Project Description
!!!!!SOLD!!!!! This is, in my opinion, the best and most beautiful 1/2 scale miniature 1894 Winchester ever made. It started life as a standard 1/2 scale octagon barrel short rifle made by Miniart in Moscow, Russia. The part of the lever inside the action marked MINIART RUSSIA on the left side, and partially visible when the action is opened. It has been totally reworked by the finest U.S. craftsmen at their respective trades. First, the barrel address, caliber markings, proof marks, and upper tang markings were programmed and laser engraved by me with a YAG laser when I worked at Imperial Miniature Armory. The rifle was then sent to master gunsmith the late Terry Farrand, who did the final surface preparation, making sure every surface was flat, square, the edges sharp, the final polish correct, and polished the internal mechanisms so the action works smooth as silk. It was then sent to master miniature maker Michael Barrett who restocked the rifle in 10X deluxe French burl walnut. The stocks were then sent to master checkerer James Corpe who did the incredible 40 lines per inch checkering, scroll work, and the final stock finishing. Meanwhile, the metal parts were sent to master engraver Michael Dubber for the engraving and gold and platinum inlay work in the pattern and style of master Winchester engraver Conrad F. Ulrich, even signing the lower tang C.F. ULRICH. Finally, the rifle was sent to Doug Turnbull for final finishing in blue, fire blue, and case colors. The project, commissioned by the late miniature collector Nelson Perry, spared no expense, took over six years to complete, and resulted in the finest 1894 Winchester I have ever seen. 18 7/8″ long overall with a 9 15/16″ octagon barrel. The steel parts are finely polished and finished a rich deep black blue, except for the lever, hammer, and buttplate which are color case hardened, and the loading gate and extractor which are fire blued. The muzzle of the barrel, breach of the barrel, forearm cap, receiver, bolt, hammer, floorplate, upper tang, and buttplate are very finely scroll engraved with unbelievably tight and detailed scrolls. The muzzle and breach ends of the barrel with inlaid gold and platinum bands. The forearm cap, receiver, lever, hammer, bolt, floorplate, and upper tang with gold wire border details. The left side of the receiver with a gold inlaid buck and doe deer game scene. The right side of the receiver with a gold inlaid moose game scene. Both game scenes with a platinum wire inlaid border. The serial number 1 is stamped into the bottom front of the receiver. The stocks are checkered with scrolls and spades with perfect execution. Complete with a beautiful walnut hinged top casing with key lock. The case lid with a round brass escutcheon inlaid into the center. The interior French fit and lined in dark red and black felt. Accessories include two 1/2 scale empty dummy Winchester Super X .30-30 cartridge boxes, a 1/2 scale instruction brochure, a 1/2 scale Winchester hang tag, five solid yellow brass dummy cartridges, and the case key. This is a stunningly beautiful miniature rifle, and sure to be the centerpiece of even the most advanced collection. As an added bonus, this miniature includes the NRA silver medal # 45 it won, attesting to it’s being one of the finest miniatures in the world. Although the medal states “One of the ten best”, only a maximum of three NRA silver medals are awarded each year, and there have been several years where only two were awarded. The rifle and accessories are in mint new as made condition. The case has a couple of scratches, and the case lid is warped a little. Stock # RS-1, !!!!!SOLD!!!!!
