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UBERTI PROTOTYPE FRANKLIN MINT 1873 DELUXE LEVER

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,250.00 USD Estimated At:2,500.00 - 4,000.00 USD
UBERTI PROTOTYPE FRANKLIN MINT 1873 DELUXE LEVER
ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 44 WCF (44-40). S# 51145. Built by Uberti in Italy as 1 of 2 firing prototypes of the Buffalo Bill model 1873 issued by Franklin Mint. The Franklin Mint limited edition was a non-firing replica ornamented & styled after this hand-engraved prototype. Bbl. 24" octagon. Sporting sights. Full length mag. Action is hand engraved in the Ulrich style featuring a vignette of Buffalo on right sideplate & Buffalo chase scene on left sideplate. Balance of receiver sides have vine type scroll engraving w/ punch dot backgrounds & fancy borders that continue to upper & lower receiver areas along w/ forearm cap & buttplate peak. Receiver, forearm cap & buttplate are gold finished. Blue bbl. & mag. tube w/ case colored hammer & lever. Forearm & ebony tipped pistol grip stock of fancy walnut have style H hand checkering. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: letter dated May 29, 1992 to the consignor authenticating this rare prototype, "I confirm in this letter that two prototypes of the Cody Replica were made by Uberti in Brescia, Italy. You now own one, and I own the other.". Also includes 4 piece cleaning rod held in stock compartment. CONDITION: metal retains 99% gold, blue & case colored finish. Gloss wood finish is cracking & chipping w/ age. Forearm shows shrinking w/ poor fit at action. Bright near excellent bore. PROVENANCE: The Collection of Edward Scott Meadows. (24-735/DS). MODERN. $2,500-4,000.