GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE L.D. NIMSCHKE ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE INSCRIBED WITH INITIALS "HWC" PURPORTED TO HAVE BELONGED TO OREGON U.S. SENATOR HENRY W CORBETT.WINCHESTER18662886044 RF HENRYCal. 44 RF Henry. Spectacular Nimschke engraved '66 rifle with 24-1/4" oct bbl, full magazine, German silver, knife blade front sight and 900 yd. Henry ladder rear sight. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and crescent buttplate with trap. Bottom of buttstock and forend cap have factory sling swivels. Top tang channel and buttstock is marked with last four digits of matching SN, which are also found inside toe of buttplate. Receiver is beautifully engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with about 70% coverage on the receiver and flourishes on forend cap and buttplate tang. Receiver engraving consists of the fabulous vignette of a screaming eagle's head on left sideplate and the patriotic vignette of a shield and stars overlaid by a wide ribbon engraved with the initials "H.W.C". Both vignettes are surrounded by Mr. Nimschke's sweeping foliate arabesque patterns that have fine pearled background. Both front side flats are identically engraved to match. Top of receiver is engraved in foliate and floral patterns with geometric patterns on top flat. Top tang, behind hammer slot is also engraved with foliate and floral pattern. Bottom of the carrier is engraved with Mr. Nimschke's trademark flower blossom and there is a foliate pattern between the timing screws that has four stars in the center. Bottom tang, behind trigger slot is engraved with a geometric and stars pattern. Forend cap and buttplate tang are engraved to match with foliate arabesque patterns. According to consignor, this rifle had been presented to Oregon U.S. Senator, Henry W. Corbett (1827-1903). Senator Corbett was born in Massachusetts and eventually wound up in Oregon, where he was elected to the United States Senate and served 1867-1873. This rifle was produced in about 1869 during his term in office and undoubtedly was a presentation from a benefactor seeking an appointment or favor from the Senator. Accompanied by a 2-pg. letter from renowned researcher and author, George Madis, wherein he substantiates most of the technical information above. Another Model 1866 with identical engraving is pictured on pg. 121 of The Winchester Book, 1985 edition. PROVENANCE: Prestigious and lifetime Parker and Winchester collection of Dr. Tom Bouwkamp. CONDITION: Good. No orig finish remains, with the bbl and magazine tube being mostly a grey/brown patina. Bbl address is faint but mostly legible. Receiver and sideplates show moderate to heavy edge wear with light to moderate wear on the engraving, which is still completely clear and overall retain a fine medium mustard patina. Forend cap and buttplate are matching patina. Wood is sound with light handling and storage nicks and scratches and retains most of an old refinish. Mechanics are fine. Dark bore with good rifling and moderate to heavy pitting. 52170-30 JRL (20,000-30,000)