September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
.50-100-450 caliber with a 26" barrel. Offered is an extremely fine all original Winchester Big 50 Express rifle that letters all the way. It was shipped on July 28th, 1905 with a 26" full octagon barrel in standard rifle configuration with blued finish, full magazine, rifle butt. Has the rear two leaf express sight. Shows no signs of any other type of rear sight (no sights listed on letter). Has a standard sporting front sight. This rifle remains in beautiful condition and has never been touched in any way. Screws are fine with a couple of minor burrs from tightening. The wood is proud to metal, no cracks or chips, nor any significant bumps or bruises. Original finish with raised grain. Strong remains of case colors on hammer and lever. The barrel and tube retain approximately 90-95% of the original high luster factory finish with the lightest of high edge wear on sharp edges of barrel flats. Forend tip and hanger are a soft patina with flashes of original blue. Factory blued frame has softened to a rich blue-brown patina with flashes of brilliant blue at lever base and rear recess. The bolt retains virtually all of the original fire blue finish. Bore and action are mint. This rifle has aged like a fine Bordeaux, it was well cared for, retains the majority of the strong blue finish with the balance having aged perfectly and has seen light and well cared for use. If you have been looking for a classic .50 caliber Model 1886 that has looks and condition, this should be the one.