GUN SPRING 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, April 11, 2017.
SPECTACULAR AND EXTREMELY RARE ENGRAVED DELUXE SPENCER SPORTING RIFLE. SPENCER 1867 21165 56-50 Cal. 56-50. This unique freshly discovered rifle was made most likely for exhibition with 30" half oct to rnd bbl, mounted with deluxe flame grained American walnut engraved and white metal/silver plated action with engraved "SPENCER / REPEATING RIFLE CO" in ribbon on top of receiver. Left side of frame is engraved with a flying American eagle surrounded by scrolls and punch-dot background as is remainder of frame, buttplate, lock and lever. The hammer is similarly engraved along with a dog/serpent head in style noted of Nimschke shop. SN 21165 is found on back of frame showing that this gun was made from a surplus Civil War military frame as other early Spencer Sporters were. There is a presentation Spencer engraved by Nimschke to Spencer company President Frank Cheney in 1868, which this gun was emulated. This is a most unusual and deluxe Spencer sporting rifle which no other example has not been offered previously. CONDITION: Very fine overall. Bbl retains virtually all of its orig thinning blue finish. Plated components retain about 97% orig plate with worn areas at high spots with pitting and brown patina. There are several scratched areas to plating where rust was attempted to be removed, which does not affect the overall aesthetics. There are numerous dents and dings on top edge of receiver, along breech which can be seen in photos but which again do not affect aesthetics. Forestock is larger than frame but is beveled to match with matching assembly "10" found inside and on bbl. Bbl shows no other marking other than assembly numbers and engraving at breech. Bbl exhibits a long German silver blade mounted on dove-tailed post not noted on other Spencer's previously. Screws are all blued and engraved. Mag tube is not engraved or plated. Buttstock was not removed, but matching assembly number "10" is found internally on two parts of case colored breech and on lever. Stocks are well fit with several scuffs and small dents, retaining a newer applied varnish. Mechanically crisp with bright, shiny bore with 6 lands and grooves. 51063-1 JS (30,000-50,000)