer has fine hand-knurling on the spur. The receiver sides, top, backstrap, sideplates, and back of the hammer are decorated with the well-executed, open scroll factory engraving. The matching serial number "209" is marked on the back of the rear sight, the left side of the grip frame, and handwritten on the interiors of the grip panels.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Estimated Price$13,000.00 - $19,000.00

Stunning, Benchmark Example of a Special Order, Gold and Platinum Inlaid, Ulrich Factory No. 5-3 Game Panel Scene and Oak Leaf Relief Engraved, Antique Marlin Deluxe Model 1893 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

Lot 31

Gold Inlaid Factory No. 5-3 Engraved Marlin Model 1893 Rifle

Manufactured in 1896, this is a spectacular, FRESH, never before photographed or offered for public sale, jaw-dropping example of the pinnacle of late 19th century firearms art, which undoubtedly left the Marlin factory as one of the finest masterpieces the company ever produced, a title that it retains to this day, 129 years later, remaining in absolutely incredible condition. This magnificent work of functional art is unquestionably from the shop of Master Engraver Conrad F. Ulrich Jr. who engraved most of the highly embellished arms that left the Marlin factory between 1881 and 1910. Ulrich learned his craft under Colt's Master Engraver, Gustave Young, who, along with L.D. Nimschke, is credited as developing and establishing that truly unique American style of engraving that emerged in the 19th century and carries on to this day in various forms. It is clear when examining his works of art, particularly a magnum opus such as this rifle, that Ulrich absorbed the teachings of the master Gustave Young, eventually adding his own style and flair, becoming a true maestro of the craft in his own right, and creating legendary pieces of Americana like this beautiful rifle. When it comes to tangible, personified representations of the American spirit, there is perhaps no one more fitting than John M. Marlin, who entered the firearms industry around 1863, initially producing pocket derringers and single shot rifles. By the 1870s, Marlin had expanded into producing pocket revolvers and began experimenting with repeating rifles. Marlin's experimentation with repeating rifles alone was a reflection of the indomitable American spirit, showing an incredible belief that he could compete in a market that was already being dominated by the powerhouse that was Winchester Repeating Arms Company and two of their early iconic models, the Model 1866 and Model 1873. In true American fashion, John Marlin did not cower, but rather rose to the challenge. Based on patents by Andrew Burgess, H.F. Wheeler, E.A.F. Toepperwein, and himself, Marlin assembled the design for the Model 1881 rifle, a robust repeater which was capable of handling some of the most powerful cartridges of the time including .38-55 and .45-70, outclassing even Winchester's large Model 1876. The Model 1881 acted as the solid foundation from which the Marlin company would launch their challenge to Winchester. In the following years, Marlin released several more lever action models, including the 1889, which at the time was considered state-of-the-art due in part to its side ejection feature, which was designed by L.L. Hepburn, a design which features prominently in the Marlin lineup to this day. In 1893, Marlin launched its first lever action design to handle the new, more powerful smokeless powder, a design that became known as the Model 1893. The Model 1893 would go on to be one of Marlin's most successful models, even while going head to head against Winchester's prolific, John M. Browning designed, Model 1894. Approximately 900,000 were produced between 1893 and 1935, when it was slightly improved and re-released as the Model 36, which again happened in 1948 leading to the Model 336. The Marlin company went on to release a plethora of models, competing with Winchester all the way. Throughout its history and on to the present day, the company showed the same unshakable spirit for pioneering innovation and unwavering admiration for rugged dependability that we continue to hold in high regard as attributes of the American psyche. This Marlin Model 1893 in particular represents both the pinnacle of high art firearms produced by the Marlin factory as well as a fleeting opportunity in both Marlin and high grade 19th century arms collecting. The rifle exhibits Marlin's No. 5-3 engraving pattern, one of the most rarely seen today, with the addition of special order gold and platinum inlays. It is estimated that around ten of Marlin's No. 5-4 pattern engraving featuring the "Monarch of the Glen" stag design are seen to every one of the No. 5-3 pattern, making this an incredibly scarce rifle. The engraving encompasses nearly all the surfaces of the action and its components, with a detailed scene of a bull and cow moose in a forest on the left and a bounding whitetail buck on the right, both surrounded by highly attractive oak leaf and acorn clusters on a punchdot background. A snarling wolf's head is engraved on the bottom of the action, surrounded by flourishes of more traditional American scroll. The flourishes of American scroll continue on top of the action, the lever, the takedown collar, the breech end of the barrel, and the forend cap. All of these areas are accented and outlined with inlays of fine gold wire, including on the sides of the hammer, and there are additional platinum bands on the barrel at the breech and at the transition point of the barrel from octagon to round. The top flat of the barrel is marked with the standard two-line Marlin address and patent dates, as well as the caliber marking at the breech. The upper left flat is hand engraved with "Special Steel" and the top of the action has the standard "MARLIN SAFETY" marking. The upper tang has the model marking under the peep sight and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a gold washed Beach combination front sight, a filler in the rear sight dovetail, and a Lyman combination peep sight on the upper tang, all of which were likely special ordered from the factory. It is mounted with a highly figured forearm and incredibly figured pistol grip stock that is fitted with a checkered, hard rubber Marlin buttplate. The wood shows a very intricate, special ordered, high grade checkering pattern featuring spade shapes at the wrist and forearm near the receiver, dagging patterns on the front of the forearm and pistol grip, a fine ribbon through the wrist area, and non-checkered ovals on both the wrist and forearm grip areas. This checkering pattern is believed to have never been specifically listed in Marlin catalogs, though it is believed to have been shown in their 1899 catalog on rifles exhibiting No. 5 engraving. The rifle stands as a testament to the craftsmanship, artistry, and quality of the Marlin Firearms Company, as well as the artisans that worked there. Provenance: This is a one-gun consignment, cared for and passed down by the same Connecticut family for generations.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 30-30 Win

