Beschreibung:

.50 Express, 22" round barrel with full magazine, S/N 31282 (mfg. ca 1889). Blued finish, plain, straight grip walnut stock with modified carbine butt, plain walnut stock with single barrel band. Tang marked with early production single line - MODEL 1886 - mark, lower tang with two-line patent mark. Barrel with standard Winchester two-line barrel markings and the factory applied 50 EX. mark forward of the receiver. Winchester WP in an oval factory proof marks on receiver and barrel, and the initials J.A.H. stamped on the bottom of the receiver behind the forend, in the form of an inspection mark. Saddle ring at reverse rear of receiver. Winchester 1000-yard ladder rear sight, pinned post front sight, with double barrel bands at muzzle with sight base in between them. Sling swivel mount in toe of stock and on forend barrel band. The gun left the factory in 1889 as a rifle, chambered in 40-82. It was subsequently returned re-chambered to .50EX at the factory, as indicated by the presence of the post-1904 era Winchester proof marks on the barrel and receiver, along with the Winchester caliber marking. It is not clear if the alteration to carbine was performed at this time or some time thereafter, and no factory letter is available to document the alterations. The original factory letter confirming rifle configuration is included. Condition: Fine. Retains most of the blue finish, likely applied when the gun was re-chambered at Winchester. Mechanically functional, fine, bright bore. Stock and forend with minor bumps, dings and handling marks. Buttstock is substantially lighter in color than forend.