June 9-10, 2017 Premier Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/10/2017
Factory research lists this unique rifle in .50 Express with octagon barrel, plain trigger (rifle has adjustable trigger), checkered stock, pistol grip, half magazine, shotgun butt, matted barrel, shipped May 11th, 1889. This rifle has every option listed on the letter, in addition it has the adjustable trigger and rare five leaf express folding sight. The full octagon barrel has the full matted rib from stem to stern, stamped ".50 EX" on left barrel flat. Barrel address on left side. Standard Winchester sporting front sight. Barrel is a pleasing mix of blue and brown patina with razor sharp edges. While not mentioned, the grain of this rifle is at least XX, checkered. Pistol grip has ebony inset. Has the Winchester logo shotgun buttplate. Case colored frame, lever and hammer have basically nickeled out. The bolt has 85% of the Nitre blue finish. Buttstock and forearm fit like a glove, proud to metal with a small finish checking line to right side of upper tang but does not look like a crack and does not move. Line is actually raised as if the finish had bubbled. Right forend at nose cap has a couple of dents and a small repaired chip. Most of the screws are nice with a couple slightly marred with one extra screw in tang. There is still some visible color under the lever. Checkering is still sharp. In all, we count seven special order features. Any Big .50 is a prize, but finding a deluxe Big .50 with this many special orders, and an octagon barrel and button magazine to boot is a collector prize.