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Presentation Engraved Winchester Model 1876 Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:18,000.00 - 20,000.00 USD
Presentation Engraved Winchester Model 1876 Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Presentation Engraved Winchester Model 1876 Lever Action Express Rifle, #40437, .50-95 cal., 26'' octagon barrel, blue finish, standard smooth walnut stock, inscribed just forward of the right sideplate, ''Presented to Capt. Ben B. Bullwinkle, by T. Benton Leiter, Nov. 11, 1885''. Shipped from the warehouse Oct. 1, 1884, order number 15729, with factory letter. Comment on letter marked ''sale''. Capt. Bullwinkle was a member of Company 1, Chicago Fire Insurance Patrol, during the great Chicago Fire beginning on the evening of Oct. 8, 1871. (The term ''Fire Insurance Patrol'' is an early term referring to the Chicago Fire Dept., who during the fire operated wagons that were equipped with leather buckets, extinguishers, pumps and hoses.) After the fire and the ensuing devastation, Capt. Bullwinkle was responsible for many innovations that would speed up the response time of firemen, including alarms to ''hasten men from their slumber'' to fires. He was also instrume!
ntal in saving many lives and property during the Chicago Fire. On July 8, 1871, Benjamin Bullwinkle was appointed Captain of the entire Chicago Fire Dept. For three weeks he went to study in New York City, as at the time they had the most efficient fire dept. in the country. Upon his return, the Fire Inspection patrol apparatus was not yet ready for him as Chief, and one of his many tasks was that of inspecting buildings. Bullwinkle performed this task so efficiently that the Committee had second thoughts about removing him from this important job. T. Benton Leiter was the nephew of Levi Z. Leiter, one of Chicago's wealthiest residents at the time. Both were engaged in business in Chicago and gold mining in the West, and some of his interests were in the construction and operation of Chicago hotels. He amassed a fortune but lost most of it. Condition is excellent retaining approx. 95% original factory blue with light general micro-scratching. ''Winchester Express/!
.50 Cal.-95 grs.'' marking to top of dustcover are sharp and c!
lear, as
is caliber designation to top of barrel and bottom of bronze lifter. Lifter edges remain mostly sharp. Stock shows light scuffs and dings with what appears to be original factory varnished finish. Action is crisp, bore is bright and shows little use. Buttplate retains approx. 85% thinning and toning blue. Cleaning rod is present. A significantly historic rifle with both Chicago and western history. (Walt Hallstein collection) Est.: $18,000-$22,000.