The Confederate Iron Frame Henry Rifle

03/03/2017

Not to be confused with their modern counterparts, Henry rifles have long been an indispensable part of firearms development and, therefore, America itself. Their Winchester lineage is well-known, but there's more to these iconic lever actions than serving as some firearms patriarch. They have seen the best and worst of times, as both an ornate presentation to Abraham Lincoln and in their limited service during that terrible war which threatened to tear our country asunder. In Rock Island Auction Company's 2017 May Premiere Firearms Auction is a supremely rare Henry rifle whose provenance can be traced back to that very conflict.

At first glance, you may notice something strange about this Henry rifle. Aren’t Henry rifles usually yellow in color courtesy of their brass receivers? You are correct, but the key word is “usually.”

Read the rest of this article at our blog's new permanent home on our web page!

The Prize for Capturing Geronimo, Part I

This incredible rifle will be available in our 2016 April Premiere Auction.

Lieutenant Colonel George Crook was not having a good time. Everything should have been falling in to place.  He was a nationally recognized military man whose career included decades of service. He was a renowned "Indian fighter," having moved many Native American groups off their lands when such activities were considered desirable. Though, even among the Native Americans he was  revered among them as a white man they could trust. Crook respected Native Americans, viewed them as honorable warriors, and after removing a tribe treated them humanely, helped them grow crops, and even found some employment. This was in line with the view of those who saw reservations as essential to the long-term survival of the Native Americans. Red Cloud, Chief of the Lakota, is noted as saying, "Crook never lied to us. His words gave the people hope." He was even honorably nicknamed Nantan Lupan by the Apache, which translates as "gray wolf." Besides his superior reputation on both sides of the Indian Wars, Crook also enjoyed professional success. He was promoted numerous times throughout his career, peaking as the head of the Department of Arizona.

Despite all that, he couldn't seem to nail down one final loose end: Geronimo.

Geronimo

Geronimo, 1887

The wily leader of the Apache lost his entire family, mother, wife, and three children, after they were slain by Mexicans months shy of his 22nd birthday, thus kindling a lifelong hatred for the country and its people. After grieving his family, he was a changed man. Once an amicable husband and doting father, he became understandably bitter and unpredictably violent. Many former friends avoided him completely, and his need to spill Mexican blood grew to obsession. It resulted in numerous revenge raids and perpetuated the constant violence that already existed between the Apaches and Mexicans dating back to the late 17th century. In the years between 1820 - 1835 Apaches killed more than 5,000 Mexicans and demolished roughly 100 villages, causing several Mexican states to place a bounty on Apache scalps in 1835, offering 100 pesos (the the equivalent of one silver dollar) for the scalp of a brave. Later, Chihuahua offered even greater rewards: $100 for braves, with lesser amounts for (presumably alive) women and children. Prices would increase and decrease as conflicts heated and cooled, though $100 was already more than some men could earn in a year.  Not to mention that one could often keep the goods and livestock of the Native Americans one killed.  All this further fueled the conflict, bloodshed, and distrust between Mexicans, Americans, and the Apache.

While Geronimo's feud initially existed largely with the Mexicans, it's not difficult to see how that violence spilled over to those early settlers and travelers in the Southwestern United States. Mexicans weren't the only ones collecting scalp bounties, plus the whites were also busy settling on Apache lands. Regardless of who was killing who, or who was turning in human scalps as casually as trapped pelts, the violence against American citizens was something the Federal Government could not abide. While the market for Native American scalps (or those claimed to be) had largely dried up by the 1880s, the memories and hatred were still fresh as ever. This was the setting that Crook inherited in 1882 (some say the spring of 1883) as head of the Department of Arizona.

