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/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

/Auctions...
/Premier Firearms Auction #83

Premier Firearms Auction #83

September 10, 2021 to September 12, 2021

This auction has ended.

Auction Time Summary

Preview DayThursday, Sep 9th10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION IFriday, Sep 10th9 AMLots 1 through 688

SESSION IISaturday, Sep 11th9 AMLots 1000 through 1706

SESSION IIISunday, Sep 12th9 AMLots 3000 through 3670

To Be Sold At Auction

Preview Day Thursday Sept 9th
Open at 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

SESSION I - Friday, Sept 10th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1 and 688
SESSION II - Saturday, Sept 11th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 1000 and 1706
SESSION III - Sunday, Sept 12th
TIME: Commencing at 9 a.m. selling between Lots 3000 and 3670

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company
7819 42 Street West
Rock Island, Illinois, 61201, USA

Phone: 1-309-797-1500

Toll-Free: 1-800-238-8022

Email: [email protected]

Rock Island Auction Company - Rock Island

7819 42nd Street West

Rock Island, IL, 61201, USA

Page 1 of 22

Showing 1-50 of 1,072 results

Exceptional Documented Antique, Highly Attractive Casehardened Frame Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle in .45-90 WCF with Factory Letter

Lot 1

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action .45-90 WCF Rifle

The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber and plain trigger. The rifle was received in the warehouse on October 5, 1894 and shipped nearly a year later on September 10, 1895 with nine other arms. The frame, hammer, lever, forend cap, and buttplate have the desirable casehardened finish. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang is marked with the patent marking and the script serial number. The rifle has standard forearm and buttstock.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 2

Antique Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Short

Manufactured in 1887 as a Third Model, the barrel has the two-line address/King's patent marking and caliber marking at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. Fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Winchester manufactured approximately 19,552 Model 1873s in .22 short or .22 long between 1884 and 1904.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 short

Price Realized:

Collector's Set of Two Law Enforcement Cased Police Department Attributed Winchester Longarms -A) Winchester Model 1897 Slide Action Riot Shotgun

Lot Contains 2 Items

Lot 3

Two Cased Police Department Attributed Winchester Longarms

Manufactured in 1914 in solid frame configuration with a single brass bead sight, choked cylinder and a 2 3/4 inch chamber. The left side of the barrel is marked with the two-line address and patent date information in front of "12 GA." and "CYL." Mounted on an 18 groove ribbed round forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber buttplate. Includes a double gun case with purple velvet lining and 12 brass 12 gauge casings. Length of pull is 13 3/4 inches. Cased with "B".

Has Box

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 12, 351

Price Realized:

Exceptional Documented Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in Desirable .22 Short Caliber with Factory Letter

Lot 11

Winchester Model 1873 .22 Short Rifle

Per the included factory letter, the serial number for this rifle was applied on September 13, 1893 and the rifle was received in the warehouse on December 23, 1893 and shipped on January 30, 1894 with an octagon barrel in .22 Short and plain trigger. The barrel is fitted with a dovetailed blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates legend ahead of the rear sight and "22 SHORT" at the breech. The "MODEL 1873" marked upper tang has a 62-B sight which was made for the Model 1873. The third model receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The cartridge elevator is marked "22 CAL./SHORT." The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The hammer, lever and buttplate are casehardened. The remaining surfaces are blued. The forearm and straight grip stock are nicely figured walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a solid crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 short

Price Realized:

Special Order Half Nickel Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle in .22 Short with Rare Birds Eye Maple Checkered Pistol Grip Stock

Lot 12

Special Order Half Nickel Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Rifle

Manufactured in 1919. Lyman combination front and Lyman No. 6 two leaf rear sights, sixth style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, blue barrel, magazine tube, and trigger, nickel plated receiver, trigger guard assembly, breech bolt, hammer, and buttplate, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, standard markings on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the lower tang and receiver. Fancy figured special order birds eye maple, 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber grip cap, and crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang, end of the buttstock, and inside of the buttplate are marked with matching assembly number "775".

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF Short

Price Realized:

Documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle with Rare Swiss Buttplate

Lot 13

Winchester Deluxe Model 1890 Rifle with Swiss Buttplate

The included factory letter confirms the serial number, .22 WRF caliber, checkered pistol grip stock, special order sights, Swiss buttplate, and October 16, 1899 date of shipment. The letter further states the rifle was returned to the factory for unspecified repairs on November 4, 1899. Beach combination front and Lyman flip up rear peep sight on the upper tang, filler block in the rear sight dovetail, second style barrel inscription, "22 W.R.F." caliber marking on top flat at the breech, Winchester proofs correctly absent, and three-line maker, model, and patent marking on the upper tang. Fancy XXX figured walnut 12 groove slide handle and checkered pistol grip stock with Winchester hard rubber grip cap, and nickel plated Swiss buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped "8076 XXX" with the matching assembly number "8076" on the end of the stock and inside of the buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 WRF

Price Realized:

Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .22 L.R. Shot Only with Very Scarce Non-Counterbored "Straight Through" Smoothbore Barrel

Lot 14

Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle in .22 L.R. Shot

Manufactured in 1956. Single bead sight, standard barrel markings, Winchester WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, serrated trigger and hammer lock, groove top receiver for scope mounting, and matching numbers on the receiver and trigger guard assembly. A similar "straight through" smoothbore rifle is pictured on page 48 of "Winchester Slide Action Rifles: Volume II" by Ned Schwing and Schwing notes that they may be rarer than the scarce Routledge bored rifles! 17 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 LR Shot

Price Realized:

Lot 15

Winchester Model 1890 Slide Action Rifle in Desirable .22 WRF

Manufactured in 1910. Beaded blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, fifth style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, 1911 patent magazine tube with reinforcing collar, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, "W.R.F." marking on front of receiver, standard three-line marking on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the lower tang and receiver. 12 groove slide handle and plain straight grip stock with casehardened steel crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 WRF

Price Realized:

Lot 16

Winchester Model 61 Slide Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1951. Has a nickel bead front sight, Williams dove tail filler, and an elevation adjustable tang mounted rear sight. The barrel has the three line legend, two line model/caliber marking and is stamped with the "W/P" in an oval proofmark at the breech end. This proofmark is repeated at the front of the top of the receiver. Mounted on a 17 groove flat bottom walnut forearm and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered steel buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 S L LR

Price Realized:

Lot 17

Nickel Plated Winchester Model 90 Slide Action Gallery Rifle

Lyman beaded (bead absent) blade front and elevation adjustable rear notch sights, tenth style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, Third Model receiver with exposed locking lugs, full nickel plated finish (with the exception of the blued sights) including the hammer trigger, screws, and buttplate, standard markings on the upper tang, and matching numbers on the receiver and lower tang. The magazine has the correct triangular gallery loading port. 12 groove slide handle and plain walnut straight grip stock with crescent buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 RF Short

Price Realized:

Spectacular Documented Factory Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle in "Winchester Engraving"

