April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
Of the rarest of all Winchester rifles to obtain by collectors today is a documented 1905 Self-Loading rifle that is engraved or has deluxe configuration. Designed by T.C. Johnson, a Winchester engineer who developed the Model 1903 Self-Loading .22 and introduced in 1905 and manufactured until 1920. Upon introduction these sturdy rifles were quite expensive at $28.00 for standard and $43.00 for fancy or deluxe variations. For this reason the production of these pricey rifles was a mere 31,467 units; of these deluxe or fancy grade examples are rarely every found. We have no recollection of any other documented factory engraved deluxe Model 1905 in .35 Winchester Self-loading caliber to have been sold on the open market. This example, serial number 13927, is chambered for the .35 Winchester Self-Loading cartridge and is accompanied by a factory letter dated June 25th, 1987. The letter indicates the rifle was shipped .35 caliber, fancy pistol grip stock, Lyman rear sight, combination front sight (Beech), targeted point blank to 150 yards, engraved $14.00 stocks carved/checkered No. 5 carved style; received in warehouse November 17th, 1906 and shipped from warehouse November 19th, 1906. The rifle is blue finish with 22" round barrel with scroll engraved chamber and features a platinum band just forward of receiver. The receiver is dual game scene engraved with a vignette of a pair of American pronghorn antelope in a western scenario with evergreens and low laying brush and rocks. The vingnette is surrounded by a maple leaf and scrolling vines with a straight single line border. The left side of the receiver has a large vignette of a pair of running bull caribou surrounded by hardwood trees and grassy forest floor. Outside of vignette is surrounded by a matching maple leaf, scroll and vine motif with a matching single line border. The top of the receiver has intertwined tight scrolls with a wavy rope border at the receiver tops edge. The two piece highly figured American walnut stocks are masterfully checkered with semi Fleur-de-Lis patterns at wrist and forearm. CONDITION: Very good as found. The rifle retains over 80% blued finish on the barrel with areas turning patina. The elegant engraved receiver retains bout 25% vivid blue finish with moderate aged patina. The stocks are very good with slight wear from use with numerous period impressions and minor scratches. A 1-1/2" shrinkage crack is visible at the lower left side of wrist. The factory Winchester hard rubber buttplate is worn but is fully intact. All markings are crisp and legible. The action operates properly. The bore is very good with sharp rifling. An extremely rare example of one of Winchesters lesser known rifles.