October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2018
Featured on page 42 of THE BOOK OF WINCHESTER ENGRAVING by R.L Wilson this rifle for many years was misidentified as having been engraved by Louise D Nimschke and presented to the iconic Thomas F. O'Connor the principal international sales agent sales agent for Winchester. With newer information coming to light the rifle is now properly identified as being engraved by Thomas O'Connell a contemporary and rival of the famed Louise D Nimschke. The styles and patterns of engraving are almost identical however O'Connell is well known for signing his skillful work with his initials T.F.O.C. at the balance point of the bottom of the receiver. This wonderful example of mechanical art has a Full nickel finish bbl as is mag tube and mag tube guide ring. Receiver is gold plated. Forearm cap are engraved and forearm cap has a sling swivel attached to the bottom. Brass receiver is fully engraved both left and right side. Has a monogram on right side "IJS" in script inside of panel. Stock is of a fancy American walnut marked with "XXX" on bottom tang. All visible numbers match. Forearm is also of a deluxe grade of wood. Bottom of stock has a sling swivel attached to match the one on bottom of forearm. Buttplate is also engraved on top flange. An American eagle panel scene on the left side of frame. PROVENANCE: Jim Tant, Raymond Bentley Collections as well as John Malloy collection. CONDITION: Oct bbl, mag tube and mag tube guide ring all retain 98% orig nickel. Receiver lines all are sharp on both left and right sides with little wear indicated. Brass has a nice mellow mustard color on both left and right sides of receiver and top as well. Carrier lifter is also of a medium to dark mustard color. Stock on left hand side is of a high piano finish that has few surface scratches and mars that would indicate any heavy use. Finish remaining is about 95% on left side with a few chips of wood missing from upper tang and the corner of the stock where it meets the tang. Right side also has surface scratches with light impressions with one scratch or a crack in the stock that is approx 1" from buttplate running from top to bottom; it is an old break that occurred when the wood starts to dry out. Fit of stock on right side next to receiver also has a few chips out and has a hairline crack that runs from the back of the tang about 1" that runs down to the bottom of tang. Finish on stock is 94-95%. Hammer without any finish remaining. Lever turning to a light patina color as is trigger. Loading gate retains 95% orig nitre blue. Bore is bright and shiny with deep rifling. Mechanics are fine and properly functioning. TDW