Crook

George R. Crook, circa 1875

Crook had ascended the ranks in his time of military service. He had performed nobly in dozens of engagements in the Civil War, and already had a fine reputation against Indians after his performance in the Snake War, the Tonto Basin Campaign, and the Great Sioux War of 1876-77. Prior to his posting of supervising an entire state, he served as the head of the Department of the Platte from 1875 - 1882. In that role he oversaw Nebraska, the Dakota Territory, the Utah Territory, Iowa, and part of Idaho. He also helped conquered tribes on numerous occasions by speaking on their behalf in Washington, setting up irrigation projects, finding jobs, ensuring equal pay for Native American workers, and seeking markets for their newly grown crops. All this in spite of a large segment of the population that wanted all Native Americans dead, and a military supply industry that profited the most when Native Americans were hostile.

 However, Crook also had his failures, though arguably of lesser consequence. After being nominated to the United States Military Academy by his congressman, he graduated near the bottom of his class. At the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain in the Civil War, while attempting to cross a creek, his high topped riding boots filled with water, and he became swamped, requiring his men to pull him by his arms to the opposite shore. Later that battle, some sources say he became so fatigued with excitement and exertion that he grew faint and was unable to mount a successful pursuit of Confederate sources, that duty then fell to future President Rutherford B. Hayes. He would be captured by Confederate forces in 1865. Even in his finest hour, the Snake War, after ordering a charge on an Indian village from his safe vantage point, his horse spooked and ran ahead of his own troops, placing him squarely in the cross fire of both forces. Thankfully his horse continued through the village and both horse and rider emerged unscathed.  Perhaps most damning, is that some historians still debate whether Crook's failure to pursue the Sioux and Cheyenne forces at the Battle of the Rosebud, contributed to the massacre of the 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn - a far greater consequence than some waterlogged boots.

Which Crook would show up to drive the Apache from the Southwest United States: the successful rising star or the embarrassed soldier with the devil's own luck?

The Game is Afoot

A cavalry patrol leaving Ft. Bowie.

Crook did plenty to help the Native Americans when he wasn't kicking them off their land and working to place them in reservations.  He developed several tactics that were successful for decades.  The first was his use of Native American scouts of the tribe he was pursuing. Utilizing the knowledge of native peoples to navigate was nothing new, but using Native American's knowledge against their own people was.  Those scouts not only had the potential to serve as translators, but also knew of their people's routes, clandestine camps, and how the tribe was trained to avoid detection. They proved themselves to be an invaluable asset time and time again. Crook also was known for his heavy use of pack animals, especially mules. By keeping the majority of supplies on the pack animals, his cavalry could travel lighter, faster, and farther. He hoped to use these same tactics to capture Geronimo when charged with the task in 1883.

Geronimo had been placed on a reservation before. When the Chiricahua Apache were under command of Cochise, they had made peace and agreed to relocate to a reservation. Not long after that arrangement, Cochise died in 1874.  Without the cooperation of Cochise things began to spiral out of control. After the sale of whiskey to some Apaches resulted in the death of two white men in 1876, the U.S. decided to dissolve the reservation in the Chiricahua Mountains and move its inhabitants to the San Carlos reservation in southeast Arizona, also known as "Hell's Forty Acres." A great number made the move, almost 4,000, but many escaped with Geronimo to Mexico. Those that stayed were subject to the treachery of those in charge of their welfare. Rations were shorted, but charged the same to the government, scales were tampered with during the sale of goods, and the reservation, originally totaling some 5,000 square miles, was gradually made smaller and smaller by whites who kept finding things they wanted along its border, such as silver, copper, and coal.  The very next year, 1877, Geronimo surrendered at the Ojo Caliente Reservation in the New Mexico Territory, but a change in management of the reservation, brought about by ego-driven politics in the U.S. Army, resulted in his release. He returned once, in 1880, out of necessity after a long, hungry winter in the Sierra Madres, but his stay would be a short one. After a spiritual leader was arrested and the resulting riot was initially quelled, Geronimo heard rumors that he would also be arrested or worse, and so stole away again into Mexico with 74 others. In the following two years, he and his band took part in increasingly bold and violent raids, stealing property, and killing residents including women and children. It was these atrocities that lead the U.S. and Mexico to a compromise that allowed each nation's lawmen/troops to cross one another's borders when in "hot pursuit" of the outlaw Apaches.

