November 17 & 18, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2021
1903 vintage Winchester Model 1886 deluxe rifle, serial number 127344. Special ordered 26" half octagon to round barrel with button length magazine tube. Standard front and rear barrel sights. Special ordered Model 21 frame mounted elevator sight. Chambered in scarce .50-100-450 caliber. High polished blue with case hardened lever and hammer. Deluxe, full-figured, checkered walnut pistol grip stock and forearm. Shotgun style butt with factory mounted "Silvers" red rubber recoil pad. According to the Cody Firearms Museum Records Office, serial number 127344 was originally shipped from the factory on January 23, 1903 with the inscription "Dr. J.G. Knowlton" engraved on the left side of the frame. Records further document return to the factory for "R&R" on November 6, 1904 on work order #26777 and again on June 30, 1905 on work order #1042. Unfortunately, detailed records of the work performed are not available. Considering the inscription no longer appears on left side of frame, it is our opinion one of the factory work orders were to remove the inscription and refinish the frame. To further support this belief, the right inside of the top tang is factory marked: "Refinished" indicating some level of factory refinishing. The inside bottom tang is marked: "XX" documenting "Deluxe" wood along with assembly number "17." Assembly number "17" is also found on inside of top tang channel of the stock. The frame-mounted Model 21 elevator sight is not mentioned in the original shipping record, however is 100% original Winchester factory work and was probably installed in accordance with one of the two work orders. CONDITION: Excellent+ with approximately 95% bright original high polish blue remaining on the barrel. Receiver retains 95% factory reapplied blue with most noticeable blue loss on the loading gate. Wood is excellent showing modest wear. Bore is bright and clean. Action is tight and crisp. Overall a most attractive and scarce special ordered deluxe rifle chambered in a very desirable caliber. MKS