KING OF TURKEY FACTORY INSCRIBED SILVER PLATED WINCHESTER MODEL 1866 RIFLE
128,XXX serial number range, engraved with a Coat of Arms motif on the left side-which has been identified as that of, Abdul amid II.” He reigned in Turkey from 1876-1909 Factory ledgers on gun state that the rifle was silver plated with a coat of arms engraved and shipped from the warehouse on Feb. 12, 1876; along with 186 other inscribed Winchesters all made to the same specs. Overall gun is in VG+ cond with orig flip up ladder rear sight, correct front sight. Shiny bore with scattered pitting throughout. Orig wood is in VG cond with a heavy coat of black lacquer style finish; rifle style butt; correct brass style forend cap. Orig sling swivels; bbl is in VG cond with exc traces of orig blue having turned dark; sharp corners & exc markings. The brass rec retains 25% orig silver plate finish-balance worn off; the brass has turned a dark yellow patina. Fine old gun-there were only 300-400 of these Winchesters that will ever letter as being factory engraved. This one will Factory Letter!!!!!!
Sold by Merz in 2004
