Summer 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
August 6th, 7th, 8th, & 9th, 2026
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!
RARE BOSS & CO RETAILER MARKED ANTIQUE WINCHESTER 1886 SPECIAL ORDER RIFLE
01-26701 | Cal. 45-90 WCF. | S# 110486. | Mfg. 1896.
This special order Winchester was retailed by London’s oldest gunmaker, Boss & Co with the engraved address “BOSS & CO / 73 ST JAMES’S ST. LONDON” and the Boss ledger number “4503” located on the blued bolt. The Boss & Co reportedly ordered around 50 Winchester rifles prior to WWII and this is one of those examples. A copy of a letter that is included with this rifle to Boss & Co confirms the purchase of these Winchester rifles. It is fitted with a British crown proofed “.451″ marked 26″ round bbl with the early ” -MANUFACTURED BY THE – / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN U.S.A. -” address & “45-90 WCF” cal marking. The barrel is marked 45-90 under the forearm with additional proofs. It has Winchester Express front and rear sights. British proofs are found on the bolt and upper left corner of the case colored frame. The upper tang has the early “-MODEL 1886-” marking. The assembly number “10” & “SS” assembly marks are found on the lower tang. The straight grip stock set has a matching “10” assembly number under the buttplate and again on the reverse of the shotgun buttplate. Forearm has the assembly number “97” penciled into the barrel channel. Button mag. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Cody letter “Rifle / 45/90 caliber / round barrel / Plain trigger / Winchester Express sights / 1/2 Magazine / Shotgun butt” records indicate that it shipped with 44 other rifles with the same specs. Also included is a letter to Boss & Co, as well as, additional internet research and letter correspondences. STATUS: ANTIQUE.
