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July 22, 2018
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Recently acquired my first 1886. A 45-70. Looks to be from the Civlian Guard of Hawaii vintage 1895 ish — serial number 99519. Dont think my photography skills can do it justice. It’s in 95 % condition—bore is perfect—26 inch round barrel—ladder sight —cartouches on both sides of the buttstock— CGH in capital letters. Case colors on both sides of the reciever are still fairly strong.
Has (early?) Super grade type sling mounts both on the forend cap and buttstock similar to a model 71 Special but with fixed sling loops not detachable. (They appear to be factory installed)—flush mounted and fitted “into” the stock and attached with two screws.
It migrated up into southern Oregon with a retired gun shop employee from the SF Bay Area. I picked it up along with several other interesting items.
My questions are basically 1) how unusual is this version. And 2) would you call it a “Sporting Rifle”?
Have no immediate plan to sell — am still enjoying and admiring it. Figured maybe some of you more experienced and qualified collectors might have a few words to weigh in with some perspective and speculation. I know photos would be helpful—maybe tomorrow I can post a few.
In Bert’s 4th edition Red Book of values on pages 65-66 the Sporting Rifle in 45-70 has a fairly substantial value. How much would a good trail of provenance add to the value if it could be authenticated accurately back to its Hawaiian roots at the CGH?Thanks PH
April 15, 2005
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I do not have it my survey because it is too early. My survey begins with the introduction of the 33 WCF (in the 120000+ serial range).
You might try contacting John Madl for information about the CGH marking.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 22, 2018
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Thank you Bert. Is John on these forums? or where would I contact him?? PH
April 15, 2005
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Paul H said
Thank you Bert. Is John on these forums? or where would I contact him?? PH
I do not believe that John visits the forums. Send me a PM or email, and I will get you his contact information.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 22, 2018
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April 15, 2005
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Very nice! Did you get a CFM letter for it?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 22, 2018
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Haven’t yet. It’s been several years since I’ve used them. PH
April 15, 2005
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Paul H said
Haven’t yet. It’s been several years since I’ve used them. PH
In your shoes, I would order a factory letter, and also ask Jesi to check the ledger records to see if there were additional rifles that shipped on the same date & order number.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 14, 2016
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Now that is a very nice 1886, and even better with the CGH marking.
The 1994 Fall issue of the collector has a small article on CGH Winchesters. Looks like it was reprinted in the Winter 2015 with pictures of a 1876 CGH musket.
I look forward to seeing what information you can find!
Chris
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
November 7, 2015
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Bert H. said
Paul H said
Haven’t yet. It’s been several years since I’ve used them. PH
In your shoes, I would order a factory letter, and also ask Jesi to check the ledger records to see if there were additional rifles that shipped on the same date & order number.
Bert
I agree, and resist the urge to do an aggressive cleaning on this gun. The gunk in the screws and where wood meets metal indicate an honest rifle. Could be an interesting letter!
Mike
August 27, 2014
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I’d just wipe it down
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them”
President Harry S. Truman
December 9, 2002
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A very nice M-1886, and I’m in agreement here with the members. Especially with the “C.G.H.” on it, and in a very desirable caliber, in the 45-70. As it looks nice exactly how it is!
Thanks for sharing! 
Anthony
July 22, 2018
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Thank you all for the comments—Will get the “Cody letter” asap. Got a call yesterday from the people I purchased it from and they have found some documentation/correspondence from Hawaii that might add context and be interesting. I’ll pick it up asap also. I’ll try to update you all with what I learn as the research unfolds. I think there is a source for provenance in Hawaii that has the historical records—even down to the service member in the “Civilian Guard” that was originally issued the weapon—complete with serial numbers included.
The CGH weapons evidently span several models including 1873,1876 and 1886. There are rumors of a CGH 1876 musket that may still exist out here in the “wild”.
April 15, 2005
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Paul H said
Thank you all for the comments—Will get the “Cody letter” asap. Got a call yesterday from the people I purchased it from and they have found some documentation/correspondence from Hawaii that might add context and be interesting. I’ll pick it up asap also. I’ll try to update you all with what I learn as the research unfolds. I think there is a source for provenance in Hawaii that has the historical records—even down to the service member in the “Civilian Guard” that was originally issued the weapon—complete with serial numbers included.
The CGH weapons evidently span several models including 1873,1876 and 1886. There are rumors of a CGH 1876 musket that may still exist out here in the “wild”.
Paul,
I have a list of the Single Shot (Model 1885) 45-70 Muskets that were verified to be CGH owned. Somewhere I saw a listing of other CGH Winchesters, but I cannot find it in the research files.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 19, 2014
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Bert, Somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind, I recall some article on the various rifles used in Hawaii. I would assume (with all those dangers) it may have been in an old issue of the “Collector” if you know how to search it. I don’t other than starting to leaf through the old issues when I then get sidetracked and forget why I am leafing through them! About bet Bob Reabe may have it indexed. He is good at that. I am NOT! Tim
April 15, 2005
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tim tomlinson said
Bert, Somewhere in the dark recesses of my mind, I recall some article on the various rifles used in Hawaii. I would assume (with all those dangers) it may have been in an old issue of the “Collector” if you know how to search it. I don’t other than starting to leaf through the old issues when I then get sidetracked and forget why I am leafing through them! About bet Bob Reabe may have it indexed. He is good at that. I am NOT! Tim
Tim,
That could be where I saw it as well… but like you, it is buried in the darker recesses of my mind somewhere. It sucks to get old!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 19, 2014
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Bert, Hey! Its better than NOT getting old! Tim
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