Lot 18

Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1914. This Model 1894 is pictured and identified in R.L. Wilson's "Winchester Engraving" on page 270 as being factory engraved: "Serial range 705000 Takedown rifle was done in Style Number 9, the forend and pistol grip buttstock were made of select walnut and checkered in Style H. .30-30 caliber." The rifle is also pictured and identified in George Madis' "The Winchester Book" on page 413. Madis notes that the rifle is "an excellent example of style 9 engraving coverage" and stresses the well executed "shading of the game and scenes" and part octagon barrel with full magazine as "a combination that is highly prized by Winchester collectors since it is rarely found. The engraving on the receiver consists of floral scrollwork on punch dot background, zig-zag line and dot borders and a stag scene in a circular panel on each side. Additional flourishes of scrollwork appear on the barrel at the breech, top of the receiver, behind the hammer, forend cap, and buttplate tang. The barrel is fitted with a dovetail beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address/patent date marking, two-line nickel steel marking and ".30 W.C.F." on the upper left flat. The Winchester factory oval proofs are surrounded by scrollwork on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/trade mark information. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are "X" deluxe walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "320 X." The assembly number "320" is repeated on the butt of the stock under the buttplate and back of the buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Documented Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in Highly Desirable .22 Short Caliber with Freund Sight and Factory Letter

Lot 19

Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 .22 Short Rifle with Freund Sight

The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .22 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock and casehardened receiver. This outstanding condition rifle was received in the warehouse on August 7, 1886 and shipped the same day. The rifle is fitted with a gold combination Beach front sight, a highly desirable Freund elevation adjustable rear sight and Vernier tang sight graduated from 0 to 75 on the left side. Like many in the American firearms industry in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Freund brothers Frank W. and George were German immigrants. They had various temporary shop locations as they followed the Union Pacific westward and established more permanent shops in Denver, Colorado, and Cheyenne, Wyoming, where they regularly modified firearms, particularly Sharps rifles, to fit their customer's needs. They sold rifles to the likes of generals Philip Sheridan, George Cook, and Theodore Roosevelt. In addition to mechanical alterations and creating new configurations, the Freunds also designed new sights. The rear sight is marked "F.W. FREUND/PATENT." The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and "22 CAL" at the breech. The cartridge elevator is marked "22 CAL/SHORT." The serial number is marked on the lower tang. The third model receiver has an integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrations at the rear. The hammer, lever, receiver, forend cap and buttplate are casehardened. The remaining surfaces are blued. The forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured "XXX" deluxe walnut and are checkered. The buttstock has an ebony grip insert and a solid crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "485 XXX 22." The assembly number "485" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 S

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare, Exceptional, Finest Known Special Order Documented Angelo Stokes Factory Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1903 Semi-Automatic Rifle with Winchester Gun Museum Letter

Lot 20

Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1903 Rifle

This very interesting Winchester Model 1903 features a highly unusual, possibly one-of-a-kind documented embellishment by Winchester factory Master Engraver Angelo Stokes who was known for his meticulous, highly detailed work that is certainly showcased on this rifle. The accompanying Winchester Gun Museum letter dated May 15, 1967 and addressed to noted firearms dealer and expert Herb Glass, Sr. confirms the .22 Auto caliber, checkered fancy English walnut pistol grip stock, and factory engraved motifs including the royal flush of hearts, Nonanturn Clubhouse and scrollwork on the rear sight by Stokes. The rifle was shipped on December 23, 1903. Although an official production total for factory engraved Winchester 1903s is unknown, Winchester author and expert George Madis pointed out the difficulty of finding a factory engraved Model 1903, explaining, "The rare customer who wanted engraving was usually content to have Winchester engrave the standard scenes offered" ("The Winchester Book", page 552). For the Model 1903 these "standard scenes" were small game. Cottontails were especially popular. While the receiver to this Model 1903 is adorned with common factory floral scroll and border motifs, the scenes are anything but ordinary. As confirmed by the factory letter, the left side of the receiver features a royal flush of hearts in a circular panel and the right side of the receiver features the Nonanturn Clubhouse on the waterfront in a circular panel. Nonanturn is likely a misspelling of Nonantum Club, which was a fishing club organized out of New Haven, Connecticut, circa 1892. The club leased lands next to the lake village of La Bouchette in Quebec, Canada, a perfect setting for the lakefront cabin depicted in the engraving. Additional scrollwork decorates the forend cap, rear sight, trigger guard and buttplate. The checkered forearm and pistol grip stock are deluxe walnut. The stock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap. Provenance: The Richard P. Mellon Collection

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 Auto

Price Realized:

Outstanding Turn of the Century Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine in Highly Desirable .44 W.C.F. with Factory Letter

Lot 21

Winchester Model 1892 Saddle Ring 44 WCF Carbine

This exceptional Winchester Model 1892 carbine comes with the accompanying factory letter which states the serial number for this carbine was applied on March 7, 1900, confirms the .44 caliber and states the carbine was received in the warehouse on March 14, 1900 and shipped the next day. It has the two-line address and "44 W.C.F." marked on the barrel, three-line model/trademark/patent date marked on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. Fitted with pinned blade front and folding ladder rear sights, and a saddle ring on the left of the receiver. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a carbine buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 22

Winchester Model 1901 Lever Action Shotgun

Manufactured in 1916. Single bead sight, choked full and 3 inch chamber. The left side of the barrel has the two-line address/patent dates followed by "MODEL 01. 10 GA". The left side of the frame has the ''WRA CO." logo and the upper tang is marked "REG.IN U.S. PAT. OFF/-WINCHESTER-/TRADE MARK-". Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a checkered steel buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 10

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 23

Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle with Extra Long Barrel

Manufactured in 1883. The accompanying factory letter confirms the round barrel in .45-60 caliber but does not mention the extra length, and plain trigger. the rifle was received in the warehouse on August 25, 1885 and shipped on August 28. The rifle is chambered for the .45-60 W.C.F. cartridge and has a 28-inch round barrel. (No factory letter available to verify). The barrel has a special order front sight with set screw and nickel-silver blade. The original rear sight has been replaced with a Winchester adjustable folding leaf rear sight. The rifle has a blued barrel, magazine and receiver. The hammer, loading lever and crescent buttplate have a casehardened finish. The walnut stock and forearm are oil-finished. The top of the barrel is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING-ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S--IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29.1866. OCTOBER. 16. 1860" ahead of the rear sight. The top of the barrel is stamped: "CAL. 45-60" between the rear sight and the receiver. The bottom of the cartridge elevator is marked with the caliber "45-60". The top of the receiver is roll-stamped: "{MODEL 1876}" with foliate decorations at either end of the marking. The serial number is located on the lower receiver tang behind the loading lever latch. The Third Model receiver has an integral dust cover rib and dust cover with serrated edges.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-60

Price Realized:

Incredibly Rare and Historically Significant Documented First Shipped and Silver Banded One of One Hundred Winchester Model 1876 "Centennial" Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 24

