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EXTRAORDINARY WINCHESTER HIGHLY ENGRAVED 1897

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:5,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 17,500.00 USD
EXTRAORDINARY WINCHESTER HIGHLY ENGRAVED 1897

SLIDE ACTION SHOTGUN. Cal. 12 Ga. S# C189008. Elaborate full coverage engraving and gold wire borders make this gun standout. Left side of action features an upland scene with pointer followed by a smaller vignette of two ruffed grouse. Left side scene shows a pointing setter and pointer with small circular vignette of a flying woodcock. Scenes are highlighted by gracefully curving wide borders and panels of fine Arabesque scroll. Top of receiver is hand matted with scroll highlights that extend to front, rear and lower portions of receiver, trigger guard bow, receiver extensions, slide bars and magazine bands. Both barrels have bands of engraving at muzzle with wedges of engraving at breech ends. Additional gold borders are found at breech end of barrel, magazine band on receiver extensions and slide bars. Bottom of receiver has gold initials "W.F.S." The unsigned engraving on this unusually ornate gun is likely the work of John Ulrich. BARRELS: 1) 30" with full length matted top, fixed full choke and steel bead. 2) 28" with full length matted top and steel bead. Choke is opened to Mod., original choke marking is "FULL". Both barrel assemblies have small round slide handles of fine walnut with wraparound point pattern checkering. The pistol grip stock of burl figured walnut features a small hard rubber grip cap and point pattern checkering. LOP: 13-7/8" over a solid red Winchester pad that was added later. UNATTACHED ACCESORIES: Cody Firearms Records check listing the following: "Type: Shotgun / Gauge: 12 / Barrel Length: 30 inches / Fancy, Checkered stock, Full pistol grip / Silvers recoil pad / Takedown / Oil finish / Engraved and gold line at breech. Receiver engraved in relief and gold inlaid. Monogram "W.F.S." inlaid in gold in front end of receiver. Engraved same style as on gun number 5168 / Handle checkered / Pull; 14-3/8 in., Drop at heel: 2-1/2"., Drop at comb: 1-3/4"., Cast on heel:1/8 in / Stock same dimensions as on gun number 95654 / Receiver and extra barrel matted / Close shooter / Trigger checkered, Easy pull / One extra stock of plain wood with silvers recoil pad, same dimensions and checkering as fancy stock / Special checkering on both stocks and handles / Received in warehouse on January 30, 1903 / Shipped from warehouse on January 30, 1903, Order number 176654 / Repair and return on September 26, 1903, Order number 204486 / Repair & Return on November 18,1905, Order number 694". CONDITION: extremely fine refinish is likely factory work. Metal retains over 97% blue showing fine scratches on left side of action. Wood finish shows scattered small marks. Stock has a repaired chip right of trigger guard tang. Mechanics are crisp. Both barrel assemblies have good bright bores. (22-4749/DS). CURIO. $10,000-17,500.