November 3-4, 2017 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/4/2017
Manufactured between 1908 and 1909. This incredible, nearly full-coverage engraved Winchester was manufactured and engraved under John Ulrich's reign at Winchester as the head engraver. According to a 1977 Winchester research letter, the factory records from numbers 146,000-150,799 are missing from the records. When examining "The Book of Winchester Engraving", By R.L. Wilson, page 224 shows a Winchester Model 1886, serial no. 147,053, also in this missing span, shows nearly the same pattern of engraving, with identical antlered game vignette, with similar scroll, punch dot background, and boarder engraved. This is a nearly identical rifle also made in 1908. The deer panels are in the "Highly Finished Arms" catalog on pages 20 and 21. Serial number 147053 is a takedown Model 1886, with style no. 9 engraving, select walnut stocks, shotgun butt in 33 cal, with 24" barrel, and takedown option. With the buttstock removed, the assembly number "886" is stamped on the left lower tang, as well as the upper stock inlet. There are also two "x" stamps for double X wood on left tang. The pistol grip checkered shotgun butt and checkered forearm have the five dollar style H checking. The no. 9 engraving listed at ten dollars. In addition to both sides of the frame exhibiting nearly complete coverage, there is some engraving at base of frame, some similar engraving on takedown collar. There is some minimal engraving on the top forward chamber, and top rails, as well as the forward upper tang. There is also some complimentary scroll engraving 1-1/4" at breach. This rifles features a standard 24" round tapered barrel, with Marble front sight, Winchester sporting rear sight, half magazine, and takedown. The barrel retains approximately 93% brilliant factory blue. Magazine cap is a mix of blue and brown patina. The lightly engraved forend cap retains 85% blue. The takedown ring retains 75% blue, the frame retains 99% blue, generous amounts of case colors on hammer and lever, some brilliant, the wood is proud to metal, with extra finish. Winchester logo shotgun buttplate with Winchester grip cap, and in near mint condition, with only light abrasions. The top comb of the stock has a brass ID plaque that is inscribed "J. H. POOLE, DETROIT". This was probably done outside the factory. Poole was the Director of the Union Trust Company at the turn of the century. Bore and action are in like new condition. This rifle leaves no doubt to the fact that it was factory engraved under the John Ulrich department, using his engraving template, and remains in beautiful near mint overall condition, inside and out. Truly an investment grade, factory engraved 1886 Winchester.