July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
.32 Winchester Special caliber with a 24" barrel. Manufactured 1928. Offered is a beautiful custom deluxe hand engraved Winchester Model 55 lever action rifle. Standard features include full round barrel, takedown magazine, ramp front sight, Winchester sporting rear sight, walnut stocks, and steel buttplate. The workmanship on this rifle was performed by a master craftsman. The engraving is in the style and quality of Kornbrath. Frame, takedown ring, and forend cap are hand-chisel engraved in a scroll and leaf pattern and finished in a coin nickel brushed appearance. The forward portion of the receiver bridge is finely stippled. All of the screw heads are engraved and immaculate. Lever and base are high polish blue finish. The deluxe checkered highly figured walnut stock features an engraved coin-satin nickel grip cap. There is a silver owner's initials plaque at butt. Buttplate is unfinished, features a bullet trapdoor, and the screws and surrounding area are also engraved. Left side of stock has a rollover cheek piece. Wood appears to be dark grain French walnut. Barrel retains all of the high polished blue finish with sharp legends. Rifle is equipped with sling eyes. Bolt and hammer retain all of the brilliant blue finish. Trigger is checkered. Bore is near mint and shiny. This rifle exhibits the kind of workmanship that was put out by the early custom rifle-smiths of the era such as Hoffman, Owen, or Griffin & Howe. It was obviously built at great cost for someone who knew exactly what he wanted, and could afford it. Arguably, the most ornate Model 55 Winchester in existence.