^Lot 3094 NICK KUSNIT ENGRAVED WINCHESTER 1876 THIRD MODEL

LEVER ACTION RIFLE. Cal. 45-60. S# 39972. Bbl. 28. Model 1876 mfg. in 1883. Top flat of bbl. exhibits Winchester's mfg. and patent information as well as the cal. designation at the breech, both of which have been hand cut. Underside of elevator is engraved "45-60". The receiver features near fill coverage engraving consisting of scrollwork within a shaded heart border on the forward section, with highlights of scrollwork also engraved around the lever screw, wrist section, as well a on either side of the dust cover. Left sideplate features scroll engraving encompassing a scene of a buffalo, with the right sideplate featuring matching pattern engraving and a scene of a standing bear above engraver's initials "N K", indicating engraving by Nick Kusnit. Receiver, dust cover, lever, forend cap, buttplate, and sling swivels exhibit a silver plated finish. Bbl. and mag. tube exhibit a reapplied blue finish. Receiver screws, bolt, loading gate, trigger, rear sight assembly, and saddle ring exhibit a reapplied fire blue finish. High grade Style H checkered wood forearm and pistol grip stock with crescent steel trapdoor buttplate. Buttplate is poorly fit, with a notable gap at the rear. Toeline of stock and underside of forend cap feature sling swivels. Lower tang is marked with assembly number "1929" followed by wood grade marking "XXX". Top tang channel of stock is marked with a "P", followed by a matching assembly # "1929". Dovetailed German silver tipped blade front sight with V-notch ladder rear sight stamped "1876" on the front face. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Cody Firearms museum record check stating: "Type: Rifle/ Caliber: 45/60/ Barrel Type: Octagon/ Trigger: Plain/ Checkered stock, Pistol grip/ 4 inch Drop/ Casehardened/ Sling and Swivels/ Carbine sling ring in frame/ Received in warehouse on June 09, 1884/ Shipped from warehouse on June 10, 1884, Order number 12492". CONDITION: receiver and fittings retain the majority of their aftermarket silver plated finish, which in most areas has acquired an artificically aged dark tarnished appearance. Blued and fire blued parts retain the vast majority of their reapplied finish, showing some light wear, superficial handling marks, and spots of light surface oxidation. Muzzle crown and front face of mag. tube cover exhibit mild to moderate surface oxidation. Bore is relatively bright, exhibiting consistent light to mild surface oxidation and pitting, while retaining good but shallow rifling throughout. Proper manual mechanics. Wood furniture shows some light superficial handling marks, but otherwise presents nicely. Buttstock exhibits a small crack/chip on the right side of the wrist at the receiver. (01-26782/MLW). ANTIQUE. $3,000-5,000.