WINCHESTER 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE DOCUMENTED FROM THE JOHN OLIN COLLECTION

WINCHESTER 1866 LEVER ACTION RIFLE DOCUMENTED FROM THE JOHN OLIN COLLECTION

| Cal. 44 HRF. | S# 88865. | 01-29859/BH |

Included documentation is a photocopy which shows this gun listed by serial number on Olin letterhead dated 10/12/89 as part of a group of firearms that were sent as “donation to museum” to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West with Attn: Herb Houze. Additional photocopy included of letter from Cameron J Laughlin, former Curator of the Cody Firearms Museum and dated April 26, 1990. Letter states “TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: This is to certify that the Winchester 1866 rifle was originally the property of the John Olin Corporation. The Winchester rifle serial number 88865 was originally the property of John M. Olin. This rifle was transferred from Mr. Olin’s Estate to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center under authorization dated September 27, 1989.” John M. Olin began work in the firearms industry as a chemical engineer for Western Cartridge Co. in 1913. Following the 1935 acquisition of The Winchester Repeating Arms Co., he was name Vice President of Winchester-Western and placed in charge of the Winchester Division. In 1944 John M. Olin would become President of Olin Industries. Mfg. 1872 with 24″ Octagon bbl. having German silver no. 21 blade front sight & ladder rear sight graduated to 1000 yards. Oil finished straight grain walnut for end buttstock with crescent trapdoor butt. Matching numbers “865” found in top tang channel of stock and under butt plate. Sling swivel in for end cap and inletted into toe line of butt with period correct leather sling. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: 2 Letters of Provenance. PROVENANCE: Ex John M. Olin Collection. Ex Buffalo Bill Historical Center. ANTIQUE GUN