November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
This remarkable 3rd Model Winchester Model 1866 rifle, manufactured in 1870, serial number 46037, is believed to be the earliest known Winchester with deep relief engraving. Masterfully hand engraved by Conrad Frederick Ulrich. The master engraver obviously considered this one of his best works, as he signed it three places along the lower tang. 24" octagon barrel with full length magazine tube. Chambered in .44 Henry RF. Late Henry style elevator rear sight graduated to 900 yards. Globe front and correct mid-range tang mounted sights. Blue with gold-plated brass frame, forearm cap, and crescent rifle style buttplate. Case hardened hammer and lever. Deluxe, select grain walnut stock and forearm, marked "VXXX" on inside bottom tang. Matching serial number found on stock, inside top tang channel. Assembly number "80" marked on inside lower tang and buttplate. Buttplate is also marked inside with matching serial number. A most interesting hand engraved (undefinable) signature in script on inside lower tang. Sling provisions on forearm cap and buttplate. Most unique minute panel address on left side of frame, marked "WINCHESTER-REPEATING-ARMS-NEW HAVEN CT." Additional unique feature of scroll engraving found on the barrel at the breech, midpoint, and muzzle. Engraving forms a panel around barrel address marked in 2 lines: "WINCHESTER-REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN. CT./KINGS-IMPROVEMENT-PATENTED-MARCH 29,1866. OCTOBER 16, 1860.". Profuse scroll and fancy border engraving with 8 relief engraved panel scenes. According to the accompanying 4 page letter written by R.L. "Larry" Wilson, "The quality of the scrollwork, border engraving, and the panel scenes is exquisite, appropriate for the exhibition purposes of the rifle". Wilson further states "In considering known examples of deluxe Winchester Model 1866 rifles and carbines, number 46037 stands as the earliest known relief-carved and deluxe engraved Winchester firearm. Thus the rifle is also the first such arm by C.F. Ulrich. His pride in this rifle is evident by the three signatures, in a unique combination of stamping and engraving". The / engraved panel scenes include, on the frame left side, a large panel with a hunter and dog shooting three buck deer and a doe; a unique scene of a gentleman with saddled horse in the English style of riding habit; right side of frame features 5 panels including a small panel with a bird motif, small panel with crouching leopard, a large panel featuring the "Three Graces", a small oval panel with squirrel motif, and a large round panel with two hunting dogs; top of the frame, located just behind the ejection port features a fox head sculptured in low relief. Intricate scroll engraving and fancy borders are richly and profusely engraved on the top and bottom of the frame and tangs. CONDITION: Excellent, showing moderate wear to the engraving and balance point at frame lower front. Traces of original gold plating on bottom tang. Barrel and magazine tube are mostly a blue/grey patina. Bore is dark. Action is tight and crisp. Wood is lightly refinished with an old repair to the wrist incorporating a 1/4 X 2-3/4 inch metal strip and six screws on both sides. Well used yet not abused overall. A most colorful and rare exhibition grade Winchester Model 1886 that did not spend its life in a showcase, the quintessential example of "IF THIS GUN COULD TALK". -MKS-
Item Dimensions: L - 44"
Caliber/Bore
.44 Henry Rimfire
Paperwork
R.L. Wilson Letter