Estimated Price$120,000.00 - $275,000.00

Lot 32

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This Model Winchester 1866 rifle was manufactured in 1873. The rifle has a blued full octagon barrel, full length magazine, and loading gate; brass forearm cap, frame, and crescent buttplate; and casehardened hammer and lever. The stock and forearm are straight grain black walnut with a varnish finish. Factory sling swivels are mounted on the forearm cap and stock. The barrel has a dovetail mounted, sporting style front sight with nickel-silver blade and a second style, folding leaf rear sight with external retaining spring. The buttplate has a hinged trapdoor, and the butt trap contains the correct four-piece, jointed steel cleaning rod with brass tip. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN.CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER 16.1860." ahead of the rear sight. The serial number is stamped behind the trigger. Provenance: The Gateway Collection

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Estimated Price$14,000.00 - $22,500.00

Excellent Special Order Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Rifle in .22 WRF with Factory Mounted Winchester A5 Scope

Lot 33

Winchester Model 90 Rifle in .22 W.R.F. with A5 Scope

Manufactured in 1925. Dovetail Marble Sheard blade front sight, Marble's folding adjustable leaf rear sight and Winchester A5 Scope on adjustable mount fitted on a barrel stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking followed by the model and caliber designation on the left flat ahead of the rear sight. A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on the barrel and receiver at the breech. Note that the proof on the barrel is on the upper left flat to accommodate the factory mounted scope. The front of the receiver is marked "1 WRF." The upper tang is stamped with the three-line trade mark/patent information. Matching serial numbers are on the lower tang and receiver. It has a 12-groove slide handle, straight grip stock with crescent steel buttplate and leather sling.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 WRF

Estimated Price$10,000.00 - $18,000.00

Very Fine Volcanic Repeating Arms "Holster Model" No. 2 Navy Lever Action Pistol

Lot 34

Volcanic Repeating Arms No. 2 Navy Lever Action Pistol

This is one of approximately 1,500 "Holster Model" No. 2 Navy pistols with 8 inch barrels manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company c. 1855-1857, prior to when the company was forced to declare bankruptcy and was subsequently reorganized by Oliver Winchester as the New Haven Arms Company in 1857, per "Flayderman's Guide" (9th Edition, 5K-008). The Volcanic pistols and carbines are historic firearms that represent a major step in the evolution of American firearms, particularly in the incremental improvements in design that led to the innovative Henry lever action rifle and the Winchester rifles that followed. The combination of an internal spring loaded magazine, lever action, and primed cartridges were revolutionary features for the time and carried over into the metallic cartridge era. Oliver Winchester's investment in the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company led to the creation of the New Haven Arms Co. and then the establishment of the famous Winchester Repeating Arms Company. The pistol has the distinctive octagon barrel with integral 10-shot magazine, brass receiver, and lever with finger hole. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./PATENT NEWHAVEN CONN. FEB. 14. 1854" in three lines. Brass post front sight blade mounted on the barrel, dovetail mounted rear sight on top of the receiver, with semi-circular cut-outs at the front and back of the ejection port, hammer with coarse-knurled spur, and two-piece walnut grips with flared butts. The matching serial number is stamped on the right side of the lever, left side of the frame beneath the grip, and on the interior of each grip panel. Provenance: The Milton Gordon Collection; The Charles Marx Collection

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Estimated Price$10,000.00 - $16,000.00

Lot 35

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1877, this is an attractive example of the famous Winchester Model 1866 that was made when the American West was still very much wild. Many legendary firearms are often cited as the "Guns that Won the West", however, there are perhaps no long guns more recognizable than the Winchester Model 1866. These carbines simply have "the look" of having been there when the West was being tamed and were carried for decades on the frontier by lawmen, cowboys, outlaws, Native Americans, gold prospectors, and settlers. This example is a Third Model, with the serial number marked in block digits behind the trigger on the lower tang. The standard two-line address and King's patent marking is on top of the barrel. It is fitted with a German silver "Sporting" blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 22 "Sporting" notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Estimated Price$5,000.00 - $7,000.00

Outstanding Pre-World War II Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine

Lot 36

Pre-World War II Winchester Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine

Manufactured in 1926 with standard markings including Winchester factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech. It is fitted with a No. 61B pinned blade front sight and a No. 44A folding ladder rear sight graduated to 200 yards. Import marked on underside of barrel. There is a saddle ring fitted to the left of the receiver. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 32 Win special

Estimated Price$13,000.00 - $19,000.00

Documented Maine State Prison Marked Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

