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Extremely Rare and Historical Spanish-American War Winchester-Lee Straight Pull Rifle From The U.S.S

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,500.00 USD Estimated At:15,000.00 - 25,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare and Historical Spanish-American War Winchester-Lee Straight Pull Rifle From The U.S.S
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Standard Lee Navy from the first contract with the Navy issued in 1898 for 10,000 rifles. Rifles were delivered and saw service in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Six hundred of them were issued to the 1st Marine Battalion, who were the first U.S. soldiers to invade Cuba. More were on board the U.S.S. Maine when it was blown up in Havana harbor. The left side of the receiver is marked with the standard two line Winchester address/patents dates and the receiver ring is marked ."U.S.N./ anchor/ No 8911". It is equipped with the standard front blade front sight and rear sight graduated to 2,000 yards. Bayonet lug and stacking swivel on the front barrel band. The left side of the buttstock is very beautifully and tastefully carved "U.S.S. MAINE" and right side of stock by receiver and up forestock is carved and filled with red paint "From U.S.S. MAINE, Feb, 17 1898." The rifle was salvaged from the Maine and brought aboard one of the ships on which Chief Petty Officer Thomas A. M. Chambers was serving. He apparently took the rifle for a personal possession and brought it home. Chief Chambers had enlisted in the Navy in 1886 and later deserted from his ship and subsequently re-enlisted under the name of Alexander Thomas Meade and served through July, 1899 when he was medically discharged for disability. On March 29, 1899 he was given an unconditional pardon by President William McKinley, the original of which accompanies this lot. Also accompanying the lot are numerous other papers, three albums of family photographs including many Civil War and Indian War officer's CDV's in uniform, several Navy and Marine Corps badges and mementoes and buckles including an Indian War gold washed officer's buckle and a sterling silver boson's pipe. Most convincing of the accompanying material is a large sepia tone photograph, 14" X 10-1/2" vertical image of two young women seated in front of a fireplace. Behind them, hanging below the mantle, is this very rifle which can be readily identified by the carving visible on the left side of the butt. Also visible is a twisted wire which is attached to the bolt knob and is used as a hanger. Wrapped around the entire action is a silk cloth of some sort, the remnants of which still remain with the rifle. Also included with this lot is Chief Chambers citizenship papers dated 17 October 1898 granting him citizenship and states that he was 36 years old and a native of Montserrat, West Indies. Also included is his retirement pension authorization from the Post Office where he was apparently employed and a 5' X 8' 45-star American flag. Finally there is a factory letter stating that the rifle was received in the warehouse on May 11, 1897 and shipped on May 14, 1897.
BBL: 28 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 6 mm
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 8911
Condition: Very good with receiver and magazine box are a cleaned metal color with some fine pitting. The barrel, bolt and buttplate are a dark smoked patina. Wood is sound with minor handling marks and nice and light colored where the cloth covered it while hanging over fireplace. The wrist area and ahead of the receiver are a little darker and there is some "bubbling" in the varnish on the buttstock. The markings are clear. The action is fine. The flag has a few moth holes. Photograph is somewhat yellowed and soiled with a couple of tears not affecting image. Albums and photographs are worn with loose covers.