GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
FINE WINCHESTER MODEL 1885 HEAVY TARGET RIFLE.Winchester18857239232-40Cal. 32-40. Usual configuration with 32" #4 weight oct bbl, Windgage globe front sight, no provision for a rear seat and Vernier tang sight with 3" staff. Mounted with very highly figured, center crotch, flame grain American walnut which includes H-syle checkered, black insert, schnable tip forearm, and black insert, Serpentine grip buttstock with deep cheek piece and nickled brass Swiss buttplate. Receiver has close-coupled double set triggers. Top flat of bbl is engraved in script "WILLIAM T. GILBERT". Accompanied by a Winchester Gun Museum letter which identifies this rifle in Cal. 32-40 with 32" #4 oct bbl, set trigger, and checkered pistol grip stock with cheekpiece. The sights are listed on the letter as mid-range Vernier, Wind Gage sight, no level and no rear seat, shipped June 18, 1895. Bottom tang, under wood is unmarked. Top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate are marked with assembly numbers "129". Forearm is inlaid with a bow tie-shaped metal bracket for palm rest, which is missing and also has two additional screw holes with accompanying impression in wood from another old palm rest. Left rear top edge of the forearm, by the bbl channel has a repaired sliver. This was a very popular rifle in a popular target cal in its day. Shooters of that era are known to have altered their rifles to suit their personal needs. CONDITION: Very fine. Matching numbers as noted. Bbl retains 96-97% strong orig blue with only sharp edge wear. Receiver retains about 80% strong case colors, bright in sheltered areas, moderately faded elsewhere. Lever retains about 50% strong case colors. Forearm has the aforementioned repair, otherwise wood is sound with light nicks and scratches and retains about 95-96% strong, orig piano varnish finish on buttstock and about 60% on forearm which shows moderate diamond point wear on checkering. Mechanics are crisp. Bright shiny bore. 49608-2 JR (7,500-12,500)