March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Factory letters states that rifle No. 12962 was shipped from the warehouse on July 31st, 1896 with a round barrel, set trigger, checkered stock, shotgun butt, takedown and in caliber .25-35 WCF. There is a remark on the letter "This buttplate needs rubber cushion buttplate." It currently sports a typical steel checkered buttplate. Also has sling eyes not mentioned in letter. There is a pin in frame top rear that goes through the receiver that was obviously installed for an over the frame peep sight of some sort. Has standard sporting sights. Rifle remains in beautiful condition. Barrel and tube retain approximately 95% bright factory blue, browning a bit at muzzle and very little takedown wear on tube. Forend cap has 85% original blue. Frame retains approximately 90% original bright factory blue, including takedown ring which usually flakes white almost immediately. Loading gate has 75% of the Nitre blue finish. Bolt has 95% original blue finish. Generous case colors on hammer and lever, some bright. Straight grip walnut checkered stock chows beautiful grain, is prod to metal with no cracks or chips and retains most of the original finish with sharp checkering. Just usual dings and light wear. Fine bore and action. This is a wonderful high condition example of an antique Winchester in a rare caliber with loads of extra features.