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Rare and Important Winchester M.1873 Deluxe Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:15,000.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 35,000.00 USD
Rare and Important Winchester M.1873 Deluxe Rifle
Auction Location:

16600 Aston Street
Irvine, CA
Rare and Important Factory Inscribed Winchester Model 1873 Deluxe Lever Action Rifle, #10806, .44-40 cal., 24'' octagon barrel, blue barrel and tube, case-hardened receiver, lever, hammer, forend cap and buttplate; set trigger, early low base mid-range vernier tang sight, blue beech front sight, earliest type deluxe checkering to XXX stock with an extra 1-1/2'' in length, factory inscribed to left sideplate, ''H.D. Polhemus'' (1843-1900). Shipped from the warehouse Oct. 15, 1876, order number 4375, with factory letter. Pictured in James D. Gordon's book, ''Winchester's New Model of 1873, A Tribute'', pages 134, 146, 289, 309, 356 & 464. Polhemus was president of a Bank in New York and president of a sportsman's club on Robin's Island, NY. Some sources indicate he may have been employed by Colt's at time of purchase or may have been a financier to same. It is believed that Polhemus bequeathed money to the State University of New York to build the Polhemus Memorial C!
linic. Opening in 1898, the clinic was used as both a dispensary and facility for the medical college. Many SpanAm War veterans were treated there, and at the time it was one of the few facilities using the new x-ray machine. Condition is excellent retaining approx. 85% thinning and toning blue to barrel and magazine tube, receiver with case colored tones turning silver with traces on sideplate and in protected areas. Blank lifter shows excellent patina. All markings are crisp and clear. Thumbprint dustcover is tight and functions as designed. Lifter edges are sharp. Action is crisp, bore is bright with just light frosting in grooves. An important and well-known historic rifle. (Walt Hallstein collection) Est.: $25,000-$35,000.