September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
This was one of approximately 125 Model 1873 Winchester rifles ordered by the Atlanta Police Department in 1889-90 in two orders, with this particular rifle being from the second order in 1890. Like all in those orders, they letter as standard rifles in caliber .44-40 with octagon barrels, special order sling swivels and have factory engraving on the left side plate that reads "Atlanta Police" followed by a rack or inventory number. The serial number is 331,930B, which is in the proper range. Chambered for the .44-40 cartridge with a 24" barrel. This particular rifle is numbered "74". This rifle has all of the standard Atlanta Police order features, including the original sling swivels and wear a pair of original sporting front and rear sights. Barrel and frame legends are sharp, as is the "Atlanta Police" engraving. The barrel is a smooth pleasing mix of factory blue blending with patina with high edge wear on the sharp barrel flats. The tube is a mix of brown and soft gun metal grey. Frame retains approximately 30-40% of the original high polish blue, mostly behind sideplate with the balance a nice mix of blue-brown gun metal patina. Walnut stocks are very good, perfect wood to metal fit. Forearm has one light grain separation that is still tight at base. Stock has approximately 25 kill notches carved at bottom (!!?). The stamped brass carrier is a mustard patina with sharp legend. All screw heads are near perfect. Near mint bore and perfect action. This fine condition, all original Atlanta Police Department stamped 1873 has a lot of stories to tell.