Once placed in charge and the recent accord with Mexico in place, it didn't take Crook long to locate Geronimo. He took 193 Native American scouts with him, and first hand accounts mention Tom Horn serving as an interpreter on the trek though the boulder and crevasse strewn desert landscape of the Sierra Madre. Many Apache were convinced to return to the San Carlos reservation, but Geronimo and others did not return until the next year, 1884. Once on the reservation Crook began treating the Apache civilly and implementing programs to benefit their stay, but the surrounding communities saw the treatment and felt it was too kind for a group that had raided their cattle, plundered their lands, and killed their friends and neighbors.

Printed on Back of Photo: "Scene in Geronimo's camp, the Apache outlaw and murderer. Taken before the surrender to Gen. Crook, March 27, 1886, in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico, escaped March 30, 1886."

This photo of Geronimo and his men was taken by C.S. Fly. His 15 images of the Apache are the only known photographs taken of an American Indian while they were still at war with the U.S.

This atmosphere was combined with whites trying to remove several brutal Apache practices from the reservation, such as cutting the nose tips off of unfaithful women, what one source calls "vicious wife-beating," but most importantly a prohibition on alcohol. Mixed together, all these things compelled Geronimo to act out by brewing a small batch of corn-based beer to protest the conditions. Instead of a reaction, Geronimo received no response at all due a communication error in the Army involving an extremely hungover officer. Geronimo and his band waited, waited, and waited some more before finally growing tired of their staged act and leaving the reservation. All in all 42 men and 92 women and children escaped. As the escapees made their way south again toward the inhospitable lands that made them nearly impossible to capture, they gathered supplies. One unfortunate family in their path was that of a man known only to history as "Phillips."

Phillips owned a ranch outside Silver City and the Apache badly needed supplies for their journey. It is not specifically mentioned, but little doubt can exist that Phillips would not have been too keen on giving up his food and stock.  Unfortunately, it cost him and his family their lives. When a posse arrived, his wife and infant child were found dead, but Phillips' five-year old daughter was hanging by a meat hook that had been plunged into the base of her skull.  She was still alive, a condition that would last only hours.

Crook was furious at the renewed violence and the incompetence of the men responsible for not responding to Geronimo's insubordination. It would be no small task to capture an Apache that didn't want to be caught, especially an angered one. If Crook didn't already feel the urgency of the situation, the strong pressure of the U.S. Government to again rein in the Apaches was nearly crushing. Perhaps it was Crook's anger and perhaps it was his knowledge of the arduous task that lay before him, but he wasted no time assembling the largest force up to that time in the Apache Wars: some 20 cavalry companies, more than 200 Native American scouts, dozens of pack animals, and extra surgeons; over 3,000 men in total.

The hunt for Geronimo was on.

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Part II of this story continues here

-Written by Joel R. Kolander




SOURCES:

Capps, Benjamin. The Old West: The Great Chiefs. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1981. Print.

http://www.discoverseaz.com/History/Capt_Maus.html

http://www.discoverseaz.com/History/Crook_Miles.html (1st hand account of Crook)

http://www.discoverseaz.com/History/Miles_Geronimo.html (Miles, Lawton's boss)

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~hyper/hns/scalpin/oldfolks.html

Winchester 1866: A Smart Collector's Move

If you've been collecting firearms for even a small amount of time, you know about the iconic Winchester Model 1866 rifle. A direct descendant of the developmentally significant Henry rifle, the Winchester '66 was the first firearm produced under the Winchester name.  While not seeing any measurable military use, they enjoyed a prolific use by citizens and pioneers headed West to conquer an untamed nation.  Winchester followed up its success by releasing the Model 1873 and Model 1876 in subsequent years, which grew the brand manufacturer ever larger and offered the public a bevy of new calibers and special order options.

