Description:
Have you ever wanted a one-of-a-kind heirloom rifle that would always bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart when you held it, admired it, and shared it with your friends? How about if you could own two such rifles? Well, read on....today is YOUR day. L & M Enterprises USA is honored to offer a matched, sequentially serial numbered, pair of Model 1885 Single Shot, High Wall, Special Sporting Rifles built to order for the Buffalo Bill Historical Center of Cody, Wyoming !! This spectacular pair of Model 1885s was manufactured by the Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Company, assembled by the noted custom single shot target rifle maker and Master Gunsmith, Ron Long, and engraved by Winchester’s Master Engraver "Joseph". At the order of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Company completed this pair of heirloom rifles on June 30, 2001 using the original specifications for the Model 1885 ( all parts are interchangeable with original Model 1885 parts ). After completion, the Buffalo Bill Historical Center placed these rifles on display at their Museum in Cody, Wyoming until they eventually sold them on June 27, 2003. This magnificent pair of rifles are documented with Letters of Authenticity from the President of the Ballard Rifle & Cartridge Company, LLC, Kelly McNitt. A specification detail sheet from the June 30, 2003 sale names the master craftsmen and highlights some of the exceptional embellishments that, together, make these rifles so desirable and collectible. The two rifles share many of the same features and design characteristics, while incorporating distinctive embellishments specific to one or the other of the pair. Among the shared features and characteristics are the following: both rifles are Model 1885 High Wall Special Sporting Rifles built to the original Winchester Model 1885 specifications; both rifles have the thick wall receiver; both rifles are stocked in hand shaped, formed and finished “extra fancy black walnut” with classic beaded cheekpieces, Schnabel foreends, ebony inlayed wedges in the foreend tips and in the pistol grips, and hand cut checkering on the forearms and pistol grips; both rifles have 32 inch, full octagon tapered barrels with blade front sights and buckhorn rear sights; both rifles have curved, checkered, inletted steel buttplates; both rifles have single set triggers; both rifles are extensively engraved by Joseph with a beautiful floral and scroll engraving pattern with scalloped borders; both rifles have artfully executed gold wire inlays as ribbons and vines of gold at the muzzle and at the breech ends of the barrels. The distinctive embellishments specific to each rifle are as follows: Serial number “W190” is chambered in .45-70 at 2 1/10. This rifle features metal finished in the beautiful color-cased method of bluing and exhibits rich blues, purples and golds. The barrel is a #4. The right side of the action features a finely detailed image of the front of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center with mountains in the background and a banner border. The left side of the receiver features a high relief engraving of Buffalo Bill himself, complete with mustache and chin whiskers, fringed leather overshirt, knee length boots and spurs, sitting on the ground with a rifle in his left hand with mountains in the background. The case colors give the sky a multi-colored hue. The Buffalo Bill engraving is bordered with a multi-form wave pattern to create a cameo effect, and then the beautiful floral and scroll pattern. Each side of the top of the receiver behind the hammer has an engraved, high relief bison in an oval panel. The outer bow of the cocking lever is engraved with the seal of the McCracken Research Library, the premier historical library located at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. The upper receiver tang is engraved "One of Two" and is flanked by outwardly pointing arrows. The serial number "W190" is engraved (CONTACT US FOR REST OF DESCRIPTION)
Condition:
New In Box
Caliber:
.38-55 (all)
Item #:
954531565
Stock No.:
11-0617-3
Location:
IA
Trades Accepted: VINTAGE FACTORY ORIGINAL & UNALTERED BALLARDS, BELGIAN BROWNINGS, COLTS (1ST GEN SAA & EARLY SEMI-AUTOS), LC SMITHS, MARLINS, SHARPS, SPENCERS, S&W, WINCHESTERS & SIMILAR FINE FIREARMS. NIB KIMBER OF OREGON (1ST KIMBER COMPANY) AND SIMILAR FINE FIREARMS.
Shipping Notes: INSURED SHIPPING TO YOUR SPECIFIED FFL IS AVAILABLE IF YOU DO NOT PICK THESE UP.
Collectible firearms, with focus on Kimber of Oregon, Cooper Firearms of Montana, Cascade Arms, pre-64 Winchester Model 52s, 61s, 70s, Browning Midas grade shotguns, Winchester Model 21 shotguns, Colt single action pistols (1st and 2nd generation). Quality Custom Rifles.