Lot 37

Maine State Prison Marked Antique Winchester Model 1873 Rifle

Manufactured in 1882, this Winchester Model 1873 rifle has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover guide and dust cover with serrations at the rear. An included signed certificate from Bruce Gamage Jr. states that he worked as a corrections officer at the Maine State Prison from February of 1970 to March 1980. On the certificate he states that during his time at the prison, the wall guards were issued Winchester Model 1894s, but that they were marked like this Model 1873, that he knew several "old time officers" who remembered the use of Model 1873s, and that this is likely one of them. The rifle has the standard Winchester markings with the addition of "LOADED 12RDS 44/40 CAL" stamped on the right of the stock and a small inventory number plaque marked "10" attached near the toe of the stock. It is fitted with a brass blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight. It's mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a trapdoor crescent buttplate. Provenance: The Brig & Louise Pemberton Collection

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Estimated Price$1,400.00 - $2,250.00

Lot 38

Colt Frontier Six Shooter Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in 1890. The .44-40 WCF Single Action Army has found a special place in the hearts of Peacemaker collectors. When introduced in 1877, the .44-40 WCF Single Action Army was intended to be used in conjunction with the another legendary Western icon, the Winchester Model 1873 Rifle, which used the same cartridge. "The .44-40 WCF was added to the list of Colt calibers for use with the popular Winchester rifle of the same caliber," wrote Colt author David Brown. "This combination of a rifle and a six shooter using the same cartridge made it possible for their user to buy only one kind of ammunition, and he could carry 'fodder' for both guns in the same cartridge belt." The left side of the barrel has the highly desirable "COLT FRONTIER SIX SHOOTER" in an acid etched panel. Around 1890, this highly desirable acid etched panel was replaced with a roll stamped marking. The barrel has the correct "44" caliber designation stamped in small font on the underside. The top of the barrel is stamped with the one-line Hartford address. The left side of the frame has the three-line patent date markings. "44 CAL" stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Matching full or partial serial numbers appear on the frame, trigger guard, and butt, with assembly number "1171" on the loading gate.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Estimated Price$4,500.00 - $6,500.00

Twelve 50-Count Boxes of Union Metallic Cartridge Co. .44-40 W.C.F. Cartridges

Lot 39

Twelve 50-Count Boxes of U.M.C. .44-40 Cartridges

Manufactured in the late 19th century to very early 20th century. Union Metallic Cartridge Co. was established in 1867 at the advent of a period which some of the most rapid development of the metallic cartridge in history. The company operated independently until its merger with Remington in 1912. All 12 of the boxes have the same labeling which is green with black text and features a picture of a .44-40 cartridge on top as well as other labeling noting that they are produced specifically for Winchesters, but also for Colts and Marlins. All appear to contain their full compliment of cartridges and have at least a portion of their factory seal intact. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Interest:

Estimated Price$2,750.00 - $4,250.00

Stunning Benchmark Example of the Iconic Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 40

Antique Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1894, this is a stunning and FRESH example of Winchester's omnipotent Model 1886. Designed by the legendary John Moses Browning, the Model 1886 was not Winchester's first entry into the "express" rifle market, that is a claim held by their earlier Model 1876. The '86 was however, a departure from their earlier and weaker toggle-link type actions, which significantly limited the power of the chamberings they could handle. The Model 1886 was the second firearm design that Winchester purchased from Browning, and it introduced the incredibly robust locking-block action, which was strong enough to handle even the most powerful cartridges of the time, making it a true American "express" rifle. Not only was it capable of handling such powerful cartridges, which many single shot rifles of the period were also capable of, but it could also follow up its first shot with multiple more, making it a true powerhouse of the time. The 1886, because of the strength of its action, also easily made the jump into the era of smokeless powder, only really needing to be fitted with a nickel steel barrel to handle the higher pressures of smokeless cartridges, which allowed production to continue until 1935. Due to its strength, rugged dependability, and power, the 1886 was highly valued among many in the American West. These rifles earned a distinguished reputation on the frontier among those who carried them and have become one of the iconic firearms of the "Wild West" among collectors. The frontier use of these rifles, and often long careers as working guns, has left relatively few available on the collector's market in exceptional condition like this one. This is particularly evident among rifles in standard configurations, which were, unsurprisingly often viewed as more of a tool than a collectors item that should be protected. Thus, a standard configuration, late 1800s production Model 1886 in outstanding condition like this one is truly an incredible find for any Winchester lever action or 19th century American arms collector! This 1894 production '86 is in incredible, benchmark condition, easily falling into the top 2% of known antique, standard configuration Model 1886 rifles. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .40-82 caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger when received at the warehouse on 30 March 1894 and shipped the next day in order number 11475. It features the desirable casehardened frame, which was standard on the Model 1886 until around 1903. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address and the "40-82 W.C.F." caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the model marking, while the lower tang has the two-line patent dates and the serial number. It is fitted with a pair of "sporting" sights featuring a No. 21 German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable No. 22 notch rear sight. It is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock, both showing some attractive wavy grain, and a smooth steel crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 40-82 WCF

Estimated Price$55,000.00 - $95,000.00

Historic Civil War Era New Haven Arms Company Henry Lever Action Rifle Attributed to Legendary Dakota and Montana Territory Buffalo Hunter Fredrick "Doc" Zahl with Documentation

