June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Full octagon barrel with a half magazine. Case colored forearm cap, case colored receiver, thumbprint dust cover that reads "WINCHESTER EXPRESS / 50 CAL. 95 GRS". Receiver is also case colored. Stock is of a "XX" American walnut. Standard checkering in "H" style grade with black ebony insert on pistol grip. Stock has a metal shotgun butt that is not numbered to the stock but fits well enough to be original. Upper channel of stock is numbered "996" as the lower tang has the same number with another set of numbers "3805". Hammer is case colored as is lever and trigger. Carrier lifter is marked .50-95. These Big Bore .50 Express rifles are commonly found with English proofs and retailers markings. Finding an outstanding example such as this with no export markings is a great rarity. Accompanied by a factory letter confirming the configuration: Rifle, Express caliber, octagon barrel, plain trigger, checkered stock with pistol grip, half magazine, shotgun butt; Received in warehouse August 1880 and shipped the same day. A small sub-note indicates that the rifle was returned for repair in December 1891. Very fine condition. Octagon barrel retains 95-96% original blue. Forearm cap is 97-98% original case colored. Receiver left side sports 97-98% original color, right side is 96-97%. Carrier lifter with caliber marking "50-95" and retains a light to medium mustard colored look with very few light scratches. Loading gate has strong nitre blue of 97-98%. Dust cover is blued and retains 90-93% original blue. Hammer is case colored with 95-96% strong vivid color with a drag line on left side. Lever has strong colors on both flats and retains strong colors on the bottom of lever as well, would rate a good 96-97% strong case colors overall. Wood has a few surface scratches, a few dings on left side of stock with crazing evident and light color on heel of stock indicating moisture getting under the finish. Right side also has crazing with light scratches and few compression. A chip of wood is missing on the stock located at the back end of the lower tang. Comes with ebony insert on pistol grip. Checkering with a few bruises on left side and a few bruises to checkering on right side. Forearm would rate with very minor bruising. Overall condition of stock 95+% on finish with forearm rating 94-96% with few surface scratches and compressions. Early style checkering would indicate a course pattern checkering but this is a fine checkering pattern. Light surface pitting in bore but bright and shiny otherwise. Cycles properly, mechanics are fine. From the Ray Bentley Collection.
Caliber/Bore
.50-95 Express