Next year is a notably special year for collectors of Winchester rifles.  It marks the sesquicentennial of the beloved manufacturer and the attention that will be brought to these important rifles is likely to spur an increase in their desirability.  Thankfully, Rock Island Auction Company has come into a healthy number of these classic rifles, which will be appearing in the 2015 December Premiere Firearms Auction. In fact, there are 32(!) Winchester 1866 rifles in numerous configurations that will be available.  There are exceptional presentation pieces, tried and true saddle ring carbines, early production models, and everything in-between.  Here is a look at a handful of these rifles, hopefully with at least one example for every budget.

Historic, Deluxe, Factory Engraved Presentation Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This rifle is tied with a saddle ring carbine for the highest estimate on an 1866.  Manufactured around 1869, this is definitely a deluxe version: factory engraved, fancy walnut stock with the high polish "piano" finish, and is gold plated on the receiver, forearm cap, and crescent buttplate.  As if the embellishments weren't enough, all the visible serial numbers match and it is engraved with the name of the "Montgomery Guard," part of the California State Militia.  The Montgomery Guard was formed in 1859, served throughout the Civil War, was mustered out of service in 1866, before being reborn again in 1868 as Company A, 1st Infantry Battalion of the California National Guard. The combination of special features and historical significance is one that many collectors find irresistible. We look forward to seeing where this very special Winchester will call home.

Exceptional Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine

This is the saddle ring carbine tied with the above rifle for the top estimate among Winchester 1866s.  While the rifle hangs its hat on its decoration and military ties, this SRC (saddle ring carbine) finds its high estimate based on its sterling condition.  Even after nearly 150 years, this gun is a near checklist of what collectors look for regarding condtion: high amounts of original blue finish, nice mustard-colored patina on the brass receiver, tight wood to metal fit, and screws that have not been mangled over time.  Even the buttplate, a location many guns are rested upon and prone to finish loss, still shows attractive case hardening.  We could go on about other original parts and its condition, but take our word for it, guns in this high of condition are only going to become more and more rare as time marches on.

Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Musket

This is the only Winchester 1866 Musket that we have in the 2015 December Premiere Auction.  Now, before I receive a bunch of comments correcting me about this being a musket, let me explain.  True, this rifle is not a musket.  It is not muzzle loaded nor does it use flintlock or percussion systems.  "Musket" was one of the three types of Winchester 66s that were available for purchase. There are the standard length rifle, the carbine, and the musket.  The carbine is obviously shorter than the rifle primarily for use while mounted on a horse, hence the "saddle ring carbine" name.  The "musket" Winchester 1866 is a longer rifle with a longer forearm and necessary extra barrel band.  Differences between the three are easy to spot when comparing the photos of this Winchester with those of the previous two examples. They were made primarily to appeal to military decision makers who were reluctant to leave their trusty muzzle loaders for new "repeater" technology.

A benefit to whomever wins this Winchester, besides potentially having a Winchester 66 of each barrel length, is the price. It's condition, listed as "fair" in our catalog, provides an excellent opportunity for someone to put a legendary rifle in their collection for a very attractive price.  Further sweetening the deal?  This particular 1866 musket was made in 1870, qualifying it as an antique.

Rare First Year Production Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Flat Side Carbine

Here's another Winchester that advanced collectors are sure to have their eyes on. Being a 66, it already receives its fair share, but being a rare, first year production is a prized possession for any collection.  One of the features that makes these early models so easy to spot is what is called the flat gate, resulting in what is known as a "flat side" carbine.  They are also called flat sides because the receiver is flat where it meets the wood of the forearm.  Receivers of later models flared out slightly before meeting the wood.

