#39 • Factory Engraved Presentation Winchester Experimental Briggs Patent Carbine

Part of Fine Winchesters Auction (live auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Status: Sold

$250,000 - $350,000 44 RF caliber, 21" round barrel with magazine. Nickel plated barrel and magazine, with engraved brass frame likely by Hodgson. The right side of frame features vines on a stippled background. On the left side are two finely executed Arabian horses. Blued five hundred yard rear barrel sight. Blued breech bolt. Case colored hammer and lever. Deluxe highly figured piano varnished walnut buttstock. This superb Winchester is a milestone in the development and manufacture of the Winchester Model 1866. By 1865 Winchester realized that the Henry Rifle needed improvements in its loading system. Oliver Winchester purchased patents from Briggs, King, and a few other inventors, resulting in the new loading concept for the Henry and subsequently the Model 1866. This carbine was specially built, engraved and presented to Briggs by Oliver Winchester and descended in the Briggs family. Experimental prototype fully finished and decorated Winchesters are among the rarest of all Winchesters. This carbine represents the finest and rarest Winchester prototype carbine extant and is comparable to the engraved Smith and Wesson prototype carbine sold in 2020 for $488,750.00. There are at least two Smith and Wesson's but only one Briggs Patent engraved carbine, and for the advanced Winchester collector or museum this carbine is unequaled in importance. Fully provenance to the Briggs family by letters. **Barrel retains 100% of the original bright nickel finish. The brass frame has a lovely, untouched, butterscotch patina, in pristine unmarked condition. The hammer still retains most of its original bright case colors. This unique, one of a kind experimental rifle was personally presented to G.W. Briggs By Oliver F. Winchester.**