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Deluxe Custom Engraved Gold-Inlaid Winchester Model 1886 Sporting Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:6,000.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Deluxe Custom Engraved Gold-Inlaid Winchester Model 1886 Sporting Rifle
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Estimate: $15000 - 27500
Winchester Model 1886 rifle manufactured in 1888 and subsequently custom embellished, one hundred years later. This rifle has a blued octagon barrel, half-magazine and silver-plated forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever, and crescent steel buttplate. The rifle has Winchester No. 1 style engraving on the receiver, barrel forearm cap, hammer, lever, and buttplate. Similar engraving is illustrated on page 5 of the 1897 edition of "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS Co., HIGHLY FINISHED ARMS" reprinted on pages 219-223 of "WINCHESTER ENGRAVING" by R.L. Wilson. The receiver is engraved with four game scenes: (1) a grizzly bear with two hounds on the left side, (2) a stalking cougar above the loading gate, (3) a graving white tail buck ahead of the loading gate and (4) a bull moose on the underside of the receiver. The game scenes are surrounded by highly detailed scroll work and engraved borders. The scroll work covers the top and bottom of the receiver, the hammer, lever, forearm cap, and most of the buttplate. The barrel is decorated with gold-inlaid bands at the breech and muzzle and engraved scrollwork. The engraving is very similar to the work of master engraver John Ulrich. The forearm and pistol grip stock are highly figured "Fancy Grain" walnut with the most elaborate Winchester "Style A" relief carved, floral designs, and checkering. The pistol grip has a bone or ebony inlay and both the sock and forearm have a high polish, piano finish. All of the engraving, carving, gold inlays, and special finishes on this rifle are listed and described in the Winchester "HIGHLY FINISHED ARMS" catalogue. The barrel is fitted with a special order wind gauge, globe front sight and a folding, adjustable leaf Model 1886 rear sight. A folding, graduated peep, rear sight is mounted on the receiver tang. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped with the two-line legend: "- MANUFACTURED BY THE -/- WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-". The two-line, 1884/1885 patent dates are roll-stamped on the lower tang behind the trigger and the serial number "29142" is located between the tang screws.
BBL: 26 inch
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 45-90 WCF
Finish: blue/silver-plated
Grips:
Serial Number: 29142
Condition: Very fine. This rifle has been professionally custom embellished. The barrel retains 98% of the high polish custom blue finish. Nearly all of the bright metal finish is present on the receiver, forearm cap, hammer, lever, and buttplate. The engraving on the barrel and receiver is crisp and deep. Light pitting is visible on the sides of the bolt and the locking lugs. The stock and forearm are both in very fine condition. The checkering and relief carved, floral decorations are sharp and show very slight handling marks. This is an attractive 20th century custom engraved Model 1886 rifle with the highest grade embellishment, finish and carving offered of 19th century Winchester rifles.