GUN FALL 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/4/2016
RARE DELUXE JOHN ULRICH ENGRAVED MODEL 1895 WINCHESTER RIFLE PRESENTED BY THEODORE ROOSEVELT.WINCHESTER18958841835MODERNCal 35. Factory engraved, carved and gold inlaid Model 1895s are very rare. This particular gun is pictured on pg 142 of the 1971 Antique Arms Annual "Ulrich-engraved Model 1895 Winchester rifle, presented by Theodore Roosevelt to a friend. Relief carved stock and gold inlaid game, scroll, and border motifs." This gun was made in 1915, just 4 years before Roosevelt's death. Roosevelt, a gun aficionado, was known to have given at a least a dozen firearms as gifts including one to his valet and one to his pastor. The purported history on this gun as published when in the massive Winchester collection of Jim Fowler is anecdotal from Fowler, that Roosevelt gifted this gun to a "rancher - to whom Roosevelt had made the presentation". It is well known that Teddy Roosevelt was very keen on the Model 1895 as proven by the records of his safari to Africa 1909-1910; both Roosevelt and his son are pictured with Model 95s in Africa. There is a detailed letter of provenance and history written by R. L. Wilson which accompanies this lot. PROVENANCE: Ex-James S. Fowler Collection; Ex-Greg Martin. CONDITION: Very fine as refinished, retaining most of its blue overall with losses around bbl extension ring and high areas of frame adjacent. Gold inlays are crisp, light pinprick pitting. Stocks retain virtually all of their refinished varnish with light cosmetic nicks and scuffs. There is a thin sliver glue repair front right side at receiver. Mechanically gun functions well with crisp rifling in bore. 50832-4 JS (75,000-125,000)