GUN SPRING 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/11/2017
RARE AND ICONIC NIMSCHKE "BANK NOTE" ENGRAVED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 RIFLE WITH IMAGE OF "COLUMBIA - THE PERSONIFICATION OF AMERICA".WINCHESTER662873744Cal. 44. Maybe the most recognized engraved Winchester is this fabulous gun with the image of "Columbia" taken from Civil War 15 cent "bank note", finely engraved L. D. Nimschke in 1869. Extremely rare rifle with 21-1/4" oct bbl, standard fixed sights, mounted with highly polished, straight grain wood stock with matching SN found in lower buttstock channel, assembly letter "V" found on lower tang of frame, crescent shaped buttplate with trap contains orig 3-pc cleaning rod. Engraved designs in brass are among the most elaborate and beautiful with spectacular fine scrolls with large central panel on left side of "Columbia", who is the personification of America with her eagle headed Liberty cap, starred tiara above a bundled fasces (representing the power or authority of the state). This exact engraved panel is shown in Nimschke's pattern book, dated in his hand December 1869. This superb Winchester has fantastic collection history and is truly a piece of American patriotic art. PROVENANCE: Ex-Solis Goodman,1950; Engraving pictured on pg 58 of L. D. Nimschke Firearms Engraver, 1965; Ex-Elmer Taylor Collection; Pictured on pg 56, Antique Arms Annual, 1971; Ex-Doug Beneck Collection; Ex-Leroy Merz Collection. CONDITION: Very fine to extremely fine overall all matching and orig. Bbl and magazine tube retain about 90% thinning blue with staining and overall blue/plum. Loading arm retains strong traces of bright case colors with balance muted to a dark blue/brown. Hammer retains most of its orig case colors, thought partially muted and dark. Brass frame, nosecap and buttplate have a beautiful deep mustard colored patina with gold highlights in protected areas bringing the engraving to life. Stocks retain virtually all of their orig bright, highly polished varnish with small cosmetic dents and scratches. Mechanically the gun is fine with crisp shiny bore. 50412-15 JS (150,000-250,000)