One of One Hundred Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Rifle

As Edmund E. Lewis wrote in "The Story of the Winchester 1 of 1000 and 1 of 100 Rifles," "Although far less famous than the 1 of 1000, the 1 of 100 is significantly more rare in either the Model 1873 or Model 1876." Lewis in his book identified eight 1 of 100 1876s manufactured, and R.L. Wilson in "The Winchester 1 of 1000" identified seven. Given this, they very rarely come available, making these 1 of 100 rifles incredibly difficult to find despite being a must have for any advanced collection of antique Winchester lever actions. On page 119 of the first book, this rifle is pictured and discussed. Lewis notes that five of the eight rifles are known, and illiterates four in his book, though one appears potentially spurious. Its also important to note that this rifle, 470, appears to be the only silver banded example of known 1876 1 of 100's. We could only find four examples published including the aforementioned unconfirmed example. It is the very first 1 of 100 Model 1876 shipped, and Lewis states that the factory ledgers list it with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, "BH & Oat" sights, and shipped on September 20, 1877, in order 9979. The same information is confirmed in the included factory letter which clarifies the "BH" is a buckhorn sight. Lewis indicates this rifle was reported during the "Winchester '73" motion picture search for Model 1873 1 of 1,000 rifles by T.H. Baker of Alma, Nebraska, and the rifle was originally owned by Robert Axtell Welts who was born on November 7, 1855, near Detroit, Michigan. He left home in 1876 after a family dispute over land and went to the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He later returned to Michigan and worked in logging and operated a sawmill. The rifle was kept by his daughter after his death in 1941 and it passed down to his grandson Lowell Hawkinson, and his great grandson Ronald Hawkinson in 1987. It was later in the Warren Anderson collection. The fact that Welts went to the Centennial Exposition as a young man is an important piece of information. Winchester debuted the famous Model 1876 at the World's Fair in Philadelphia as the "Centennial Rifle." It was the company's first large frame rifle but was relatively quickly made obsolete by the introduction of the stronger Model 1886 just a decade later and discontinued in 1898 at the end of a run of just 63,871 guns. Though limited in production, these rifles are known to have been used and well-loved by those who owned them. The barrel has the distinctive "One of One Hundred" inscription in script surrounded by factory scroll engraving on the breech section along with a silver band at the breech, a silver blade front sight with dovetailed base, the two-line "WINCHESTER'S-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KING'S-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29. 1866. October 16. 1860" marking, and a dovetailed U-notch rear sight. The rifle lacks caliber markings which is correct given the early Model 1876s were all in .45-75 W.C.F., and all of the 1 of 100 Model 1876s were in this caliber. It has the First Model open top frame with "Model. 1876." on the upper tang and script "470" on the lower tang. It has a plain trigger as noted in the ledger and a standard grade walnut straight grip stock and forearm with iron forend cap and buttplate with brass sliding compartment lid (compartment empty).

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-75

Price Realized:

Lot 25

Winchester Model 92 Lever Action Short Rifle

Manufactured in 1927, this very unique late production Model 92 shows Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver. The upper left flat of the barrel has the standard model, trademark, and caliber marking, while the upper right flat has the two-line address. The upper tang is marked with the three-line Winchester trademark and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. Dovetailed blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight (elevator absent), and a smooth straight grip stock with crescent buttplate. The forearm is of the correct 8 3/8 inch length as standard on short rifles with barrels of 18 to 22 inches. According to Madis in "The Winchester Book", only one of every 850 Model 1892's produced was in short rifle configuration. The only special order features listed by Madis that were more rare than a shorter than standard barrel are plated finishes, factory engraving/inscription, and longer than standard barrels.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44 WCF

Price Realized:

Exceptional Winchester Model 94 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Extremely Rare Stainless Steel Barrel and Factory Letter

Lot 26

Winchester Model 94 Carbine with Stainless Steel Barrel

Manufactured in 1929, this carbine is fitted with a rare stainless steel barrel with Japanned black finish. These stainless steel barrels were very short lived and unpopular because the finish tended to wear off very easily. The left rear of the barrel is marked "-MODEL 94-WINCHESTER/-TRADEMARK-" and "-STAINLESS STEEL-" followed by "32 W.S.", the right rear is marked with the two-line address and the Winchester oval proof is marked on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The upper tang is marked "WINCHESTER/-TRADE MARK-/-MADE IN U.S.A.-" and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. Pinned blade front sight and folding ladder rear sight graduated to 200 yards. Full length magazine, saddle ring and stud on the left side of the receiver, blue remaining parts and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel carbine buttplate. The factory letter states the serial number was applied on July 23, 1930.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 W.S.

Price Realized:

Lot 27

Winchester Deluxe Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle

The accompanying factory letter for this deluxe Winchester Model 1886 rifle confirms the octagon barrel in .45-90 caliber, set trigger and checkered pistol grip stock. The rifle was received in the warehouse on December 28, 1889 and shipped six years later on December 28, 1895. Dovetail blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights on a barrel stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and "45-90 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is stamped "-MODEL 1886-". The lower tang has the two-line patent dates marking and the serial number. The frame, hammer, lever, forend cap and buttplate have the desirable casehardened finish. The loading gate is niter blue. The barrel and full length magazine are blued. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured deluxe "XXX" walnut and feature multi-point "H" style checkering. The pistol grip has an ebony insert, and the buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "252 XXX." The assembly number "252" is repeated on the stock inlet and buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45-90 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 28

Winchester Third Model 1873 Lever Action Carbine

The accompanying factory letter confirms this Model 1873 as a carbine in .44 caliber. The carbine was received in the warehouse on January 22, 1902 and shipped on May 29. This carbine has the Third Model receiver with integral dust cover rail and dust cover with serrated edges. The barrel has a block mounted front sight located behind the upper barrel band and folding, adjustable leaf rear sight. A staple mounted saddle ring is located on the left side of the receiver. The upper tang is factory drilled and tapped for a rear sight. The buttplate has a sliding brass trapdoor, and the butt trap contains a three-piece jointed steel cleaning rod. The barrel, magazine, barrel bands and receiver have a commercial blue finish. The hammer, lever and carbine style buttplate are color casehardened. The stock and forearm are oil-finished straight grain walnut. 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." The top of the barrel between the rear sight, and the receiver is stamped with the caliber designation: "44 W.C.F." "44 CAL" is stamped in script letter on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The serial number "551052B" is stamped in script on the lower tang between the lever latch and the tang screw. The upper tang is roll-stamped: "-MODEL 1873-" in fancy letters with foliate devices at either end.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 44-40 WCF

Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 29

Special Order Winchester Model 1894 Takedown Rifle

Manufactured in 1905 with special order half octagon barrel marked with the standard two-line address/patent date, two-line nickel steel marking, and "32 W.S." at the breech. The barrel and receiver are also marked with factory oval proofs at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three line model/trademark marking, and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked "1716 CF", while the toe of the buttplate and stock under the buttplate are marked "1617". Fitted with dovetailed combination front, elevation adjustable "SMOKELESS" marked notch rear, and tang mounted peep sights. Mounted with a straight grain, checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and crescent buttplate. The included factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on September 22, 1906 and shipped on September 24 with a half octagon barrel in .32 WS, plain trigger, plain, checkered pistol grip stock, half magazine and takedown configuration, and was returned to the factory for repair on August 30, 1911.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32 W.S.

