May 13-15, 2025 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/13/2025
This wonderful special order deluxe rifle shipped June 22, 1888 with a Return and Repair listed for December 28, 1895. Rifle features a very scarce extra length 30" octagon barrel which appears slightly heavier than standard, the extra weight not listed on factory records. Barrel and magazine tube are finished in factory blue, the top flat bearing the classic 2-line address and "45-70" caliber designation. Lyman hunting front sight and "1886" marked 1000 yard rear sight, an additional factory supplied Lyman tang sight is also mounted. Frame is case hardened as is correct for a solid frame rifle of this vintage. Factory single set trigger which remains in order at the time of cataloging. Deluxe checkered XX grade American walnut forend and pistol grip stock with ebony grip inlay and and case hardened crescent butt plate. Lower tang marked internally with "40" assembly number and "XX" wood grade, a matching "40" present in the stock channel. Factory research confirms features including sights. PROVENANCE: EX Robert Nichols Collection, 1978 and EX Jay Lyndes Collection. CONDITION: Very fine. Barrel and magazine tube retain approximately 95% factory blue with some mild thinning on the underside of the tube, hanger, and muzzle, as well as silvering along the high edges and some scattered marks. Receiver displays the vast majority of its rich case colors with some expected fading and cleaning marks, the belly and high edges drifting to a patterned gray patina. Lever retains strong colors on the sides, the working surfaces faded to a freckled gray patina. Nose cap has approximately 50% muted colors. Butt plate has largely drifted to patina with a few flashes of color. Stocks are fine and well fit, retaining the vast majority of their original varnish with scattered scratches and impressions. There is a small sliver of loss along the right side of the lower tang above the trigger. Crisp mechanics. Well defined bore with some areas of abrasion. A very attractive and rare special order 1886.
Paperwork
Factory Research