ITEM # 25
38-55, 28" part round part octagon No. 3 weight barrel with a bright excellent bore. This is a very handsome and high condition rifle. The barrel retains about 95% evenly thinning original blue finish. The action retains 97% strong original blue with loss being due just to very light flaking along top edges. The hammer, breechblock and finger loop lever all retain strong original case color. The checkered pistol grip buttstock and forend are of very nicely figured walnut with buttstock featuring large Schuetzen cheekpiece and with both stocks retaining 95% original "extra finish". The buttstock is equipped with a large nickel plated Swiss buttplate. Rifle is equipped with windgauge front sight with spirit level (spirit vial missing) and midrange vernier tang peep sight. The barrel was never cut for a rear sight slot. Rifle is equipped with original Winchester double set triggers which were added later with tang showing patent dates but no serial number (therefore factory records cannot be confirmed). The left side of the top tang bears assembly number "8237" which is also found in end grain of buttstock beneath buttplate. The buttplate has two assembly numbers at the very bottom neither of which match the stock. It is our feeling that this rifle is in its original configuration except where noted. Mr. Day's notes indicate that this rifle was once the property of Major General Frank Merrill, a highly decorated World War II veteran best remembered for his command of "Merrill's Marauders" in the Burma campaign. Included with the rifle is a small notebook dated January 23, 1901 with assorted loading information and bullet casting records pertaining to several different firearms including a "38-55" which we assume is this rifle. A truly wonderful Winchester High Wall target rifle. (1915-50) [Ray Day Collection] (12,000/18,000) SOLD FOR $14375.00 |
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