Price Realized:

Lot 30

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle in .22 Long

Manufactured in 1896 as a Third Model, the barrel has the two-line address/King's patent marking and caliber marking at the breech and on the bottom of the cartridge elevator. The upper tang is marked with the model designation and the serial number is on the lower tang. Fitted with German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Winchester manufactured approximately 19,552 Model 1873s in .22 short or .22 long between 1884 and 1904.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 22 L

Price Realized:

Lot 31

Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action NRA Musket

Manufactured in 1912. These N.R.A. muskets were made to comply with the specifications of the National Rifle Association of America's "any military arm" matches with special 24 inch barrels, Krag style rear sights, and special flat buttplates. It has standard markings including a Winchester factory oval proof on the receiver ring above the "30/1903" caliber marking. "NRA" is stamped on the left side of the chamber. Fitted with a beaded blade W.F. Sheard front sight and a folding ladder rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. Mounted with a finger grooved forearm and straight grip stock with the flat NRA style buttplate. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30-03

Price Realized:

Lot 32

New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

This late production rifle was manufactured c. 1865 and is inscribed as being presented on May 6, 1867, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Henry E. Darby (1834-1890) from his friends. As outlined in detail in the included research binder, Henry E. Darby was a private in Company G of the 181st Regiment of Ohio Infantry. Included copies of some of Darby’s government records, including pension records, list him as a veteran of the 124th Indiana and 181st Ohio Infantry and indicate a first enlistment on May 9, 1864, in the former and as discharged from his first enlistment on September 2, 1864. He re-enlisted on September 23, 1864, in the 181st and served until final discharge in Columbus, Ohio, on June 16, 1865. The 181st Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized at Camp Dennison in Ohio in September-October of 1864 to serve for one year. They were ordered to Huntsville, Alabama, on the 24th of October and arrived on the 29th. They operated around Decatur, Alabama, in November and went by rail to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In December, they participated in the defense of Murfreesboro against Confederate General Forest and also engaged with Confederate forces while foraging around Murfreesboro that month. They were assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 23rd Army Corps on Christmas Eve and joined their command at Columbia, Tennessee, on December 29th. On January 2, 1865, they traveled to Goldsboro, North Carolina, where they joined up with Sherman’s forces. In April, they advanced on Raleigh, North Carolina, and they mustered out on July 14, 1865. Private Darby and his family appear to have returned to Indiana and then moved to Drakesburo, Kentucky. His daughters were born in Indiana in 1864 and 1866, and his son was born in in 1878, likely in Kentucky. There has been other conflicting information about Darby, but another included pension document from 1908 indicates Darby died on October 4, 1890, and was survived by his wife, Elizabeth Taylor, whom he married on December 16, 1859 in Dearborn County, Indiana. She followed him in death on July 12, 1920, and they are both buried in Hayden Cemetery in Drakesboro, Kentucky. The right side plate has "Henry E. Darby/From his Friends/Cincinnati Ohio, May 6, 1867," and the left side plate has a spread wing bald eagle and shield motif and banner inscribed "E PLURIBUS UNUM" based on the Great Seal of the United States. The sides of the frame are also engraved. The inscription and engraving are not factory and show signs of wear underneath suggesting they were added after the rifle had seen some use, but the quality is good. The barrel has a brass blade front sight, sling loop on the left, "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16. 1880/MANUFACTURED BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." stamped on top ahead of the adjustable notch and ladder rear sight, and the serial number stamped on top at the breech. The left side of the buttstock has a sling swivel. A "W" is double stamped on the lower tang behind the lever thumb screw. The buttplate has a trapdoor compartment (empty). Provenance: The Eisley Collection, Thurston Van Horn (twice), Ed Luke, Doug Jahnake, Rex Thrower and Property of a Gentleman

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

Price Realized:

Lot 33

Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon barrel in .38 caliber, plain trigger and screw eyes. The rifle was received in the warehouse on April 24, 1896 and shipped on December 10, 1897. Combination Beach front sight, Marble filler block in the rear sight seat, and Marble tang sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line legend ahead of the rear sight and "38 WCF" at the breech. Sling eyelets are mounted on the underside of the forend cap and buttock. With a leather sling. Mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 34

Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle in .32-40 W.C.F.

Manufactured in 1904 with standard markings. Fitted with dovetailed German silver blade front and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sights. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. The included factory letter lists serial number application on 26 August 1904 and confirms the current configuration apart from the barrel which is listed as octagon, as well as receipt at the warehouse on 10 September 1904 and shipment on 6 October 1904 in order number 251547.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32-40 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 35

Winchester Model 1892 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1901 with dovetailed German silver blade front and adjustable buckhorn rear sights. The top barrel flat is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "25-20 W.C.F." at the breech. It has the three-line model/maker/patent marking on the upper tang, the serial number on the bottom of the receiver, full length magazine tube, blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever, and a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a steel crescent buttplate. The accompanying Cody Museum Records Office sheet verifies the rifle configuration, caliber, octagon barrel, plain trigger, serial number application date of March 27, 1901, and that it was shipped in order number 9562 on April 20, 1901.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 25-20

Price Realized:

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

Lot 36

Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Rifle

Manufactured in 1897. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with a round barrel, plain trigger, oil finished checkered pistol grip stock, half (4 cartridge) magazine, and a rubber shotgun buttplate when received at the warehouse on 5 January 1898 and shipped the next day. The barrel has the two line address and caliber marking at the breech, model/trademark/patent dates on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. The left of the lower tang is marked "5044 OFRB" and "5044" is faintly repeated in the stock inlet. It is fitted with a Lyman white beaded blade front sight, elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and a Marble tang mounted peep sight. Mounted with a finely figured "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber shotgun buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 30 WCF

Price Realized:

Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Short Rifle Inscribed to Competition Shooter Carrie F. Lamb with Factory Letter and Shooting Medals

Lot 37

Inscribed Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Rifle

Manufactured in 1900, with nickel steel barrel marking on the upper left and caliber marking at the breech. The left side of the receiver has the standard Winchester address and patent dates, partially obscured by the receiver mounted sight, and the right is engraved "C.F. Lamb./Cambridge, Mass." in script. The serial number is on the lower tang and there is a small crescent moon stamped in the upper interior surface of the lever. Fitted with a pinned beaded blade front sight (bead painted yellow), no provision for a rear sight on the barrel, and a Lyman peep sight mounted to the left of the receiver. Mounted with a finely figured "H" pattern checkered forearm with ebony insert in the Schnabel tip and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate. Information provided by a previous consignor states that "C.F. Lamb" is Carrie F. Lamb, and an 1895 copy of the Cambridge Blue Book confirms a Carrie F. Lamb as a resident. Lamb died in 1954 and is remembered for "the somewhat unusual fact that she was very well known as a marksman and a hunter of caribou," as one friend remarked. She participated in hunting trips to Canada, was involved in various rifle and pistol organizations, had a collection of "first-class quality and workmanship" firearms such as this rifle and worked for the USO. Multiple issues of the Boston Globe from around the turn of the century list Lamb as competing and winning medals in various shooting competitions. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with a 22 inch barrel, fancy checkered stock, and Lyman front and receiver sights with no rear seat when received at the warehouse on 12 October 1900 and shipped the next day. Also included are a grouping of Boston area target shooting competition medals from around the turn of the century and some assorted boxes of .30-40 Krag ammunition.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 30 U.S.

Price Realized:

Exceptional and Highly Desirable Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Lot 38

Winchester Model 1886 Saddle Ring Carbine

The accompanying factory letter confirms the carbine configuration in .40-82 caliber and states the carbine was received in the warehouse on June 13, 1892 and shipped on November 28, 1892. According to research conducted by John T. Madl and presented in the summer 2018 issue of "The Winchester Collector", Winchester only manufactured 1,416 Model 1886 carbines chambered in .40-82 WCF caliber. The barrel is fitted with a pinned blade front sight and a folding ladder rear sight marked "1886" and graduated to 1,000 yards. The top of the barrel has the two-line address legend ahead of the rear sight and "40-82/W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-MODEL 1886-." The lower tang has the patent dates marking and the serial number. The receiver has the desirable casehardened finish. Mounted with a standard carbine forearm and buttstock with carbine buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-82 WCF

Price Realized:

Historic and Well-Documented Inscribed New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle Owned and Carried By One of the Old West’s Premier Lawmen, California Sheriff, Wells Fargo Detective, and Captor of Black Bart, James B. Hume, Formerly on Display at the Wells Fargo Museum for 33 years, Accompanied with Full Documentation