Looking at the loading gate in the previous three examples, one notices a certain contour added to the cover of the loading gate to ease loading the gun at the breech.  Early models did not have that contour; instead, the gate was flat.  Early models also often possess other early traits, many of which were carry overs from the Henry rifle that disappeared in the subsequent models of the 1866 (there are four models total).  Besides the flat gate, this SRC also has the early traits of: Henry and King patent dates on the barrel, a two screw upper tang, and a Henry style rear receiver profile, known as the "Henry drop." This term refers to the rounded downward curve of the top of the receiver as it proceeds to the wrist.  As Henrys turned into Winchesters and subsequent Winchesters became more refined, that drop and the adjacent angular transition into the straight grip grew more streamlined and less defined.

Making this flat side even more desirable is the fact that it is all original. These guns were "working guns" that saw lots of hard use.  To find one at all, let alone in this condition is an impressive feat and a fantastic addition to any collection.

Attractive Panel Scene Engraved Winchester Model 1866 Carbine

Gorgeous wood and some well executed panel scenes make this a 1866 a 150-year old piece of eye candy.  The gun was manufactured in 1871 and the custom engraving was performed in the mid-20th century.  Even though the gun is not in its original form, its tastefully and professionally performed embellishments should earn this gun 5-figures at auction.  The entire left side of the receiver has been transformed into a single, bordered panel scene of a horse-borne hunter culling a buffalo from a herd fleeing across the plains with towering pines, majestic mountains, and a swirling sky providing the backdrop. The right side of the receiver breaks down into several framed scenes or subjects, which is a far more common style to see on even the finest of engraved firearms.  The scene to the rear of the loading gate is a frontiersman firing at a bear that is nearly upon him, which is bordered by Ulrich-style scroll work.  A small oval forward of the loading gate features the framed head of a bison. The receiver and buttplate are also gold plated. While some post-factory work has taken place on the gun, the barrel, magazine, barrel bands, hammer, lever, and trigger all still bear the original blue and casehardened finish, making for a very attractive gun with tangible links to its original configuration.

Very Fine Winchester Model 1866 Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Another interesting SRC! Not only is it rated as "very fine" condition, but it likely has retained that condition despite being to South America and back. The underside of the stock behind the tang is stamped with a banner cartouches that contain the script letters "AOS" (shown above). Experts believe that this cartouche was a marking applied to some of the nearly 12,000 Model 1866 carbines in the 135,000-148,000 serial number range that were sold to a location in South America (possibly Argentina) in 1877. This marking is described and illustrated on page 65 of "THE WINCHESTER BOOK" by George Madis. It's always good to see a Winchester 66 back home Stateside!  Encyclopedic collectors of this model will find this an intriguing and most desirable piece.

Henry Rifles of Note

With he upcoming surge in Winchester 1866 lever actions on the horizon, some of that popularity is likely to spill over into the Henry rifles and other guns produced by new Haven Arms that gave rise to these celebrated lever guns. Fortunately, RIAC will also feature several outstanding Volcanics and Henry rifles, two of the latter come to us from the renowned Mac McCroskie Collection.  Here are a few of them in brief.

Lot 1038: Exceptional New Haven Arms Henry Second Model Lever Action Rifle from the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection

Lot 25: Scarce Deluxe, First Model Factory Engraved New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

Lot 3008: Fine Civil War Martially Inspected New Haven Arms Company Henry Lever Action Rifle From the Legendary Mac McCroskie Collection

Lot 15: The Only Known Matching Pair of Consecutively Serial Numbered Volcanic Lever 
Action Carbines with 16 1/2 Inch barrel

Much of the information presented in this article will be old hat for seasoned Winchester collectors, but for those more familiar with other genres, hopefully this shines a light into the variety, features, history, and embellishments that collectors of these guns seek out.  Also, make no mistake, Winchester 1866 rifles are anything but commonplace. Don't let the abundance of them in this auction fool you into thinking anything else.  Take the opportunity to pick the ones you want for your own collection, before the rush on these quintessential lever guns is on.



-Written by Joel R. Kolander

Which Winchester Will Win?