Lot 41

Montana Buffalo Hunter New Haven Arms Company Henry Rifle

Manufactured in the spring of 1864, this solid example of a Civil War era production New Haven Arms Company Henry rifle. The Henry lever action rifle is among the most famous and desirable of all of the historic American lever action rifles as the predecessor to the famous Winchester lever action rifles, one of the most advanced firearms of the American Civil War, as well as a legendary icon of the American Frontier. Many of these advanced rifles were purchased by the federal government for use during the Civil War, and many more were also privately purchased by veterans using their reenlistment bonuses. Though they were more complex and fragile than the standard issue rifle-muskets of the day, soldiers of the day were eager to get their hands on the unprecedented rapid firepower the Henry brought to bear. Many of the Henrys that saw Civil War use, as well as many of those that didn't, later made their way farther west, playing a role in the taming of America's Frontier. In the wilds of the west, these rifles could be found in the hands of settlers, Native Americans, outlaws, lawmen, and anyone else that valued the quick repeating shots the Henry had to offer. More often than not, these rifles saw hard use on the battlefield and later on the frontier and carry the wear and scars to prove it. This specific rifle, serial number 4911, remains in fine condition and has documented history linking it to the American West! Included with the rifle is a typed transcription of a 1961 dated letter from Grover Johnson to Jed Wilson in which he recounts how he came to own this rifle, which is listed by serial number, and what he was told of its history before he acquired it. Johnson notes that he was 68 years old at the time of writing the letter and that he acquired the rifle in 1910. Johnson states that he acquired the rifle by working as a cowboy for "an old buffalo hunter by the name of "Doc" Zahl near Medicine Lake, Montana, referring to Fredrick Rudolph "Doc" Zahl, who is believed to have been around 74 years old at that time and operating a ranch in that area. Johnson says that Zahl told him that he used a .50 caliber Sharps for hunting buffalo, but always carried this Henry with him in case of an Indian attack. Zahl is mentioned in one of L.A. Huffman's books where he discusses various buffalo hunters and their methods in the Montana and Dakota territories. Johnson also recounts a story from "Doc" Zahl of riding with "Houser's Raiders", a band of vigilante Montana ranchers, and how he carried this rifle. The tale states that the band had tracked a band of horse thieves and caught them at a cabin along Cotton Wood Creek. The "Raiders" fired over 200 rounds into the cabin, with three of the thieves eventually emerging. The three who emerged were said to be "Curley Rhodes", "Slim Jaques", and "Shorty Rogers", all of whom were hung on the spot, while four more bandits were discovered dead within the cabin. Johnson says that Zahl had a buffalo skin scabbard that he had always kept the rifle in, but that it was discarded in 1941 due to a weevil infestation. Also noted in the letter is that the famous western artist C.M. Russell (misspelled in the letter) fired this rifle in 1926 while visiting one of his daughters in Polson, Montana. It notes that Russell mentions he would have shot better if he wasn't sick and that he died later that year in Los Angeles. This 1864 production Henry has the early style frame which shows an abrupt angle and only a slight edge bevel on the upper rear, which was standard until approximately the 4900 serial number range, when it began to be phased out. The lever is of the second style with a spur that engages the lever latch screw, which entered production in the early 400 serial number range and continued until the end of production. The hammer has the correct coarse, hand-filed checkering. The frame correctly lacks a rear sight dovetail slot, a feature that was discontinued around the 3100 serial number range. The magazine follower is the correct, larger, second style and the frame has the correct milled flats in the receiver slot. The barrel has the correct, two-line, larger style Henry's patent and New Haven address marking, which appeared in the 3000 serial number range. The rear sight dovetail is just in front of the second style, larger-digit serial number, which is at the breech. The matching serial number is marked on the barrel, left side of the lower tang, in the stock inlet, inside the buttplate, and on the shank of both buttplate screws. The buttplate screws are hand-fitted to the contour of the buttplate and thus are correctly numbered, while the tang screws are not hand-fitted and correctly lack numbers, a transition variation which is seen in approximately the 3000-5600 serial number range. It is fitted with the correct, square-backed, German silver blade front sight and correct folding ladder rear sight graduated to 900 yards. There are sling swivels mounted on the left of the barrel and left of the stock, which are fitted with an included leather sling. It is correctly mounted with the last style buttstock, which entered production around the 3200 serial number range and has the gently sloping comb and flat bottom, as well as being fitted with the earlier style trapdoor buttplate with the rounded heel that was standard until around the 5100 serial number range. Included within the trapdoor is a four-piece metal cleaning rod. Also included are copies of the letter transcript and pages from the L.A. Huffman book discussed, as well as other documents referring to the rifle. Provenance: Trader Mercer, Fort Buford/Union; Fredrick Rudolph "Doc" Zahl; Grover Johnson; The Jed Wilson Collection; The Tom Selleck Collection

Has Box

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Estimated Price$30,000.00 - $45,000.00

Special Order Westley Richards Retailer Marked Winchester Deluxe Model 1876 Lever Action "Tiger Short Rifle" in Desirable .50 Express with Factory Letter

Lot 42

Westley Richards Winchester Deluxe 1876 "Tiger Short Rifle"