Lot 49

James B. Hume 1864 Inscribed New Haven Arms Co. Henry Rifle

This Henry rifle is boldly inscribed with "James B. Hume" in script on the top of the action between the hammer and ejection port and "1864" on the top of the receiver at the breech. It also has a nickel-silver blade front sight, "HENRY'S PATENT OCT. 16 1860/MANUFACT'D BY THE NEWHAVEN ARMS CO. NEWHAVEN. CT." marked on the barrel ahead of the notch and ladder rear sight, sling bar affixed by two screws on the left side of the barrel/magazine tub, corresponding sling swivel mounted on the left side of the buttstock, and matching serial numbers marked on the barrel on top at the breech, the left side of the lower tang, the upper stock mortise, both buttplate screws, and inside of the buttplate. An original four-piece cleaning rod is in the stock. This rifle is shown along with Humes magnificent gold and enamel badges from lot 50 on El Dorado County's website and also shown in the article "Black Bart: The Bloodless Bandit" by Lee Silva. In the article it is captioned as "One of Hume's favorite rifles was his .44 Henry. It is engraved on the top of the receiver 'James B. Hume 1864.' A copy of the article is included. Also included is an old typed document identifying the rifle as owned by Sheriff James B. Hume of El Dorado County. It indicates the rifle was sent by Hume to George Nail of the Somerset district because they did not have repeaters in the county at the time of the Bullion Bend robbery. Nail drowned in December 1884, and the document indicates the rifle was then owned by a man identified as McAfee. The writer indicates he got the gun from that man's son, Ernest McAfee. It is not signed. An included Geo. Rieber & Son Hardware receipt from January 19, 1921, notes $20 "Received of George Rieber on Acct of Gun. J.B Hume Gun. Ernest McAfee Send check to George Rollers. Very truly yours George Rieber. I am glad that I was able to get the gun for you." A December 14, 1950, dated letter from a Mrs. Sybil S. Jones to Wells Fargo Bank Historical Collection states that her uncle, H.P. Blanchard had loaned the rifle to the historical collection in 1943 and that her son Robert Blanchard Jones was authorized to claim and receive the rifle. A 1994 dated letter from Assistant Vice President Robert J. Chandler of Wells Fargo Bank states: "The History Department had on loan Jim Hume's Henry rifle, Serial #4905 from 1949 to 1982. In 1850, James Bunyon Hume (1827-1904) came to California with his brother John in search of gold. He started his career as a peace officer when he became a deputy tax collector in El Dorado County in 1860. In 1864, he was appointed the City Marshal of Placerville, California, and also hired as under sheriff of El Dorado County. He fought and killed members of the Confederate Bushwhackers known as the Ingram’s Rangers after they committed the Bullion Bend Robbery on June 30, 1864 and had also killed El Dorado County Deputy Sheriff Joseph Staples in a shootout at the Somerset House. In 1868, Hume was elected as El Dorado County sheriff. He was hired as a private detective by Wells, Fargo & Company in 1871, and worked for the company for the rest of his life with the exception of 11 months leave to serve as the deputy warden of the Nevada State Prison in Carson City after the warden was wounded when 29 inmates escaped. In 1873, Hume was promoted to Chief Special Officer and head detective of Wells, Fargo & Company and tasked with protecting their stages. Stage robberies were all too common despite the company's security measures. He employed state of the art techniques, including keeping an album of photos and detailed descriptions of robbers. The company offered $250 for the arrest and conviction of a robber in addition to 1/4 of the value of any valuables recovered. He became known as “the Sherlock Holmes of the Wild West” and continued to work for Wells Fargo until his death in 1904. By far Hume’s most famous case was his long pursuit of the famous stagecoach bandit Black Bart. During one of his robberies in 1880, Bart asked the stage driver to give James Hume his compliments. In 1882, he completed his 22nd holdup. During his 23rd, he was grazed by a shot fired by George Hackett, the man riding "shotgun." He kept on holding up stages nonetheless. On November 3, 1883 he held up the same stage, on the same route, at the same spot he had first robbed back in 1875. He watched Jimmy Rolleri exit the stage with a Henry rifle and then approached, demanded that stage driver Reason McConnell dismount and unhook the horses and take them over the hill. McConnell circled back and shot twice at Black Bart with Rolleri’s Henry, and Rolleri then took the rifle and hit Black Bart in the hand. Bart nonetheless escaped but left behind his derby hat, opera glasses, a belt, a razor, a bloodstained handkerchief filled with buckshot, three shirt cuffs, and two of the empty flour sacks he had been using to haul away the loot from his holdups. After a complete investigation, Hume noticed the handkerchief had a laundry mark. After over a week of visiting over 100 launderer’s in the area, the handkerchief led Hume and his special detective Harry Morse to Ferguson & Bigg's California Laundry. Launderer Thomas C. Ware identified the mark as for Charles E. Bolton. Ware took Detective Morse to meet Bolton who he had identified as a "semi-wealthy mining man." Ware was led to believe Morse was also a miner and wanted to talk business. Morse brought Bolton back to Hume's office at Wells Fargo for questioning. He had a tell-tale wounded hand but claimed he hurt it in an accident. Hume then brought Captain Appleton Stone of the San Francisco Police Department, and they searched Bolton's rooms. They found clothes that matched the robbery suspect, another handkerchief with the same laundry mark and scent, a letter in the same hand as Black Bart's taunting notes, and a Bible inscribed to Charles E. Boles. The recovered derby hat fit him perfectly. Bolton, now known to be Boles, jokingly offered to buy the hat. He later confessed to the earlier robberies but denied the more recent ones. He was sentenced to 6 years for his final robbery. He admitted to 29 robberies and being Black Bart once in prison at San Quentin. He had been wounded twice but had never fired a shot himself. He said he had never even loaded his shotgun because he didn't want to hurt anyone. He was released on January 21, 1888, and shortly thereafter, "Black Bart disappeared, but he remained a legend”; a Robin Hood of the West. Included in this lot are; A) Letter from Wells Fargo Bank's Historical Services Vice President. B) Letter written by George Rieber. C) A circular from Wells Fargo, given personally to local and county officers and reliable citizens, offering an $800 reward for the arrest of stage coach robber Black Bart, complete with a copy of original poem written by him. D) Original Wells Fargo Archives 8x10" photograph of the rifle's inscription. E) Letter dated 1950 from Sybil Jones. F) A transcript of the historical marker "In Memory of the Bravery of our Pioneer Officer's." G) An article about the capture of Black Bart, a reproduced 8x10" photo of Black Bart aka Charles Boles, and a reproduced 8x10" image of James Hume with others. H) An original Confidential Wells, Fargo & Co's Express Special Instructions In Regard to Stage Robberies, dated September 5th, 1883 from San Francisco signed "J. B. HUME/Special Officer W.F. & Co." I) All in an envelope from Wells Fargo Bank's Historical Department. Complete with three books: "Black Bart: Boulevardier Bandit" by George Hoeper, Black Bart: The Search is Over" by Robert E. Jernigan and Wiley Joiner, and "Wells, Fargo Detective- A Biography of James B. Hume" by Richard Dillon, featuring a photograph and description of the rifle on page 164, courtesy of the Wells Fargo Bank History Room. Provenance: James B. Hume, Father of Ernest McAfee, Ernest McAfee, George Rieber, H.P. Blanchard, Robert Blanchard Jones, On Loan to Wells Fargo Museum from 1949 – 1982, Greg Martin, Michael Worley, Michael Simens, Private Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Henry RF

