10 GAUGE

The Shotgun Market of the 19th century was a "full plate", with many makers and models. However, Winchester thought they had found a unique advantage, capitalizing on their famous Lever Action rifles, they introduced the Model 1887 Lever Action Shotgun. Serial No. 4710X is a pre 1898 Black Powder shotgun, and has the Standard 32 inch barrel, for the 10 gauge. This "87 is just a little more desirable and scarce, as it has the varnished stock, and semi pistol grip configuration. The Lever Action system functions 100% correctly with each raising and lowering of the lever, loading and ejecting cartridges. There is only about 5% blue remaining on the barrel and tube, the balance is a correct and soft "plum" patina, with smooth metal. The Case Colored Hardened frame has "silvered out" to a muted gray. silver color, which is also the correct and eventual finish of case coloring.

The highly artistic Winchester logo appearing on the frame.

All factory applied markings are present and very distinct: barrel address, gauge marking, serial no. etc...

The .10 gauge represents a VERY small portion of the '87 production, and actually is considered a scarce variation. By the early 1890's the pump action shotgun began to appear, ie..the '93 Winchester, and the Model 1887 was no longer in as great a demand. However, MANY found their way to Express Company, and Stage Coach Guards, sometimes the barrels cut to make them more "handy" in tight quarters. I will leave you with a story from the "Bodie Times" newspaper of California, as related by a Stage Driver, referring to a "hold up"!

" Well my friend, I am living proof that a Dagger won't go between my 3rd and 4th ribs, and that I have been shot across the poker table and survived, but let me tell you this, when looking down the barrel of that road agents shotgun, it made the Sutro Tunnel, look like a nail hole in the Palace Hotel"

PRICE $ 1,650

** It should be noted, the Winchester Model '87 was the ONLY shotgun ever produced in 10 gauge.

**Full 32 inch barrel..................

Serial No. 28029XB was manufactured in 1888. It has the 24 inch Octagonal barrel, and is finished in the BLUE. The barrel has about 98% of all the original blue, and that includes the loading tube below the barrel. The frame is about 90-95% blue, including the dust cover. The brass floor plate has a perfect untouched "mustard" patina. the forearm stock cap has turned a "plum" patina, as well as the crescent butt plate. The wood shows normal handling dings on the stock and fore arm, with no abnormal or severe markings from wear.

A positive addition to the rifle is the rear tang "peep sight", which appears to be Winchester factory. The mechanical action of this Winchester is PERFECT, with each and every working of the lever. It has that charismatic look, the octagonal barrel, just being a '73, the "Gun that Won the West", plus a very high degree of original blue. A fine example for the collector....PRICE $6,995

Winchester Low Wall, Serial No. 3033X, was manufactured in 1888, and remains in superb condition.

An ideal hunting partner for the "one shot, one kill" hunter, and very popular in the 19th century. This Low Wall has the 28 inch OCTAGONAL barrel, and deluxe burl walnut stock. It has about 99% of all the original factory blue, and 98% of all the case hardening colors, just slightly faded. The mechanical lever action is perfect.

A very crisp Low Wall, with deluxe features, and a high level of condition. PRICE $3,999

TANG SIGHT BOTH RAISED AND IN DOWN POSITION

Cabinet Card Image measuring 5 x 7 inches, in Sepia Tone. Man in field, in "Western Type " clothing, carrying a Model 1873 Winchester Lever Action Rifle. * Note the condition of the Winchester 1873, it appears brand new.  PRICE $120

IDEAL MANUFACTURING Co. NEW HAVEN, CT. U.S.A.

This is just the box, for an Ideal Bullet mold. The box is in excellent condition, with a perfect illustrated top label, and end label. The End Label, written in ancient ink say's, "SH" at top, and 25/98, then 32 in corner. The other end also just has 25--98 in ink. It measures 8-1/4 X 2-1/4 X 1-3/4 inches. What makes this box so desirable are the perfect graphics on the paper labels, plus the original color is still vibrant. PRICE $95