December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
Included factory research indicates this carbine was received in the Winchester warehouse July 17, 1888, and shipped out November 8 of the same year. Fitted with a standard carbine length round barrel marked for ".44 RF" with barrel mounted blade post front sight and rear ladder sight. The brass frame features very attractive Ulrich engraving with a total of 4 empty geometric panels framed in foliate scroll with punch dot shading. The scroll and foliate motifs continue on the top flat and run down alongside the hammer slot. The lower tang is finely stamped "J. ULRICH" for John Ulrich, one of the famed Ulrich brothers who began doing factory engraving for Winchester in the 1870s and continued until his death in 1924. Any Ulrich signed Winchester is a rarity. The engraving on this carbine is highly elegant and a nice representation of John's work. The carbine is stocked in plain American oil finish walnut with a silver plated steel carbine butt plate engraved en suite at the heel. Matching "225" assembly numbers present on the inside of the lower tang and stock. CONDITION: Very good. Barrel and tube haves turned a pleasant smooth gray patina. The loading gate retains majority of dulling blue. The two line Winchester top barrel legend is crisp and .44 RF is stamped at breech. Receiver exhibits a pleasant mellow gold patina while the engraving has slightly darkened. Stocks appear lightly cleaned with scattered impressions. Late issue steel butt plate retains the vast majority of its plating with some loss. Rifling is strong with some abrasion. Bands are the same grey patina as barrel. Fine mechanics. An overall very nice and scarce signed example of John Ulrich's masterful work.
Paperwork
Factory Research