W.F. Sheard Retailer Marked Winchester Model 1894 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine in Scarce .25-35 WCF

Lot 51

W.F. Sheard Marked Winchester Model 1894 Carbine

Manufactured in 1906. Pinned blade W.F. Sheard front sight, folding adjustable leaf Marbles rear sight, saddle ring and carbine stock. The left side of the receiver is stamped "FROM W.F. SHEARD/TACOMA, WASH." William F. Sheard (1861-1932) was a gunsmith and sight designer who lived in Montana c. 1884-1895 until he moved to Tacoma, Washington, where this carbine was retailed.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 25-35 WCF

Price Realized:

Lot 52

Winchester Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle

The accompanying factory letter confirms the octagon in .38 caliber and plain trigger, received in the warehouse on May 20, 1891 and shipped on September 8. Dovetail blade and elevation adjustable sights on a barrel stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking and "38 WCF." The Third model receiver features an integral dust cover guide rail, dust cover with rear finger grip serrations, and "step" at the junction with the barrel as found on rifles chambered for .22, .32 and .38 caliber cartridges. "MODEL 1873" is marked on the upper tang. "38 CAL" is marked on the cartridge elevator. The straight grip stock is fitted with a trapdoor crescent buttplate (cleaning rod not included). Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38 WCF

Price Realized:

Very Fine R. Liddle & Co. San Francisco Marked Half Stock Percussion Rifle with False Muzzle

Lot 53

R. Liddle & Co. Half Stock Percussion Rifle with False Muzzle

Robert Liddle and Charles van Buren Kaeding purchased the Bogart Brothers Sportsmen's Emporium in 1859. The firm was initially known as R. Liddle & Co., and this rifle was almost certainly manufactured before 1866 when Kaeding became an active partner and the name changed to Liddle & Kaeding. Robert Liddle was a Baltimore trained gunsmith who immigrated from England, and the firm did manufacture some of their own weapons and equipment and employed a number of gunsmiths. They are also known to have sold Henry rifles, Slotter & Co. copies of Henry Deringer's famous pistols, and other arms manufactured in the East and were the largest firearms dealers in the Bay Area in the 1870s. The name changed back to R. Liddle & Co. when Kaeding left the company in 1889 and eventually closed in 1898. The barrel is equipped with a false muzzle, German silver blade front sight, and a long U-notch sporting rear sight (elevator absent) and is marked "R. LIDDLE & Co. SAN-FRANCISCO. CAST STEEL" between the rear sight and breech. The other components have no visible markings and are casehardened. It is also equipped with double set triggers, a spurred trigger guard with scrolling grip extension, a crescent rifle buttplate, and a nicely figured half stock with pewter forend cap, checkered wrist, and no cheekpiece.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Price Realized:

Scarce American Percussion Drilling Marked F. Smith

Lot 54

F. Smith Percussion Drilling

In "American Gunsmiths" by Frank Sellers "SMITH, F.," maker of a 3 barrel percussion rifle, is listed as unlocated. He also lists a Frederick Smith of Sulphur Springs, Ohio, and one or two men of the same name active in Union Springs and Fleming, New York. The barrel rib is marked "F Smith" accented by a floral motif, and the locks are both signed "Smith." The upper smoothbore barrels are 16 gauge, and the lower rifled barrel is .36 caliber. The shotgun barrels use the conventional side locks, and the rifled barrel uses an underhammer powered by the trigger guard which acts as its mainspring and triggered by a lighter pull on the right trigger. Cocking both the right hammer and the underhammer and only pulling the trigger gently will only fire the rifled barrel. Thus all three hammers could be cocked at once and then fired in sequence. The rods are fitted to the sides of the rifled barrel, and the forend has a pewter cap and silver wedge plates. The other furniture is all iron. The stock has a checkered wrist and attractive figure in the butt.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 16

Price Realized:

Very Desirable Winchester Model 1876 .50 Express Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Lot 56

Winchester Model 1876 .50 Express Rifle

The accompanying factory letter confirms the round barrel in "express" caliber, plain trigger and shotgun buttplate. The rifle was received in the warehouse on November 1, 1881 and shipped on December 5, 1881. The second model receiver has a dust cover guide rail attached with two screws. The dust cover is marked "WINCHESTER EXPRESS/.50 CAL 95 GRS." The cartridge elevator is marked "50-95." The top of the barrel is stamped with the two-line address/patent dates marking ahead of the rear sight and "50-CAL." at the breech. British proofs are stamped on the barrel and receiver at the breech. The rifle is fitted with a dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1876." The lower tang has the serial number. The buttstock is fitted with a steel shotgun buttplate. 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. This Model 1876 Eventually made it back to the United States, possibly through Canada, where it would have been used against North America big game like brown and black bear, moose and bison. 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. Provenance: The John Fox Collection

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50 express

Price Realized:

Exceptional Panel Scene Engraved Providence Tool Company Peabody-Martini What Cheer Mid-Range Single Shot Rifle

Lot 62

Providence Tool Co. Peabody-Martini What Cheer Mid-Range Rifle

This beautiful rifle features highly detailed panel scene vignettes on the sides of the frame. The right side has a bison on the open plains and another fleeing in the background, and the left side has a stag pursued by a dog in a lightly wooded and hilly scene. The details of the scenes such as the shapes of the foliage are consistent with other high end Providence Tool Co. engraved rifles that have passed through Rock Island Auction, and it is likely that these rifles were all engraved by the Ulrichs given the consistency and how the scenes compare to Ulrich engraved Winchesters. A C.F. Ulrich signed Peabody-Martini was sold by RIAC in 2019 clearly demonstrating that he engraved for the firm. The scenes are surrounded by panels of exceptional scroll engraving, and each side has a simple lined border. "Mid Range" is engraved in Gothic style script on top at the breech, and "PEABODY & MARTINI/PATENTS" is inscribed on the rear of the frame ahead of the peep sight base. The rifle is equipped with a combination globe and blade front sight, notch and ladder rear sight with peep, and a matching numbered tang mounted peep sight. There is a screw in the comb where the top of the peep sight rests when folded down. The barrel is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE PROVIDENCE TOOL CO. PROVIDENCE. R.I. U.S.A." The cocking indicator is inscribed "H.J. WOLCOTT." The serial number, "143," is marked on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, on the rear of the forearm, on the tang sight base, and on the underside of the action above the lever. "H" is marked on the front of the frame in the circular cutout for the forearm. The stock and forearm are checkered, and the "shotgun" buttplate is smooth steel.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40-70

Price Realized:

Exceptional Exhibition Quality Engraved Early Production Remington Hepburn No. 3 Sporting Rifle, Serial Number 128

Lot 63

Engraved Remington Hepburn No. 3 Sporting Rifle

These rifles were manufactured from c. 1883 until 1907, but the low serial number and "E. REMINGTON & SONS. ILION. N.Y." address on the barrel indicates this rifle was manufactured c. 1883-1888 before the company was reorganized as Remington Arms Co. It features master engraved English style tight scroll and border engraving on the flats of the octagonal section of the barrel, the frame, and the lever, and the trigger guard bow is engraved with a panel scene of a pair of deer. The barrel is equipped with a gilt Beach style combination front sight with globe and blade and a notch and peep rear sight and has the caliber designation on the bottom ahead of the forearm. The right side of the frame has the "HEPBURNS PAT./OCT 7TH 1879" marking, and the matching serial number is on the barrel, forearm, and lower tang. It is mounted with a checkered forearm and round knob pistol grip stock with a hard rubber forend cap, nicely figured buttstock, and checkered hard rubber "shotgun" buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 40 2 1/2"

