April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/24/2019
Rare engraved musket with 27" round barrel, 7/8th magazine, square base front sight/bayonet lug and 900 yard Henry-type ladder rear sight that is probably original to this musket. Mounted with uncheckered straight grain American walnut with 2/3 length forearm, 3 bands and straight stock that has musket/carbine buttplate with trap, containing a 4-piece brass and iron cleaning rod. Left side of lower tang, under the wood, is marked with the assembly number 2393 with matching number in top tang channel of buttstock and inside toe of buttplate. Bottom of stock and middle forearm band have factory sling loops. The receiver and sideplates are beautifully engraved by master engraver L.D. Nimschke with nearly full coverage on the sides consisting of elaborate, sweeping, intertwined foliate arabesque patterns that have a fine pearled background. Two of the scrolls on the left side terminate in feather patterns with a panel in the center of left sideplate engraved “M.R.” and an empty panel in the front side flat. Right side is equally beautifully engraved with more tight patterns having a sweeping ribbon in the center through which a foliate arabesque pattern emerges from an engraved rectangle. Right front side flat is a mirror image of the left. The transition flats from sideplates to front side panels are unusually engraved in foliate and floral patterns. Bottom of the carrier is engraved in a geometric pattern with multiple borders and there is Mr. Nimschke’s flower blossom between the timing screws. Bottom tang is engraved in a geometric pattern behind trigger slot surrounding Mr. Nimschke’s “LDN” initial signature. Top of receiver is engraved in foliate & floral and geometric patterns. Sides of top and bottom tangs, under the wood and in other sheltered areas show orig gold wash. Given the elaborate engraving, which is unusual to find on a musket, it seems likely that this musket would have been intended as a presentation to some governmental authority to solicit a contract or as a presentation. The fact that this musket shows moderate to heavy use would indicate that is may not have remained in the U.S. but was probably shipped into the Middle East or South America. This musket is pictured, both sides, on pg. 50 of The Book of Winchester Engraving and on pg. 59 of Winchester Engraving, both by Wilson. CONDITION: Good, all matching. Barrel, magazine tube, and bands retain most of a fine professionally restored finish. Receiver and sideplates retain about 30-40% original gold wash, stronger on left side. Lever and hammer are a mottled grey/brown patina. Wood is sound with usual nicks, dings and scratches showing heavy wear and an old refinish. There is a small professional repair on left at ejection port. Mechanics are fine. Strong sharp bore with good shine and spots of heavy pitting. Cleaning rod has replacement slotted tip and one damaged female thread section, otherwise is fine. CORRECTION: (A) Winchester 1866 Lever-Action Musket.
Caliber/Bore
.44 Henry Rimfire