Chuck - I found a copy of the February 1929 American Rifleman on eBay and the table of contents has no listing of the article you recommended.  Are you quoting the Firearms News article or do you have a copy of this?

Thanks to all who replied!

John

Stanton took charge quickly and, if not for him, Booth would have probably gotten beyond the reach of American law. 

I contend that whose rifle this was is a large component of its price. Stanton was not a peripheral player in the assassination aftermath.

TXGunNut said

Jeremy P said
I left early and didn't have a chance to try and pry for info or I would've gone and tried to speak to the buyer. Lost opportunity!
  

But you saw gun collecting history made. Was I right about the black cap?
 
Mike
  

No black cap!

Jeremy P said
I left early and didn't have a chance to try and pry for info or I would've gone and tried to speak to the buyer. Lost opportunity!
  

But you saw gun collecting history made. Was I right about the black cap?

Mike

  I remember when it was said that the Koch Brothers were buying at RIA with a trailer to haul the guns away. Who knows, who cares, it sold. T/R

I am not going to ruin this one.  It’s too pretty and too interesting.  I will keep looking for a 1907 that has lost its collector value but is still safe to shoot.  Not as easy as you would think.

One particular article from the February, 1929, American Rifleman, entitled A Few Practical Rifle Notes by Melville H. Haskell, inspired him to have one of the neatest retro carbines I’ve seen fabricated. "The article discussed the advantages for the horseman of “Trapper” rifles of various types with barrels that would now make them classified as short-barreled rifles (SBRs) under the 1934 National Firearms Act. Included are classic lever action Trapper Models such as the Winchester 94, but also a Winchester M1907 with a cut down barrel. My friend was inspired by the article to purchase a Winchester 1907, register it as an SBR, and have the barrel cut to 10.5 inches, just in front of the cocking plunger for the rifle."  

Bert - the link works for me when I select it while in this website.  I’m mostly computer stupid so I don’t know how to address this problem if it doesn’t work for anyone else.

We don't know right now who the real buyer is and there is the possibility it is a philanthropist who will do the right thing. 

The best thing we as a group could do is ask our Congressional reps and Senators to explore acquiring it for the Smithsonian -- that is, suggesting funding for that purpose. 

I'm out of my depth but it couldn't hurt to ask.

John Lindly said
The ruining for collector interest and value, I get.  The short stroke might not be a problem as this has been done before…….
https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/winchester-1907-351sl/476223
  

Your link does not work.

If you reload the 351 cartridge with a faster burning powder, then yes, the "short stroke" can be mitigated.  If you shoot standard factory ammo, the odds are that it will not function correctly.

Bert

mrcvs said
While $5,875,000 seems like a huge amount for this Henry rifle, plus added fees, it seems very cheap compared to the high end art market.  Almost makes the buyer of this rifle seem like a rookie:
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-expensive-auction-works-2025
  

Ian -

I looked at each of the art works featured - and the corresponding high bid.

You make an excellent point.

It appears you have something I've read exists but have never seen - a 20 round 1907 magazine. Does it have a ball bearing follower? If all those 10 round magazines are factory issue, you have a real treasure trove. 

https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/winchester-1907-351sl/476223