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Rare and Unique One of Thirty Relief-Engraved Winchester Third Model 1873 Lever Action Rifles Create

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Rare and Unique One of Thirty Relief-Engraved Winchester Third Model 1873 Lever Action Rifles Create
Rare and Unique One of Thirty Relief-Engraved Winchester Third Model 1873 Lever Action Rifles Created for Abercrombie & Fitch by Master Engraver Dell Zornado. Serial no. 104003, .44-40 caliber, 24-inch blued octagonal barrel with German silver blade type front sight and having inlaid brass bands at muzzle and breech. Right side of frame with deep-relief engraved pictorial panels of a seated Liberty coin dated 1873 and a circular panel with a charging bear. The reverse with a reprise image of the seated Liberty coin; a larger panel with a charging bear and a circular panel with an Indian chief with a feather bonnet. All panels are surrounded by highly detailed floral scrolls and these motifs are replicated on top of dust cover, lifter and top of buttplate. Dentate, roped and rocker engraved borders are found on the fore-end cap, the ends of the frame and edge of buttplate. Right side frame plate with a monogram panel surrounded by floral scrolls and bearing the engraved legend: 1973 /&/AFC [Abercrombie & Fitch Co.]/74. Fire-blued loading gate and screws. Varnished deluxe walnut fore-end and buttstock. Crescent butt. Cleaning rod reservoir in butt. This rifle is reportedly one of approximately thirty black powder hand-selected Winchester Model 1873 lever action rifles that were ordered refurbished and custom engraved by American master engraver Dell Zornado as promotionals for Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in 1973. They were not signed by Zornado but the quality and style of work is his without question. He reportedly would not continue to do these rifles for the firm as they wanted him to lower his fees, which he refused to do, making these Winchesters rare and unique examples of this engraver's artistry. Later examples bear the signature of Adam Rose, supposedly an alias for Zornado but are of lesser detail than the earlier examples. Condition: Excellent. Retaining approximately 95-98% finish with scattered light handling and storage wear. Wood with light wear and minor marks. Action crisp.