After our auctions we've been writing articles to let you know what the top dollar guns are in their respective genres, as well as other information like the best performing guns, best performing genre, etc.  As I was looking at the highest estimates in our upcoming 2015 June Regional sale, I realized that a good number of them are Winchesters or pre-Winchester lever guns, and by "a good number," I mean 7 of the top 10 highest estimates.  Go a little further and it turns into 14 of the top 20.  With numbers like those it's easy to see that this auction is headlined by Winchesters and its predecessors, but which will be the top performers when the smoke clears?  This is one of my favorite parts about an auction!  Will the "big dog" bring in the price it's slated to?  Will it be edged out by a close competitor that has been driven to a higher price by two determined collectors?  Will a dark horse swoop in a steal the show completely?  These are all very real possibilities, and in the end only one can claim the crown.  Which of these Winchesters and Henrys do YOU think will bring the top sale price?  Let us know in the comment section below.

Contender #1:

Lot 2047: Engraved New Haven Arms Company Henry Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $27,500 - $35,000

If another rifle plans on unseating this Henry as the top gun in the auction, it's got its work cut out for it.  Henry rifles are always desirable, especially when they're finely engraved, such as this model.  Combine that with some gorgeous wood and you've got yourself a true contender.

Contender #2

Lot 6: Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1873 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter

Estimate: $18,000 - $25,000

Special order Winchesters are getting rarer all the time.  Not only because some are inevitably lost each year to time, housefires, theft, rust, and the like, but because those that are available are snatched up by collectors and generally not seen for years thereafter.  The more special order features on one gun the better.  That would have resulted in a high original purchase price after it was manufactured, and that high price made rifles with many special order features rare from the get go.  This Winchester is no exception.  It's the lone Model 1873 in our list and has plenty to show off: deluxe, "fancy" walnut stock, checkered grip and forearm, casehardening, 26" round barrel, and set trigger.  Can it make up the ground and take up the spot as the #1 lever gun?

Contender #3

Lot 29: Civil War Era U.S. Martially Inspected New Haven Arms Henry Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $18,000 - $25,000

Not only does this rifle enjoy a "pre-Winchester" heritage, but some Civil War provenance as well.  It bears military inspection marks of "CGC" for government inspector Charles G. Chapman, and is in the correct serial range for the 1,731 Henry rifles purchased by the Union.  Considering most Henry rifles that saw use in the war were purchased personally by soldiers for their own use, a government bought Henry would have almost certainly seen service.  Both the 1st Maine and the 1st District of Columbia cavalry regiments are documented as having been issued the famous repeater.

Contender #4

Lot 2008:  New Haven Arms Co. Henry Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $16,000 - $25,000

Now how could a Henry rifle without a known Civil War history have a nearly identical estimate to one with said history?  One word: condition.  This Henry's slightly superior condition draw it nearly even to the prior contender.  Which do you think will win out and more importantly, which would you rather have in your collection?

Contender #5

Lot 4047: Civil War Era New Haven Arms Henry Lever Action Rifle

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000

Here's a Henry that has lived a tougher life than the previous two, so what would make anyone think that it could outprice them?  Well, many historians believe that  the majority of the Henry rifles manufactured during the Civil War were privately purchased by individual Federal soldiers willing to pay for the firepower provided by a 15-shot, lever action, repeating rifle.  Often using their enlistment bonus to purchase the rifle, these soldiers believed the rapid firing rifle could save their lives on the battlefield.  With that information, many collectors see guns with honest wear as more likely to have been actually used in battle, making the item an even more valuable piece of history.  It can also be seen as "more authentic" than pristine versions, since the items showing wear would have been actually used and taken part in the history that so many find fascinating.

