June 25-28, 2018 Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2018
Bottom of the receiver of both carbines has the prison ID No. JR11444 and No. JR11445. Both of these carbines are Third Models that feature full round barrels, full magazine, twin barrel bands, 1873 ladder rear sights, post front sight, saddle ring and stud, walnut stocks, carbine butts and carbine buttplates with trapdoors. Consecutive Winchester numbers and consecutive prison numbers. Referred to as "Pendridge Prison Issue" with total issued somewhere between 100 and 140, these prison carbines are identified by the JR stamp and number on bottom of frame. The "JR" stamp refers to firearms retailer James Watson Rosier. Engraved on the bottom of the frame along with rack number assigned to officer. The latest serial number from the prison records is No. 434743. This pair of Winchester is listed as being shipped in 1884 and retained by serial number in the documents from the superintendent of the Pendridge Prison. The listed serial numbers total 112 firearms. The most famous of the outlaws executed at the Pendridge prison system was Ned Kelly. All of the information about these two Winchesters is included with the guns in an article taken from Winchester Collectors magazine, which mentions both guns by serial number and rack number. It is interesting to note that neither one of these carbines have any British proof marks. As to condition, they are complete, all original, untouched with overall soft brown patina in fine working order with strong bores, albeit some light powder residue in gun (A), which is to be expected in guns that were carried daily as prison guard duty guns that were hardly fired. Extremely fine consecutive numbered pair of untouched original 1873 carbines used at the infamous Australian prison in the latter part of the 19th century.
Serial Number
(A) 149677 (B) 149678