December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1351:
(C) WONDERFUL GRIFFIN & HOWE WINCHESTER MODEL 54 BOLT ACTION RIFLE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025
Manufactured in 1930. Barrel marked “No 888 GRIFFIN & HOWE INC. NEW YORK” with chamber marked ".30 W.C.F.". Banded and ramped blade front sight with Lyman receiver sight. Banded barrel mounted sling swivel. Dual tear drop checkered bolt handle with jeweled bolt body and extractor. Polished rails with jeweled follower. Oil finished checkered stock with pistol grip, buffalo horn tip, steel grip cap, bordered cheek piece, and blank silver name plate. Fitted with contemporary Winchester recoil pad. Included Griffin & Howe research and document copies record the rifle in its present configuration listed as a consignment for the substantial sum of $135 in 1939 by Abercrombie & Fitch, with the consignor listed as C.D. Thomson. Charles Dabney Thomson was born in 1915 to a socially prominent family in Cincinnati. Presumably the rifle was originally purchased by his father, Alexander Thomason, the vice president of the Champion Coated Paper Co. The family passed through New York City around the time this rifle was originally manufactured. The family likewise owned a large hunting estate in Indiana where this rifle would have been put to good use. A 1941 listing for the rifle indicates it was withdrawn from consignment by the Thomson. Thomson later passed away in Palm Beach, Florida in 1970, not far from where this rifle was discovered. CONDITION: Extremely fine. 97% rust blue finish. Stock is very fine with some bruises and impressions. A minute shrinkage crack exists at rear of tang. Brilliant and sharp bore. A lovely and extremely well maintained custom American sporting rifle.
Manufacturer
Griffin & Howe
Paperwork
G&H Letter, Records, Research