Price Realized:

Very Scarce Factory "Extra Fine Engraved" Sharps Model 1852 Slant Breech Octagon Barrel Percussion Sporting Rifle

Lot 70

Engraved Sharps Model 1852 Slant Breech Sporting Rifle

The Sharps Model 1852 Sporting Rifle is one on of the rarest Sharps variations with only 606 manufactured in June 1853 to July 1855. Only approximately nine 90 bores were engraved. Of those, only six are listed "extra engraved." The engraving on this rifle is an even higher grade than the "extra engraved" and is more in line with the "extra fine engraved" or even beyond. "Extra fine engraved" is not even noted for this model by Sellers in "Sharps Firearms or in "Sharps Firearms: The Percussion Era" by Marcott, Paxton, and Marron. The near full coverage engraving on the hammer is one of the easiest to spot differences, but also note the more extensive panels of scroll engraving on the barrel at the front sight on the upper three flats, on the top flat midway between the front sight and rear sight, in front of the rear sight, and on the upper three flats in the breech section; the essentially full-coverage engraving on the frame, lever, lock, and patch box; the inclusion of an urn full of fruit and flowers on the right side of the frame, the dog head on inhabiting the scroll engraving on the lock plate, sun burst pattern on the top of the frame at the breech, the interesting exclamation point type design on the left side of the frame, and the engraved oval silver plaque on the left side of the stock. The engraving also extends onto the heel tang of the buttplate. The engraving primarily consists of the German-American scroll engraving associated with Master Engraver Gustave Young who is known to have engraved many of the finest early Sharps rifles. The forend has a pewter forend cap and a small silver plate on the left around the spring pin. It also features a brass blade front sight with dovetailed base, "squirrel ear" rear sight, tang peep sight, adjustable double set triggers, "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFG CO/HARTFORD. CONN." on top of the barrel at the breech (early variation due to a die cutting error), "C. SHARPS/PATENT/1848" on the upper tang, "C. SHARPS/PATENT./1852" on the lock, and matching serial numbers found on the barrel, forend, breechblock, upper tang, and patch box.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38

Price Realized:

Lot 71

Documented Sharps Model 1874 No. 3 Long Range Single Shot Rifle

Sharps manufactured only 429 of these Model 1874 Long Range rifles from 1875 to 1879, and only 75 were No. 3 rifles. The letter lists this rifle as invoiced at the Bridgeport factory on June 23, 1876, to William Read & Sons of Boston, Massachusetts and also states, "This rifle was a single gun order from the Read firm, probably for a specific customer who was caught up in the long-range shooting craze that was at its height at this very time... .44 caliber, using the 95 grain 2 & 5/8 inch shell... ordered with a spirit level attached to the windage sight for which there was an extra $5 charge." It weighs just over 9 pounds. The barrel is fitted with a windage adjustable front globe sight (modern replacement), and the upper tang is equipped with a long range Vernier peep sight. Marked "SHARPS RIFLE CO. BRIDGEPORT, CONN." and "CALIBRE 44" on top of the barrel and "SHARPS RIFLE CO./PAT. APR 6 1869" on the left side of the receiver. The matching serial number "156288" is marked on the bottom of the barrel, upper tang (hidden under tang sight), and on the left side of the tang sight base. The partial matching serial number "6288" is marked in the forearm channel. Mounted with a multi-point checkered walnut forearm and straight grip stock with a checkered iron buttplate.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 44 Sharps 2 5/8

Price Realized:

Extremely Rare Serial Number 5 Remington Walker-Hepburn Schuetzen Rifle with Winchester B4 Scope and Palm Rest

Lot 72

Remington Walker-Hepburn Schuetzen Rifle with Scope

The Remington-Hepburn was designed by Remington mechanical department superintendent and talented marksman Lewis L. Hepburn in 1879 and introduced in 1880. A couple decades later, Remington modified the rifle for Schuetzen rifle competition by fitting the ornate finger groove levers that operate the breechblock instead of the usual Hepburn side lever. These rifles are without a doubt the finest target rifles ever offered by Remington and were brought out to compete with the other high end match rifles of the early 20th century. They were originally known as the Remington Schuetzen Match Rifle - New Special Model. They were handmade at Remington's Custom Gun Shop under the direction of Louis N. Walker, hence the modern day collectors name of Remington Walker-Hepburn Schuetzen Rifle. These rifles were only illustrated in the Remington Arms Company catalog dated 1904-05 and in the 1904 M. Hartley & Co. Illustrated Catalog. Only 23 of these specially handmade rifles were ever sold: ten in 1904, one in 1906, eleven in 1907, and one in 1908, and they are extremely difficult to acquire. This rifle is made even rarer by having a turned down muzzle for use with a starter for loading the bullet from the muzzle. Only a small portion of the 23 Walker-Hepburn rifles were ordered this way. This rifle's barrel is marked "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION, N.Y. U.S.A." and is fitted with a globe front sight and scope mounting blocks for the Winchester B4 scope. The frame has "REMINGTON" in a downward arch over light scroll work over "Schuetzen" in Old English style lettering inscribed on the left side and is fitted with a short ranger Vernier peep sight. The lever is the distinctive Walker style with finger grooves and encloses a set of double set triggers. There is no serial number at the rear of the lower tang, but "5" is on the rear of the breechblock, a "0" is marked inside the forend, and a marking consisting of two overlapping "1"s is marked on the face of the frame to the right of the barrel, on the left side of the frame tangs, on the front of the wrist of the buttstock on each side, on inside the upper tang mortise of the buttstock, and inside of the buttplate twice. "WHD" for Remington master stock maker William H. Deyle is also marked in the upper tang mortise. The rifle is mounted with a checkered stock and forearm with contrasting inserts in the Schnabel forend tip and pistol grip, mounted knob shaped palm rest, a high sloped comb, cheek rest, and nickel plated Swiss buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 32-40

Price Realized:

Incredibly Scarce and Exceptional Documented "Extra Fine" Engraved Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Octagon Barrel Percussion Sporting Rifle

