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  • Auction Catalog #1035
  • Lot #2
Lot #1
Lot #3

Lot 2: Lawman Jim Roberts' Winchester Model 1886 Rifle

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle Attributed to Top Gun Lawman Jim Roberts with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: October 8, 2020

Lot 2: Lawman Jim Roberts' Winchester Model 1886 Rifle

Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle Attributed to Top Gun Lawman Jim Roberts with Factory Letter

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: October 8, 2020

Estimated Price: $3,750 - $5,500
Price Realized:
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Winchester Model 1886 Lever Action Rifle Attributed to Top Gun Lawman Jim Roberts with Factory Letter

Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1886
Type: Rifle
Gauge: 33 WCF
Barrel: 24 inch round
Finish: blue
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 6304
Item Interest: Active
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 6
Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun
Rating:

OC - FINE- all original parts; over 30% original finish, sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood.

Description:

Factory letter lists rifle with a round barrel in .33 caliber, plain trigger, full magazine and rifle butt when received in the warehouse on Feb. 26, 1908 and shipped on Sept. 3, 1908. Included notarized letter of provenance from Laverne Gilliam (Anderson) states the rifle "was owned by Jim "Uncle Jim" Roberts (1858-1934), who was a lawman in the late 1800s in Northern Arizona" and the rifle was bought by his then teenage father, Charles, directly from Roberts. The rifle was passed on to Laverne after his father's death in 1968. Roberts was involved in the Pleasant Valley War which was an Arizona range war from 1882-92. During this violent feud Roberts became a "top gun" for the Tewksbury faction, credited with killing at least three people. After the range war, he became Sheriff of Yavapai County. On June 21, 1928, he thwarted a bank robbery by shooting the driver of the fleeing getaway car with his nickel plated Colt .45. Roberts' single shot went through the rear car window and landed in the driver's head. It became the apogee to his legendary gunfighter status. Consignor research included.

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