June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
This outstanding 1873 First Model rifle with octagon barrel chambered for the .44-40 cartridge is factory engraved to the highest degree and finished in silver and mounted with exhibition Grade II piece American walnut stocks. Profusely engraved with four game scenes of bison, elk and a wolf. These vignettes are surrounded tight scrolls and floral arabesque. This amount of the master engraved coverage is truly rarely found on any Winchester rifle. The barrel is engraved with a vine and scroll pattern at muzzle and breech. Two silver bands are found at the muzzle and breech. The magazine tube and band are engraved with the same elegant pattern. Matching vine and scrolls are masterfully engraved on the Hammer , Lever and buttplate. This rifle is wonderfully featured in the fine book by R.L.Wilson "Winchester Engraving" on page 140 and 141." and is pictured and described as "Serial number 23313, Model 1873 signed on lower tang J. Ulrich. Recorded in factory ledger: octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered stock half silver-plated frame mortise cover carrier block, buttplate, forend cap, loading lever, magazine tube and band." Mr. Wilson continues to state the barrel is profusely engraved with German silver. This fantastic rifle after having been detail disassembled was observed to have assembly numbers (77) found on tang, buttplate and stock mortise. Tang is marked with "XXXX" to verify the outstanding grade of walnut stocks. Sporting nickel bladed front sight with elevator adjustable rear sight with checkered sides. Fine checkered forearm and wrist of buttstock.
Outstanding condition; engraved octagon barrel retains over 90% original factory applied blue finish with losses at muzzle and high points of engraving. Magazine tube has the equal amount of finish with slight loss at fore tip and just forward of forearm. Engraved silver plated forearm cap retains over 95% of its finish with a slight loss at bottom. Engraved silver plated receiver and dust cover retain over 95% of the original silver with slight flecking and typical loss at balance point. All screw heads remain excellent and no indication of distress or abuse. Deluxe stocks as previously noted are properly assembly number marked and show slight wear at points of checkering on both forearms and butt. The factory varnish is very fine with slight finish imperfections from the past 140 years of slight use and storage. Bore is excellent being bright with sharp rifling. Mechanics are fine with exception of set trigger fails to set. The opportunity to own such an outstanding example of Winchesters finest work is rarely found. This rifle is well documented by factory ledgers and in print. Winchester 23313 was a centerpiece of the Ray Bentley collection and we are very honored to offer this piece of Mechanical Art for auction. Accompanied by Factory letter confirming configuration as is previously noted by R.L.Wilson. From the Ray Bentley Collection.