Lot 78

Extra Fine Engraved Sharps Model 1853 Slant Breech Rifle

The Sharps Model 1853 is one of the most iconic firearms of the often violent antebellum era and was famously used by John Brown and his abolitionist allies in Bleeding Kansas and his raid on Harpers Ferry. Early Sharps rifles like this factory "extra fine engraved" sporting rifle helped establish breech loading firearms in the U.S. and led to Sharps rifles and carbines being among the most significant firearms of the Civil War era and the settlement of the West after the war. The included copy of a factory letter from Dr. Richard J. Labowskie notes that this incredible rifle was invoiced at Sharps' Hartford factory on November 30, 1855, and described as a 90 bore Model 1853 Octagon Barrel Sporting Rifle that was "Extra Fine Engraved." On page 49 of "Sharps Firearms" by Frank Sellers, only 22 Extra Fine Engraved Model 1853 Sporting Rifles with 90 bore octagon barrels are noted compared to an estimated 603 rifles with 90 bore octagon barrels that were plain. The rifle has similarities with the famous Sharps Model 1855 displayed by Sharps at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855 and shown on page 51 of Sellers' book and identified as engraved by Gustave Young. The engraving covers nearly all of the visible surfaces of the frame, lock plate, and patch box as well as most of the lever, trigger plate, and buttplate tang and around the lower buttplate screw, and the breech end of the upper barrel flats and borders at the muzzle and breech. The majority of the engraving consists of the classic Germanic scroll engraving style Young, Nimschke, and other master engravers trained in German popularized in the U.S. in the mid-19th century. The patterns include floral bloom accents, intertwining scrolls, small sections of crosshatch and dot patterns, and wavy line borders. The patch box features a round panel scene of a pronghorn with a finely detailed background, and the left side of the frame has another highly detailed scene of three rabbits in a pastoral scene. The rifle features a globe and post front sight, a notch and folding ladder rear sight, tang mounted peep sight, and adjustable double set triggers. The barrel has "SHARP'S RIFLE/MANUFG. CO./HARTFORD CONN." marked on top, the upper tang has "SHARPS/PATENT/1848" just ahead of the serial number, and the lock is marked "SHARP'S/PATENT/1853." The "SHARP'S" markings on the barrel and lock are noted variations seen on many of the Model 1853 rifles and was created by a mistake of the man who cut the stamps and was corrected later in the production of this model. The matching serial number is found on the back of the forearm, upper tang, and inside of the patch box. It may also be marked in concealed areas, but the rifle was not disassembled out of respect. The bottom of the barrel, lower left of the frame, front of the trigger plate, and the inside of the patch box also have "E," and the bottom right of the breechblock and the rounded top of the barrel ahead of the breechblock are both marked "F." The stock and forearm have the high polish varnish finish, a simple pewter forend cap, lightly curved buttplate, and classic Sharps patch box.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 38

Price Realized:

Lot 79

Remington No. 7 Rolling Block Rifle in .22 LR

The Remington No. 7 was manufactured c. 1903-1906 and had a total production of only about 1,000. This model is quickly identified by its accentuated checkered pistol grip stock. This rifle features a part octagon barrel marked with the one-line Remington Arms Co. address on the top flat, a gilt Beach combination globe and blade front sight, "H" on the left at the breech, "22 L.R." on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the forearm as well as "304 22 LR G2." on the bottom under the forearm, "P S" along with the two-line patent marking on the left side of the frame, folding peep sight on the rear of the frame, checkered forearm with ebony forend insert and "304" on the rear, and pronounced pistol grip stock with hard rubber grip cap and checkered hard rubber buttplate with embossed Remington monogram.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 LR

Price Realized:

Lot 80

Sharps Model 1874 Sporting Rifle

197 Model 1874 Sporting Rifles were manufactured at Bridgeport with half octagon barrels. The barrel has a fixed globe front sight, lacks provision for a rear sight and has the "Old Reliable" marking followed by the Bridgeport address along with "CAL. 45" at the breech. The action is equipped with double set triggers, and there is a Vernier tang sight featuring a 4 5/8 inch long stem graduated from 0-6 on the left side. The barrel and forearm are numbered to the gun. The forearm and pistol grip stock are nicely figured walnut featuring multi-point checkering. The bottom of the grip has a blank silver oval inlay, and the buttstock is fitted with a checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 45

Price Realized:

Lot 81

Winchester Model 1885 Low Wall Single Shot Takedown Rifle

The accompanying factory letter confirms the no. 1 octagon barrel in .22 Long, plain trigger and takedown configuration. The rifle was received in the warehouse on October 13, 1917 and shipped on November 2, 1917. The No. 1 barrel is fitted with a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight and is stamped with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "22 LONG" at the breech. The takedown feature on this rifle is seldom encountered and highly desirable. The lower tang has the serial number while the 1879 patent date and trademark are on the upper tang. It is mounted with a Schnabel tip forearm with ebony insert and a straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Documentation

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 22 L

Price Realized:

Lot 82

Remington-Hepburn No. 3 Falling Block Sporting Rifle

Around 10,000 Hepburn rifles were manufactured by Remington c. 1883-1907. The barrel has both sight dovetails empty, "REMINGTON ARMS CO. ILION. N.Y." marked just ahead of the rear dovetail, "40.90S.ST" on the bottom of the barrel ahead of the Schnabel style forearm, the forearm could not be removed at the time of describing, "8684" on the lower tang, the two-line Hepburn patent marking on the left side of the frame, and a checkered round knob semi-pistol grip buttstock with a checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate.

Curio and Relic

Caliber / Gauge: 40-90

Price Realized:

Scarce Early Production E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Serial Number 5 Percussion Cane Gun

Lot 95

Early Production E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Cane Gun

The Remington Cane Gun was designed by John F. Thomas, Remington's master mechanic. The percussion version is limited to the earliest of these arms around 1858-1866. Many of the estimated 500 percussion examples were also converted making original examples especially desirable. It has a period replacement handmade hardwood "L" shaped handle. The metal tip is marked "J.F. THOMAS/PATENT/FEB'Y 9 1858/REMINGTON & SON'S/ILION, N.Y." and "5" the opposite direction. Number "11" is stamped internally near the breech. There are no markings by the button trigger. The overall length is 32 5/8 inches.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Price Realized:

Scarce Early Production E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Percussion Cane Gun

Lot 96

Early E. Remington & Sons Thomas Patent Percussion Cane Gun

The Remington Cane Gun was designed by John F. Thomas, Remington's master mechanic. The percussion version is limited to the earliest of these arms around 1858-1866. Many of the estimated 500 percussion examples were also converted making original examples especially desirable. It has a period replacement handmade wood-like "L" shaped handle. The metal tip is marked "J.F. THOMAS/PATENT/FEB'Y 9 1858/REMINGTON & SON'S/ILION, N.Y./34". There are no markings by the button trigger. The overall length is 31 1/2 inches.

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 31

Kentucky Rifle Association Best Relief Carved Rifle Award Winning Engraved Golden Age Flintlock American Long Rifle Attributed to John Bonewitz

Lot 125

Flintlock American Long Rifle Attributed to John Bonewitz

This c. 1790-1800 rifle attributed to master gunmaker John (Johannes) Bonewitz (1758-1828) of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, won the "Best Carved Rifle" award from the Kentucky Rifle Association in 1994 (silver award plaque included) and is certainly a very fine example of why his work is held in such high esteem by collectors of American Long Rifles from the Golden Age after the American Revolution. Bonewitz worked in Womelsdorf c. 1778-1809 and then moved to Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, where he remained active until his death in 1828. He is credited with training Leonard Reedy and Andrew Fitchorn Jr. The rifled barrel has traditional blade and notch sights and no visible markings, and the lock is also unmarked on the outside and only has a "DP" cartouche on the inside. However, the rifle closely matches the detailed carving, engraving, and furniture on other Bonewitz rifles shown in the KRA Bulletin, Volume 29, Number 2 for Winter 2002 in the article "John Bonewitz Master Gunsmith, Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania" and the 2012 article "Johannes Bonewitz- Master Gunsmith, Womelsdorf, PA" by Henry Bishop. In fact, the carving and other details on this rifle could be considered Bonewitz's "signatures." For example, the incised carved scroll pattern ahead of the patch box finial is consistently found on his work. The three-piece patch box itself is the same pattern as is found on many of his rifles, even the engraving is the same as some other examples, and the details of the other incised and raised relief scroll carving at the ramrod entry pipe, wrist, and sides of the butt are all highly consistent with his incredible work. The pattern found below the cheek rest is an uncommon design on American long rifles broadly, but it is found on Bonewitz rifles.

Documentation

Antique

Caliber / Gauge: 50

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