GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
RARE SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE.WINCHESTER187328782844 WCF (44-40)Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). Standard grade 3rd Model carbine with nickel finish, 20" bbl, full magazine, barleycorn front sight and 1873 marked carbine ladder rear sight. Left side of receiver has a staple & ring. Mounted with uncheckered, straight grain American walnut with straight stock and carbine buttplate that has trap containing an orig 3-pc brass & steel wiping rod. Left side of lower, tang under the wood is marked with a large "C" and the assembly number "1". Matching assembly number is also found in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Inside toe of buttplate is also marked "00". Receiver is 3rd type with integral dust cover rail and 3rd type dust cover. Bottom of buttstock & forearm band have European style narrow sling swivels. Accompanied by a Cody Firearm''s Museum letter which identifies this carbine in Cal. 44 with nickel finish, received in warehouse March 13, 1889, no shipping date, and the notation "Sold in Paris". Also accompanied by a letter from renowned dealer/auctioneer David Condon wherein he authenticates this carbine and states that it was made for the Winchester Exhibit at the Eiffel Tower, Paris World''s Fair Exposition of 1889, at which Winchester won a gold medal. According to Mr. Condon, there are other Winchester rifles in this serial range that are known to have been sent as part of that exhibit, one of which was sent to the Winchester warehouse on the same day as this carbine for inclusion in the shipment to Paris. Full nickel Winchesters are somewhat scarce with identified World Expo pieces extremely rare. CONDITION: Extremely fine, all matching. Overall retains about 95-96% crisp orig nickel with some light flaking on the bbl over the chamber area, light flaking on the receiver and lever with light spotting on the hammer. Buttplate retains about 60-70% orig nickel. Stock has a few very light nicks & scratches with a series of light scratches on left side of buttstock and overall retains about 98% crisp, orig-light walnut stain finish. Forearm also has light scratches with a scrape on each side from someone removing the bbl band. Mechanics are crisp. Brilliant shiny bore. Cleaning rod is fine. 49771-1 JR58 (10,000-20,000)