The factory letter lists this rifle in "Express" caliber with a 22 inch round barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock with shotgun butt, 1/2 magazine, and casehardened and "inside finish" and indicates it was received in the warehouse on August 30, 1887, and was shipped on August 31, 1887, in order 18658. This rifle is configured similarly to the Model 1886 Lightweight in that it has a short 22 inch barrel (although not tapered), rifle style forearm, short magazine tube, and shotgun butt. A similar example is pictured on page 238 of "The Winchester Book" by Madis. In the data discussed on page 253 of the above book, Madis notes that only one of each 800 had a shorter than average barrel. This example was manufactured in 1885 and features a third model dust cover guide rail integrally machined as part of the receiver and dust cover with serrated rear edge. The dust cover is hand inscribed "WESTLEY RICHARDS & Co LIMITED/WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL. 95 GRS/LONDON & BIRMINGHAM." The barrel has the two-line address and patent information on top ahead of the rear sight, "50-95 W.C.F." at the breech, and British proofs on the left. An additional British proof is found on the left side of the receiver. The upper tang has the model designation, and the lower tang has the serial number. The brass cartridge elevator is marked "50-95." The rifle has a beaded blade front sight and three-leaf rear sight with silver sight lines. A sling eyelet is mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttstock. The nicely figured forearm and pistol grip stock feature checkering, an ebony grip insert, and a solid recoil pad. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1459 XXX," and "1459" is repeated on the stock inlet. The .50-95 Winchester Express was the largest caliber available for the Model 1876 and proved popular with big and dangerous game hunters. Many Model 1876 rifles chambered for this powerful cartridge were shipped to England and then found their way to Africa and India where they were often employed against big cats. Theodore Roosevelt loved his .45-75 '76, but he and other Americans scorned the .50 Express, and thus, the Model 1876 was only produced in limited numbers chambered for that cartridge compared to the smaller calibers.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 50-95 Winchester Express

Estimated Price$18,000.00 - $27,500.00

Magnificent Documented Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action .44-40 Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 43

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Rifle

This extraordinary Deluxe Winchester Model 1873 rifle was received in the warehouse on September 3, 1884, and shipped on September 5, 1884, as part of order number 14227. The factory letter also confirms it was shipped with the following special order features: 26 inch octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, "Special rear and target" sights, and casehardened finish (receiver). These details are also listed in the included factory ledger copy. This Third Model 1873 rifle has the integral dust cover rail on the receiver and dust cover with serrated rear edges. The rifle has a blued barrel, full-length magazine, dust cover, loading gate, and trigger. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever, and crescent buttplate are casehardened with vivid case colors. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured, 4X, fancy grain walnut with a high polish piano finish. The forearm and pistol grip have Winchester "Style H" checkering. The bottom of the pistol grip has a horn or ebony inlay. The left side of the lower tang is marked with "5475 XXXX," and the upper tang inlet on the stock has "S 5475." The extra long barrel is fitted with a special order Winchester globe front sight and a buckhorn, sporting style rear sight with screw adjustable center insert and serrated edges. A special order, folding, graduated peep sight is mounted on the receiver tang. The rifle has a factory single set trigger. The crescent buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor and is marked "0/5475" on the underside at the toe. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16. 1860." ahead of the rear sight. "44 CAL" is stamped on the top of the barrel ahead of the receiver. "44 CAL." is also stamped in script across the bottom of the brass cartridge elevator. The serial number is stamped in script across the lower tang between the lever latch and the tang screw. Provenance: The Joe Marlin Hilliard Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Estimated Price$55,000.00 - $75,000.00

Iconic, Exceptionally Well-Documented, Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action "Mare's Leg" with Holster Rig Used On-Screen by the Legendary Hollywood Actor Steve McQueen as Josh Randall in "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Lot 44

Steve McQueen Screen Used Winchester Model 1892 "Mare's Leg"

