Spring 2025 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
May 8th, 9th, 10th, & 11th, 2025
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale!
HISTORIC WINCHESTER 1886 ARAPHAOE COUNTY COLORADO INSCRIBED LEVER ACTION RIFLE
01-26525
Cal. 40-82
S# 89728
Letter from Under Sheriff Wayne L Taylor dated December 19, 1977 relays the interesting history of this rifle. “Around March of 1894, Denver’s City Government and Colorado’s Governor clashed on some local issues. As a result, the Governor sent troops (State Militia – now known as National Guard) to take over Denver’s City Hall. City Hall was defended by City Police and about ‘500’ hastily appointed Deputy Sheriffs under Sheriff Burchinell (sp.). / I understand that Governor Waite did back down and the battle did not take place. Governor Waite was not re-elected at the next election.”. Sheriff Burchinell then ordered 50 Winchester Model 1886 rifles, fearing another confrontation. Bbl. 26″ round w/ original sporting sights. Full length mag. Blue & case colored finish. Walnut forearm & straight grip stock.
UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Winchester Repeating Fire Arms letter, “Rifle / 40/82 caliber / Barrel Shape: Round / Plan trigger / Engraved: Arapahoe Co. / Received in warehouse on July 14, 1894 / Shipped from warehouse on July 14, 1894, order number 16557”. Also included are several pages of information from the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s department, Colorado Division of State Archives & Public Records, detailing the colorful history of this rifle. Additionally, printed & hand-written material talk about previous ownership of this rifle.
STATUS: ANTIQUE
