2020 September Premier, Volume I

LOT 24
Historically Significant “Africa 1909” Inscribed Winchester
Deluxe Model 1886 Takedown Lever Action .45-90 Rifle Reportedly
Made for Theodore Roosevelt’s Famed 1909 African Safari with R.
L. Wilson Letter - Serial no. 147840A, 45-90 cal., 26 inch round bbl., blue
finish, highly figured checkered walnut pistol grip stock. This is a very fine
example of a Winchester Model 1886 Fancy Sporting Rifle manufactured
in 1909 in .45-90 W.C.F. caliber. The top of the barrel is marked with the
two line address/patent dates ahead of the rear sight and “45-90 W.C.F.” at
the breech end. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1886/-WINCHESTER-/
TRADE MARK”. The lower tang is marked with the 1884 and 1885 patent
dates directly behind the trigger and the serial number to the rear. The
upper right side of the receiver is period inscribed “Africa 1909”. The barrel
is equipped with a Lyman blade front sight with bead and two folding
leaf Lyman rear sight. There is a Lyman peep sight mounted on the left
side of the receiver. Half magazine tube, blue finish with casehardened
hammer and lever, and mounted with deluxe, nicely figured checkered
walnut forearm with metal end cap and pistol grip stock with a hard
rubber Winchester grip cap and checkered hard rubber Winchester
buttplate. This rifle was carefully examined by noted firearms historian R.L.
Wilson. In his accompanying letter Wilson concluded that this rifle “was
manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. as a sample for testing
by Theodore Roosevelt and his son Kermit in preparation for their great
African safari, 1909-10. With numerous features that were of proven and
known popularity with Theodore Roosevelt in his selection of Winchesters
made to his order from models as early as the 1873 to the Model 1895. A
few of which accompanied TR and his son Kermit on their great African
safari in 1909-10.” As the author of three books on TR’s adventures in
Africa, Wilson established himself as an expert on Winchesters used in
TR’s African safaris. Months of preparation leading up to Roosevelt’s
1909-10 safari included testing rifles and ammunition as well as directly
communicating with Winchester on the type of arms and cartridges best
suited for the hunt. Wilson explained, “It was TR’s practice to add new
Winchester to his battery of arms as improved models were introduced…
The writer feels that the ‘African 1909’ Model 1886 was not only inspired
by the quite extraordinary Roosevelt expedition, but that it was likely
prepared at the gunmaker’s own expense, as an example of a special
pattern of rifle which they would be willing to manufacture.” This rifle is
without a doubt configured to TR’s own personal preferences. As noted
by Wilson, a Model 1886 in .45-90 (serial number 9205) was TR’s primary
sporting rifle from 1887 until 1894 and the half magazine, caliber, deluxe
pistol grip stock and shotgun buttplate are features that
are shared with this Model 1886. We also know that correspondence
between then the vice president of Winchester Repeating Arms Co.
Winchester Bennett, and TR’s most trusted White House Aide William
Loeb documents Winchester’s extensive assistance and collaboration in
the 1909-10 safari. In an August 10th dated letter, for example, Bennet
referenced a .45-70 sample rifle made specifically for TR and recognized
TR’s “attachment to the 1886 .45-70 rifle, and the confidence which you
feel therein. Certainly for zebra, the smaller antelope, and much other
African game, this arm out to be sufficient.” In the end, Roosevelt decided
not to bring a .45-90 rifle to Africa, but, as Wilson noted, “the important
fact is that he had certainly considered that caliber,” as confirmed by the
aforementioned letter. A Model 1886 was selected for the trip but was
chambered in .45-70. As Wilson finally concluded, “Having reviewed all of
the research and writing of myself and others, the inescapable conclusion
is that Serial No. 147840 was prepared by Winchester as a sample of a
special rifle which would fit within the exacting parameters of TR’s choices
for the great safari…[The rifle] represents not only the great safari of the
Roosevelts, but the intense preparation that was necessary to make their
11-month expedition the enormous success father and son hand hoped
and dreamed it to be. Without the cooperation of Winchester, the saga of
that adventure would not have reached its potential.” The famed 1909-10
African hunting expedition was outfitted by the Smithsonian Institution
and commenced shortly after the end of TR’s presidency in March 1909,
returning in June 1910. The hunt also involved professional hunters such
as Frederick Selous, Edward Buxton, R.J. Cuninghame and Leslie Tarlton.
As one modern day commentator put it, “Essentially this was the biggest,
most macho and testosterone-laden hunting junket on Earth.” About
11,400 animals, ranging from insects to elephants, were captured or killed,
including 512 big game animals. It
took the Smithsonian eight years
to catalog the specimens. The safari
was documented by Roosevelt in
his book “African Game Trails” and
helped to solidify Roosevelt’s image
as the quintessential adventurer and
outdoorsman in popular culture.
CONDITION: Very fine. The barrel and
magazine retain 90% plus original
blue finish with some thinning at the muzzle,
and a few minor scratches and handling marks. The
receiver retains 50% of the original blue finish with a smooth
gray patina on the bottom and smooth brown on the sides. The lever
and hammer retain 50% original case colors concentrated on the sides
with a smooth mottled gray patina on the balance. The wood is also very
fine with most of the original finish remaining and some overall scattered
minor dings and dents, with crisp checkering. The markings remain crisp
and clear. The action is excellent.
Estimate: 15000 - 25000
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