Originally manufactured in 1918, this particular Model 1892 lever action and its holster rig are instantly recognizable and iconic, standing proud as both Hollywood treasures and true pieces of Americana. This "Mare's Leg" is extensively documented as one of those used on-screen by the "King of Cool", Steve McQueen (1930-1980), in the television show that, in many ways, launched him into stardom, a show called "Wanted Dead or Alive". The story of this iconic firearm truly begins with the television series "Trackdown" (1957-1959), particularly the March 1958 episode titled "The Bounty Hunter". The up and coming actor Steve McQueen was hired to play "The Bounty Hunter" in that episode, a character named Josh Randall. It appears that, at the time, the episode may have actually been intended as a pilot episode for a spin off series, which Four Star Productions had already been considering. The show "Trackdown" itself was already a spin off of "Zane Grey Theater". It is believed that someone within the production company, possibly John Robinson, suggested a "gimmick" or eye-catching weapon for McQueen's bounty hunter character, likely to help gain approval for the spin off. Little did they know how truly iconic this “gimmick” would become. To create such an unforgettable weapon, it is noted by many sources that McQueen himself sought out the eccentric artist, motorcycle fabricator and enthusiast, pin striper, gunsmith, metal fabricator, counterculture icon, and apparent friend, Kenneth "Von Dutch" Howard (1929-1992). It is not entirely certain when the friendship between Von Dutch and McQueen began, but it was likely not long after McQueen's move to Los Angeles in 1955, given the similar circles they ran in. It is believed that it was McQueen and Von Dutch jointly that came up with the final design of the weapon, with Dutch being the one who actually made the modification. This partnership is clearly evidenced in one of the plethora of included photographs with the gun, which shows McQueen standing next to Von Dutch in his shop, who is holding the "Mare's Leg", both admiring their handiwork. The included documentation states that this specific gun was the one originally used in the “Trackdown” episode and the one that McQueen originally christened the “Mare’s Leg”. Included correspondence between the consignor and McQueen’s wife indicates that she is unsure if the guns were made by Von Dutch or by the Stembridge prop company, but given the other sources and the included photographs, the writer believes it to be the work of Von Dutch. In “The Life of Steve McQueen” by Jon Zimmerman, McQueen is quoted as saying “We took a Model 92 Winchester lever-action rifle and turned it into a belt gun by sawing off most of the barrel and fitting it with a special stock. This gave us the power and accuracy of a rifle with the mobility and easy handling of a revolver. And it looked fierce!" Along with this iconic firearm, a special holster rig was also created, that allowed the “Mare’s Leg” to be on full display at almost all times. This unique holster rig is included and is of an open design with a hanging hook and spring type clip. The producers of the show decided to fit the cartridge loops with .45-70 cartridges, which this belt has, because they believed they looked more powerful and intimidating on camera. The belt and holster are unmarked, and the belt is fitted with a large brass buckle with clipped corners. An article from American Rifleman claims that, being a method actor, McQueen actually took a “Mare’s Leg” to a shooting range and fired live ammunition through it, which may have been where its unique name came from. Being lightweight, with a short barrel, and no stock to brace against, it is claimed that McQueen stated the gun kicked like a mare’s leg. Even with the blanks that were initially used for filming, it is claimed that the muzzle blast from the shortened 9 inch barrel was so intense that it was decided to use quarter-load blanks thereafter. McQueen's performance as Randall, as well as the first brief appearance of the "Mare's Leg", was enough to catch the audience’s attention and make Richard Powell, the founder of Four Star Productions, green-light the spin off, despite his initial skepticism of McQueen, who didn't even know how to ride a horse. The only issue with this spin off was the timing, as the American television market in 1958 was already saturated with Westerns. Seven out of the top ten and twelve out of the top twenty performing shows that year were Westerns. This included iconic shows such as "Gunsmoke", "Have Gun Will Travel", "Wagon Train", "Maverick", and "The Rifleman". It seems that between McQueen’s commanding on screen presence and the unique firearm his character would be slinging, the producers felt they had the makings of a show that could hold its own amongst a crowded field. It is noted in “Steve McQueen: A Biography” by Marc Eliot that McQueen sought out the magnificent gun handler, quick-draw artist, and Hollywood icon Sammy Davis Jr. for pointers and lessons for his new role. The spin off show was titled “Wanted Dead or Alive”, with the first episode airing on 6 September 1958. Initially, the show was unpopular among critics including a review in Variety, which said that McQueen’s “Acting is ok.” As was typical of Hollywood at the time, two more “Mare’s Leg” guns were made as spares for use in filming. The two extras that were created both sported octagon barrels, setting them apart from this example. All three of the guns were initially fitted with a modified “D-loop” lever, which can be seen in some episodes of the show and some of the included photographs. However, all three were modified to the current tear-drop shaped lever shortly after the first season began airing. The work was done by Stembridge Gun Rentals, with an included 16 October 1958 dated Stembridge invoice noting all three guns by serial number (852678, 468096, and 130985) and “reshape lever ring”. It is also noted that all three received a wide hammer spur at that time, which is no longer fitted on this example, and a replacement loading gate is also noted for this gun specifically. Another invoice dated two days prior notes “#852678 issued to Steve McQueen 10/10/58”. It is noted that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms were not consulted prior to the airing of the show, and that the producers ended up having to pay an additional $1,100 in taxes and fees to make the guns compliant with the National Firearms Act of 1934. Included scans of the original registration documents for number 852678 and number 468096 are included with the gun. Of these three guns, the included documentation notes that only this example and serial number 468096 were found in May of 1970 when David Weisz had purchased MGM Studios props and costumes, some of which MGM had inherited from Four Star Productions, and planned to auction them off. At the time of this sale, Walter O’Connor and Doug Boyer were tasked with making all of the firearms ready for sale. It was O’Connor and Boyer who removed the original functional barrels from the two “Mare’s Legs” so they would no longer be classified as Class III firearms by the ATF. The two guns were buried at the bottom of a box of miscellaneous parts, which Boyer then purchased for $40. Boyer later replaced the barrels with solid stock so they could be reassembled, gave this example to Walter O’Connor in appreciation for helping him land the job, and later sold number 468096 to the Autry Museum of the American West, where it is believed to still reside. Included with the gun are letters from six of the eight previous owners, providing detailed documentation of the path this gun traveled so that it could be offered to the public now. The show was popular with audiences, and it slowly won over critics, reaching number 16 on the top rated television shows chart for the 1958-1959 season and then reaching number nine on the chart for the 1959-1960 season. For the 1960-1961 season, the show was moved from its Saturday night time slot to Wednesday night and viewer numbers declined, particularly as it was up against the popular show “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. The final episode of the show aired on 29 March 1961, but its impact on Steve McQueen’s career and on American pop, western, and firearms culture were lasting. “Wanted Dead or Alive” launched Steve McQueen into a legendary acting career, becoming not only a Hollywood star, but also an antihero personified, “The King of Cool”, and a fashion and cultural icon. He went on to star in a multitude of iconic films including “The Great Escape”, “The Thomas Crowne Affair”, “Bullitt”, “Le Mans”, and “Papillion”. McQueen was the perfect storm for Hollywood stardom, finding appeal across a wide range of audiences, with women wanting to be with him and men wanting to be him. In many ways, he represented the “Man’s man” of the 1960s and 1970s, enjoying fast cars, classic motorcycles, fine clothes, precise watches, and desirable firearms, all things that have cemented him as a masculine icon to this day. The “Mare’s Leg” itself was also launched into similar stardom and cultural icon status. After its appearance in the hands of Josh Randall, the “Mare’s Leg” surged in popularity. Various companies, including Marx and Denix, produced toy versions of the unique firearm, and many companies continue to make prop/toy versions of it to this day. Fully functioning versions of it also became popular among anyone willing to pay the ATF fees associated with a short barreled rifle. Today, multiple companies continue to make “Mare’s Leg” firearms, most of which are manufactured as pistols, and thus avoid restrictions associated with the NFA. The gun itself appears to have to have started life as a standard Model 1892 rifle, with the included factory letter only indicating that the serial number was applied on 15 July 1918, before it was modified to its current, influential, and legendary configuration. The history of these modifications are discussed above. As it stands, the "Mare's Leg" carbine is fitted with a 9 inch "barrel", which is a professionally made replacement created from a solid steel rod, turned to have the proper taper, and the muzzle drilled for a short distance to make it look more real. Otherwise the barrel is completely blocked and non-functioning, allowing for the piece to not be restricted by NFA regulations (see above). The magazine tube and forearm have both been shortened to match the new barrel length, with a carbine type barrel band and an additional barrel band being employed. The left of the receiver has a brazed on saddle ring staple and saddle ring. The shape of the lever loop has been enlarged to a tear drop shape and the stock has been shortened to a grip length and fitted with a handmade brass "buttplate". The top of the receiver ring has the standard Winchester factory oval proof. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark information and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. Here at Rock Island Auction Company, we have had the pleasure of offering many iconic film and television firearms throughout the years. We have had the joy of handling Jimmy Stewart’s “One of One Thousand” from the film “Winchester ‘73”, Angelina Jolie’s Lara Croft pistols, Will Smith’s revolvers from “Wild Wild West”, various guns and items owned and used on screen by the legendary John Wayne, and Han Solo’s DL-44 blaster from Star Wars. This “Mare’s Leg”, carried on screen by “The King of Cool” is yet another Hollywood icon we are honored to offer to the public. Provenance: Four Star Productions; MGM Studios; The Doug Boyer Collection; The Walter O'Connor Collection; The Mike Kalman Collection; The Burt Klein Collection; The Mike Kalman Collection; The John Gangel Collection; The Jack Stovall Collection; The Greg Martin Collection; The Michael Del Castello Collection; The Jim Massaro Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: N/A

