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Recently discovered “Annie Oakley” Winchester Model 1895 lever action shotgun converted to 410 gauge

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:12,500.00 USD Estimated At:25,000.00 - 50,000.00 USD
Recently discovered “Annie Oakley” Winchester Model 1895 lever action shotgun converted to 410 gauge
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Recently discovered “Annie Oakley” Winchester Model 1895 lever action shotgun converted to 410 gauge by Thomas Bland & Sons of London and documented by factory letter shipped to Mr. Butler February 22nd , 1898. The letter further states that “The action and related hardware were best finished and scroll engraved by Bland and the stock and forend were to be of figured wood with a pull of 14 ¼” and was supplied with an oak and leather case. Frank Butler was the husband of famous American darling Annie Oakley and he was known to order her firearms and conduct her business affairs. The gun shows a reinforcement to the frame at the breach installed at the time of the conversion to 410 gauge. The barrel measures 22” and a raised rib was added which is knurled with five leaf rear sights and white inlay in back sight for quick and fancy shooting. The frame is nicely English style scroll engraved with name in banner on right side and left. The stock is select Walnut with a long pistol grip and English style slings swivels. The condition is very good plus with approximately 70% to 80% original blue which is evenly thinning and toning with still some very bright areas. The stocks show some even wear, minor dings, mars but generally very good plus and the action is tight with bright bore. Thomas Bland was also known to convert a pair of single action pistols to smoothbore for legendary showman Pawnee Bill and it was the practice of wild West show performers to use bored out or smooth bore rifles to shoot glass balls making it look tougher than it really was. Est.: $25,000 -$50,000.