October 30 - November 2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria, & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2018
In 1909, Winchester brought out their famous A5 scope with the so-called Grasshopper mounts. This quality scope was used by snipers of the AEF during the first World War. This rifle, serial no. 238745 was shipped from warehouse on June 23rd, 1905 as a .38-55 octagon barrel takedown rifle with plain trigger. It is listed as returned and repaired on October 14th, 1910; right after the release of the Winchester A5 scope. In fact, the offset mounts are dated "MAY 24 1910", five moths prior to this rifle being returned. Because the offset mounts are applied to the barrel the "PW" proof, so as to be visible with mounts intact was moved to the left side of the barrel. We are assuming this was done per work order/return as they were definitely applied by the factory and the stamp moved to left side. CONDITION: The rifle itself is in wonderful all original condition. Octagon barrel retains 90% original factory blue with razor sharp legends, sporting front sight and two leaf folding rear sight. The full length takedown tube goes from rich blue at the rear to a thinning blue-silver patina towards the muzzle. The forend cap retains 50% original blue. Takedown ring is a brown-grey patina. Side of frame retains 95% of the bright blue, blending patina on top and bottom. Lever exhibits brilliant case colors on the sides. Generous amounts of case color on the hammer. Buttplate has patterned out. Walnut stocks are near mint, proud to metal with no cracks or chips; beautiful oil finish with nice grain. Loading gate retains 75% original blue finish. Action is like new. Rifling is near new, sharp and shiny. The early A5 scope has red legends near face. Top legends are sharp with "MODEL A5". A beautiful, high condition takedown .38-55 with a killer bore, with what we believe to be a factory mounted offset scope with 90% original blue, standard crosshairs and great optics.