Estimated Price$50,000.00 - $75,000.00

Lot 45

Volcanic Arms Co. Lever Action Carbine

This is an outstanding example of an all original carbine that was manufactured by the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company circa 1856. This late production carbine is numbered "2986" on the left side of the lower tang indicating it was at the very end of the standard production range sometime in late 1855 to early 1856. It is rare to find these Volcanic carbines in this super high condition, and it would certainly be a centerpiece of any high end repeating rifle collection. It is chambered for the .41 caliber Volcanic cartridge with integral magazine. The barrel/magazine is blue, the receiver and side plates are all original brass, and the hammer and lever are color casehardened. The carbine has beautiful a walnut stock with the high grade, hand rubbed varnish. The barrel is fitted with a brass blade front sight, and a nitre blued adjustable rear sight is mounted on top of the receiver. The top barrel flat is roll-marked in four lines: "THE VOLCANIC/REPEATING ARMS CO./NEWHAVEN CONN/PATENT FEB.14.1854". The Volcanic Repeating Arms lever action carbines were a key step in the development of American firearms. The combinations of a lever action with integral multi-shot magazine and self-contained cartridge were a revolutionary development. Partial ownership of Volcanic Repeating Arms introduced shirt-maker Oliver Winchester to firearms manufacturing, and the evolution of the Volcanic lever action and integral magazine led to the development of the Henry rifle and the subsequent Model 1866, 1873, and 1876 Winchester rifles.

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 41 Volcanic

Estimated Price$45,000.00 - $75,000.00

Attractive Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Takedown Rifle in .45-90 W.C.F. with Scarce Documented Extra Barrel Set in .38-56 W.C.F. and Factory Letter

Lot 46

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Rifle with Extra Barrel Set

Manufactured in 1908, this is a solid example of Winchester deluxe Model 1886 rifle in the extremely desirable .45-90 W.C.F. with a very scarce factory special ordered extra barrel set. The true rarity of these factory ordered extra barrel sets remains considerably undocumented, however, knowledgeable collectors know that it is one of the more rarely seen special order features on any of Winchester's lever action models. The Model 1886 was the first lever action design by John Moses Browning and was also Winchester's first lever action capable of handling extremely powerful period cartridges such as the .45-70 Government or .45-90 W.C.F. like this example is chambered in. Prior to the 1886 and its vertical locking lug design, Winchester's repeaters had been based on a toggle-link design carried over from the legendary Henry rifle that, while popular, was not nearly strong enough to handle such robust cartridges. Due to their power and rugged dependability, these '86s found widespread popularity well into the 20th century, particularly in the American West where the game was large and the dangers were many. The included factory letter lists this rifle in .45-90 caliber with a round barrel, plain trigger, Marbles improved gold bead 1/16 in. front sight, takedown and a checkered pistol grip stock. Additionally it lists an interchangeable 26 inch round barrel in .38-56 caliber with a fancy checkered forearm and also fitted with a Marbles improved gold bead 1/16 in. front sight. It lists the rifle as received in the warehouse on 28 August 1908, and shipped on 31 August 1908 in order number 163972. The barrel is marked with the standard two-line address, additional patent date, and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model and trademark, while the lower tang has the two-line patent dates and serial number. The left side of the lower tang is marked with the assembly number "572 XX", with "572" repeated in the stock inlet and inside the buttplate. The extra barrel set is marked with the standard two-line address, additional patent date, and caliber marking at the breech. Both of the barrel sets are fitted with a Marbles combination front sight with ivory bead, a blank filler in the rear sight dovetails, and there is a combination peep sight mounted on the upper tang. Both of the barrel sets are mounted with a very finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm, while the receiver is mounted with a checkered pistol grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Estimated Price$27,500.00 - $42,500.00

