Target Sports

LIMITED EDITION: ARTISTRY IN STEEL

Created on 18th May 2009

DEREK LANDERS takes some time to reflect on Winchester aesthetics of old

SINCE THE dawn of time man has decorated his home, his possessions and his body. Cave paintings, Egyptian tombs, Ornate artefacts and tribal tattoos are all testament to this. Many of these ancient decorations depicted historical events or bore a religious theme, and surviving examples add to our knowledge of these early peoples.

Long before the invention of firearms, arms and armour were adorned with hand-engraved symbols or the bearer's coat-of-arms. By the early 16th century acid etching was in use, making the decoration of large areas such as shields or suits of armour much easier and quicker. The metal was coated with an acid-resistant substance, into which the pattern was scratched with a sharp instrument. The metal was then dipped in acid, which ate into the scratches. When washed, the etching could be highlighted with coloured pigments or, in the case of high ranking people such as Royalty, precious metals like silver or gold. Acid etching is still in use today, as an alternative to the more expensive engraving on mass produced items like swords, knives and firearms.

Since their inception firearms have received the attention of these artists in steel and wood, and examples of the most intricate work can be found on pieces covering the last five centuries. Sporting guns in particular show some extremely fine engraving around the lockwork. The amount of work involved was dictated only by the depth of the prospective owner's pocket, and it is not surprising that many of the more highly decorated examples were produced for those of a higher social standing. Another function of engraved arms was to exhibit them at various trade fairs around the world, where manufacturers could highlight the talents of their workforce and draw attention to their products.

Colt and Winchester

Examples of early engraved firearms are highly sought after among serious collectors, and original pieces command a high price, as there are may fakes in the market. High on the list of collectible firearms are those manufactured by Colt and Winchester, with early decorated pieces being especially desirable. After World War II the demand for specially commissioned guns was waning, but in 1964 the Wyoming Jubilee Commission approached Winchester with a request for 1,500 rifles to celebrate the state's diamond jubilee. At the time the company still had in production the perfect rifle for such a project: the Model 1894 lever action. This rifle had a flat-sided receiver which provided the ideal canvas for decoration and the New Haven plant had the capacity to produce the rifle in large quantities. The Wyoming carbines were produced, with a scroll design rolled on to both sides of the receiver and a gold-plated medallion in the stock, and that was seen as the end of the matter. Two years later, however, the state of Nebraska requested 2,500 carbines for its centennial. The same year, Winchester decided to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first rifle to bear the company name, the Model 1866. This model had a gold-plated receiver to mimic the brass of the originals, and was offered with either a 20" or 26" octagonal barrel. A decision was made to manufacture this model during the centennial year only, and over 102,000 examples of the '66 Centennial were produced by the end of 1966. This was the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Winchester, and commemorative rifles were to become both a money spinner and promotional tool for the company.

Great variety

Since their inception the Winchester commemoratives have paid tribute to statehood anniversaries, historic events, people, organisations, law enforcement groups, American Indians and Winchester factory anniversaries. The vast majority of these specials have been produced on the standard 1894 frame, with a few using the smaller Model 9422 rimfire rifle as a base. Calibres for the larger frame have been almost exclusively .30-30 with very few exceptions, notably in .44-40 and .38-55. Early designs were rolled on to the frames, but as they became more complex and intricate, acid etching was introduced, while at least one model, the 1978 One of One Thousand issue, was hand-engraved. Frames are usually either gold-plated or antique silver, more often than not with the lever matched. Many models have a commemorative medal inlaid into the right side of the stock and superior grades of wood can be found, with and without chequering to the wrist and forearm. A few issues could be had in standard and presentation or deluxe grades, the latter being more highly decorated and produced in much smaller quantities. Each series has its own serial number range starting with number ‘1' and most have a prefix; the Theodore Roosevelt model starts at ‘TR1' while the Little Big Horn Centennial starts at ‘LBH1'. A number of models were offered with a fitted hardwood case at extra cost and the rifles themselves were shipped with specially designed sleeves to the cardboard cartons. Commemorative ammunition boxes, with the ammunition sometimes having special head stamps, were issued and these have become collectors' items in themselves.

While it will be possible to find used examples of the Winchester commemoratives, the true collector will require the gun to be in mint, unfired condition, in its original box complete with all of the paperwork. Extras such as a fitted case and a box or two of accompanying ammunition will obviously add a premium. An option for the 1981 John Wayne model was a leather scabbard produced by John Bianchi, while the 1976 Sioux Carbine came with a fringed, suede leather scabbard. In 1985, a book was published called Winchester Commemoratives, which documented all of the issues to that date. Although now out of print, the volume can still be obtained from American specialist book dealers, and is essential reading for those interested in these modern works of art. For those wishing to purchase one or more of the commemorative rifles, by far the greatest choice of models is obviously to be found in the United States, and this brings with it the inherent complications of importing a firearm into the UK. But this could be offset by the low prices for some of the more common issues.

While the heyday of Winchester commemoratives may have passed, as recently as last year it produced a special issue to honour the 100th anniversary of John Wayne's birth.

LIMITED EDITION: ARTISTRY IN STEEL

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LIMITED EDITION: ARTISTRY IN STEEL

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