EXTRAORDINARY WINCHESTER HIGHLY ENGRAVED 1897 SLIDE ACTION SHOTGUN.

22-4749

Cal. 12 Ga.
S# C189008

Elaborate full coverage engraving and gold wire borders make this gun standout. Left side of action features an upland scene with pointer followed by a smaller vignette of two ruffed grouse. Left side scene shows a pointing setter and pointer with small circular vignette of a flying woodcock. Scenes are highlighted by gracefully curving wide borders and panels of fine Arabesque scroll. Top of receiver is hand matted with scroll highlights that extend to front, rear and lower portions of receiver, trigger guard bow, receiver extensions, slide bars and magazine bands. Both barrels have bands of engraving at muzzle with wedges of engraving at breech ends. Additional gold borders are found at breech end of barrel, magazine band on receiver extensions and slide bars. Bottom of receiver has gold initials “W.F.S.” The unsigned engraving on this unusually ornate gun is likely the work of John Ulrich.

BARRELS: 1) 30″ with full length matted top, fixed full choke and steel bead. 2) 28″ with full length matted top and steel bead. Choke is opened to Mod., original choke marking is “FULL”. Both barrel assemblies have small round slide handles of fine walnut with wraparound point pattern checkering. The pistol grip stock of burl figured walnut features a small hard rubber grip cap and point pattern checkering. LOP: 13-7/8″ over a solid red Winchester pad that was added later.

STATUS: CURIO.