Contender #6

Lot 4048: Desirable Winchester Model 1866 Lever Action Saddle Ring Carbine with Factory Letter

Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000

Finally we get to a Winchester 1866 on the list!  The first gun to be produced under the Winchester name will always hold a special spot with collectors, and I'm sure the improvements over the Henry such as the sealed magazine tube, new fore stock, and loading gate (a.k.a. "King's Improvement") were deeply appreciated by those who depended on it.  This particular rifle was shipped in 1876 according to its factory letter and is in the desirable "saddle ring carbine" (SRC) configuration.  It remains in better condition than others on this list, but can it overcome the Henry's rarity? Approximately only 14,000 Henry rifles were produced, while SRCs accounted for 127,000 of the roughly 170,000 Winchester 1866 rifles ever made.  Perhaps this rifle's biggest advantage is time.  Right now could be the perfect time to buy a Model 1866, before next year's almost certain rush to snatch up the rifles during their sesquicentennial anniversary.  Luckily, there are 14 total 1866 rifles in the the June 2015 Regional Auction.

Collector friends, those are the top 6 highest estimated Winchesters and pre-Winchesters in the upcoming sale.  Which do you think will receive the warmest welcome?  Are there other things you think will affect the value that I failed to mention? Something else entirely you think will run away with it all?   Please feel free to use the comment section to tell me how absolutely right or miserably wrong I am.  I look forward to hearing from you!

-Written by Joel Kolander

The Silver Standard of Winchesters

Gold inlaid Winchesters always attract attention at auction. Most times, that gold embellishment was reserved for special presentation or exhibition pieces that were the pinnacle of American firearms artwork.  They, as well as gold washes, could be added for what today seems like ridiculously low prices, but relatively could be an additional 10% on top of the price of the gun. However, silver was also used frequently to decorate Winchesters for exhibitions, well-to-do buyers, and for presentations.

Rock Island Auction Company has sold and written about some amazing "golden" Winchesters we were entrusted with earlier this year. Little did we know that mere months later we would find ourselves in the middle of a "silver rush!" These are truly amazing firearms that set a silver standard for early lever guns.

Spectacular Winchester Factory Presentation, Deluxe, Silver-Plated Model 1866 Lever Action Rifle

This beauty is a third model 1866 that was manufactured c. 1873 with silver covering its frame, trigger, crescent buttplate, factory swing swivels, and forearm cap. The only remaining parts are the piano-finished English Walnut stock & forearm, the blued bolt, barrel, & loading gate, and the casehardened hammer & lever. There is a remarkable percentage of silver plating remaining and it enjoys a myriad of patina colors, as well as inscriptions on both sides of the frame. The right side reads, "David Ross," and the left side reads, "Presented to the 2nd Regt. Rifle Association/By the/ Winchester Rifle Club/ New Haven/ Conn." Many times on a silver plated gun, much of the silver has worn away and only traces of it are left in corners or protected areas of the firearm. Not this Winchester!

Estimate: $130,000 - $200,000 

Documented Ultra Rare, Deluxe, Special Order, Factory Engraved, Gold Inlaid Presentation Winchester Model 1873 Rifle with Seven-Leaf Express Sight and Factory Letter

Estimate $30,000 - $50,000

This gun simply commands attention where ever it goes! The dark wood against the bright silver plated receiver, the gold inlay, and of course the seven-leaf express sight are a dynamite combination sure to be a bright spot in any collection. It is a virtual grocery list of special order features and exceedingly rare as detailed in the book "Winchester New Model of 1873, Volume I" by James D. Gordon. He is quoted as calling the seven-leaf sight, "the rarest and most interesting rear sight found on Model 1873's." At the time of his writing, Gordon was able to positively identify the serial numbers of 10 rifles known to have been fitted with it. To add to its rarity, Gordon also notes that while the majority of the rifles with seven-leaf express sights also had special order features such as engraving, plating, deluxe wood, etc, only two of them had "rare matted barrels." This particular gun does not disappoint in the special order department; it has the silver plating, 26-inch octagon barrel with matted top flat, single set trigger, factory engraving on several components, deluxe checkering on the deluxe, fancy grain wood, a pistol grip, an ebony insert, and the left side of the receiver is gold inlaid with the factory documented presentation text, "A.I.N. Duran Hoopstadt." Meanwhile the right sideplate features an engraved hound's head surrounded by scrollwork and a punch-dot background.









