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Here’s one Merz has. We’ve may have discussed it before – I know he’s had it it a while. It’s a gorgeous rifle but for a quarter million dollars, I am bothered by a few things. First off, elaborate engraving and extensive gold inlaid – not mentioned in the factory letter. A monogram in the stock – not mentioned in the letter. The elaborate carving in the stocks is simply described as, “checkered stock.” Merz says the rifle was switched by the factory (there is an R&R listed) from full magazine to half magazine and the factory filled in the dovetail on the underside of the barrel.
I can’t imagine paying a quarter of a million for a rifle and having to provide that level of explanation. I see it hasn’t sold so maybe I’m not the only one bothered. Is this really a hard rifle to sell for these reasons (aside from the fact that someone has to come up with $250K)?
$250,000.00 would buy a pretty impressive display of several other nice ’86’s
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
For that money I would want one that lettered all the features.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
We recently discussed this, “factory engraved” .33 WCF that RIA has coming up. There is no mention of the engraving in the Cody letter – and that fact certainly caused substantial doubt that the engraving was factory.
With rifles like these, whether they are correct or not, it comes down to how much $ for the rifle and how much $ for the explanation. You are ultimately faced with the task of selling both to get your investment back out of it. Personally, I hate selling explanations.
November 7, 2015
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Henry Mero said
$250,000.00 would buy a pretty impressive display of several other nice ’86’s
Wise words. And all or most would not require explanations.
Mike
At that price I’d have Pauline look at the engraving for sure. The fact that the gun was sent to the WRACo New York store give it some good credence in my mind. But I do find it odd the engraving or carved stocks along with the price not mentioned in the letter. The engraving and inlay is very nice on this one.
I often wonder if some these “Return & Repaired” notations on letters are actually “Returned to Russ”. If the gun sat in the New York Store for Two Years, would there really have been a need to “Repair” anything on it. Just a speculation.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
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What is the chance that this may have been an exhibition gun? I have seen letters that are 2 pages long for an exhibition gun. Once shown they go back and get updated for the next showing. I can’t remember how the letters were worded and if they fully described the additional work?
Another thing, it is kind of rare that a gun with this late serial number can even be lettered but it is in the small about 5,000 guns that can be.
Chuck said
What is the chance that this may have been an exhibition gun? I have seen letters that are 2 pages long for an exhibition gun. Once shown they go back and get updated for the next showing. I can’t remember how the letters were worded and if they fully described the additional work?Another thing, it is kind of rare that a gun with this late serial number can even be lettered but it is in the small about 5,000 guns that can be.
I don’t know much about factory exhibition rifles. However, the last block of serial numbers for the M1886 that warehouse data was available is #150800 – 156599. So this one is right in there.
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