Lot 48: Winchester 1886-Rifle 45-70

The factory letter indicates this rifle was received in the warehouse and shipped September 25, 1912, as order number 379828. The letter confirms the rifle had the following features: rifle, takedown, extra light 22 inch round nickel steel barrel, plain trigger adjusted for "pull light as consistent with safety," checkered pistol grip stock with shotgun butt and hard rubber buttplate, half magazine, a Lyman #21 receiver peep sight, rear sight filler block, and "W.H.V." front sight. It has the standard markings, a dovetailed blade front sight with folding white bead, flat folding two leaf rear sight and a receiver mounted Lyman peep sight. The stock and forearm have multi-point checkering, a Winchester hard rubber grip cap and buttplate. Both have some attractive figure. The trigger is not exceptionally light and breaks cleanly. "529" is marked in the upper tang recess on the stock and is also on the left side of the lower tang followed by "F R XX." The left side of the upper tang has "17" and a triangle with an "I."

Fine overall. The barrel and magazine retain 80% of the faded original blue finish. The takedown collar and receiver retain 60% of the original blue finish. The grip cap and some of the high edges have gray and brown patina and there are some small patches of slight pitting. The lever and hammer mostly retain subdued case colors. There are some minor marks throughout. The wood is fine and has much of the original varnish remaining with a few areas flaking, some small dings and scratches. The buttplate has a chip at the toe. Mechanically excellent and the markings are crisp.