Supporting documents from the Cody Firearms Museum state that this particular rifle was shipped from the Winchester warehouse on Dec 27, 1882. The describers here at RIAC have done an excellent job detailing the rifle's provenance, as follows:

"Research identifies "Hoopstadt" was a town in South Africa located in what was once the Boer Orange Free State. Considerable fighting between the British and Boers took place in and around Hoopstadt during the Boer War (1899-1902). The document further states that "Duraan" is a common Afrikaner name and that Albertus Duraan (b. Orange Free State c. 1848) is very possibly the "A.I.N. DURAN" who was the recipient of this rifle. In addition to the special features, the top of the matted barrel flat is roll-stamped with the Winchester two-line legend with King's Improvement patent dates."

Click to see a larger version of the factory letter.

Very Fine Factory Engraved Silver-Plated New Haven Arms Co. Volcanic Carbine with 16-Inch Barrel

Estimate: $30,000 - $45,000 

Not only is the brass receiver still abundantly plated with silver, but it's a historically significant firearm to boot! For those that don't know the story, Oliver Winchester, a New York clothing manufacturer at the time, discovered a portion of the Smith & Wesson company that wasn't doing well. Being a savvy investor, in 1850 Winchester raised some capital with others and purchased the lagging business department known as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. Within seven years, Winchester had moved Volcanic to New Haven, Connecticut, the site of one of his clothing factories, and was the primary stockholder. To accompany the new location, the company was renamed the New Haven Arms Company.

This rifle would have been manufactured around 1860, in the time period when New Haven Arms existed. We know this thanks not only to the serial number, but also because of the legend rolled on top of the barrel that simply reads, "Patent." That particular mark was introduced in April of 1857 after Oliver Winchester had acquired Volcanic.

Honorable Mentions

1. Extremely Rare Factory Engraved Colt Paterson No. 2 Belt Model Revolver with Eight Inlaid Silver Bands.








With it's estimate of $80,000 - $150,000, this silver banded and engraved Paterson is potentially the second priciest gun in this article, so why the honorable mention? Well, it was featured previously when we unveiled our amazing selection of Colts at the 35th Annual Colt Show, and there are so many other guns to show you!





2. Desirable New Haven Arms Co. Silver-Plated No.1 Lever Action Pocket Pistol with Patriotic Motif FactoryExcellent and Deluxe Engraving

Estimate $11,000 - $16,000

Look at all the silver on this historic New Haven Arms Volcanic pistol!  The high-polish on the walnut grips is very attractive and the factory engraving with its patriotic theme and scrolls is yet another embellishment that remains crisp and in fine condition.  Hints of the bright original bluing remain and when you put them all together you have an excellent collectors piece that must have cost quite a pretty penny back in the day.  It's fun to imagine how sharp this gun would have looked coming straight from the factory.




3.  Factory Engraved Silver-Plated Volcanic Lever Action Navy Pistol

Estimate: $16,000 - $25,000

The first thing you may notice about this gun, is that you have to look a little harder for the silver plating.  Rest assured, it's there!  Traces of silver remain, and the condition on the rest of the gun is as strong as ever.  Look at all that bluing, the gorgeous high polish wood, and the vivid case hardening on the trigger and hammer.  This gun is a stunner that easily earns its honorable mention status.

I hope you enjoyed looking at all these silver beauties, but the best part is... these aren't all of them! When the Online Catalog for our December 2014 Premiere Firearms Auction is posted in the coming weeks, you'll be able to see guns with all kinds of precious metal finishes, works from Master Engravers, unbelievable high condition pieces, and brightly colored case hardening. If you think you can't wait to see them, imagine how it feels to have to wait to show them! All in good time, collector friends.






-Written by Joel Kolander