Lot 47

Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

This is a rare example of a standard Winchester Model 1892 rifle in .38 caliber in high condition. The included factory letter states that this exceptional rifle's serial number was applied on November 9, 1901, and indicates the rifle was in .38 caliber with an octagon barrel and plain trigger. It was received in the warehouse on December 28, 1901, and shipped on July 10, 1902, in order 146586. The standard two-line address and "38" W.C.F." are marked on the top barrel flat. The upper tang has the standard three-line model/trademark/patent date marking, and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. The rifle is equipped with a dovetailed German silver blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight and is mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Provenance: The Wes Adams Collection; Private Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Estimated Price$8,500.00 - $14,000.00

Lot 48

Framed Remington-UMC 1918 Calendar

Measuring 15 inches wide and 30 1/2 inches long, with a metal reinforcing strip and hanging ring at the top, the upper 2/3rds dominated by a scene of a hunting dog with flushed quail painted by Lynn Bogue Hunt over the Remington-UMC logos and renderings of the factory. The lower third has the attached calendar pages, starting with January 1918. The calendar is installed in a glass fronted display frame.

Estimated Price$3,500.00 - $4,750.00

Well-Documented Desirable "Frontier Issued" A.J. Plate San Francisco Retailer Marked Burnside Rifle Co. Spencer Model 1865 Repeating Rifle with in Sporting Configuration Pictured in "Spencer Repeating Firearms" by Marcot

Lot 49

A.J. Plate Marked Spencer Model 1865 Repeating Sporting Rifle

Manufactured c. 1865, the action of this rifle was originally produced by the Burnside Rifle Co. as one of 34,000 intended for purchase by the U.S. government, 30,500 of which were actually purchased. Flayderman notes that the remaining 3,500 not purchased by the government were likely either destroyed as rejects or possibly sold commercially, which presents a viable explanation for this rifle in its current configuration. This specific rifle is pictured on p. 149 of "Spencer Repeating Firearms" by Roy Marcot. The top flat of the barrel is marked "A.J. PLATE SAN FRANCISCO CAL" indicating that this was converted to this sporting configuration by the prolific California retailer for commercial sale. During the late 1860s and 1870s, a repeating rifle such as this would have been highly valued in California or anywhere else in the West, most of which remained decidedly "untamed". At the time, these Spencer carbines and rifles had just recently proven themselves incredibly effective during the Civil War, and they would have been an easy sell when converted to a "sporting" configuration like this example, appearing very similar to the Sharps sporting rifles which were also highly regarded in the American West. This particular example appears to have been originally produced as a military pattern saddle ring carbine before being fitted with a heavy 32 inch octagon barrel by the A.J. Plate & Co. firm, as well as a sporting type forearm with a unique brass band holding the upper sling swivel and a matching brass forearm cap which has had a previous ramrod hole filled with a conical bullet. The top of the breech has the standard Model 1865, Spencer patent, and Burnside Rifle Co. markings and the serial number is on the upper rear of the receiver. The barrel has an empty front sight dovetail, a elevation adjustable notch rear sight similar to the Winchester No. 22 (elevator absent). It is fitted with a Stabler cutoff device and sling swivels on the bottom of the stock and the previously mentioned brass band on the forearm. The forearm and stock are both smooth and the stock is fitted with the military pattern buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Estimated Price$3,500.00 - $5,500.00

Lot 50

Antique Early Production Colt Single Action Army Revolver

Manufactured in 1877, this is a very solid, early production example of an iconic piece of Americana, Colt's Single Action Army revolver, also known as "the peacemaker". These revolvers are truly embedded within the ethos of the American frontier and represent a tangible piece of the history of the West. In many ways, these revolvers have come to represent the same determination, grit, and bravery shown by those who carried them as they headed westward, facing the trials and dangers of the American West. This particular revolver was manufactured when much of the frontier remained a wild unknown and was very much unsettled, and it certainly has the look of having been a trusted, well-cared for sidearm for many years in that harsh and unforgiving environment. The top of the barrel is marked with the one-line address and the three-line patent dates are on the left of the frame. The caliber marking is on the left rear of the trigger guard. The matching serial number is on the bottom of the frame, trigger guard, and back strap, and the assembly number "1572" is marked inside the loading gate. It is fitted with the correct, early production "bullseye" ejector rod, blade front sight, frame top groove rear sight, and a one-piece smooth walnut grip. Includes an attractive leather "slim Jim" California pattern holster, which were popular during the period this revolver was manufactured, that has a brass flower decoration on the body and a leather cartridge/money belt with a single row of cartridge loops. The belt measures approximately 46 inches overall including the replacement billet. Also includes a brass tag that appears to be from the Stagecoach Museum Collection

Antique

Interest:

Caliber / Gauge: 45 Long Colt

Estimated Price$3,500.00 - $5,500.00

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