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RARE WHITNEY BURGESS MORSE 1ST MODEL LEVER RIFLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,500.00 USD
RARE WHITNEY BURGESS MORSE 1ST MODEL LEVER RIFLE
SERIAL #163 . BARREL 28". CALIBER 45-70. Less than 1500 made in both models, 1st models being very rare. Made 1878-1882. Barrel stamped G.W. MORSE with patent date of 1856. Tang stamped A. BURGE (no ss) with 1875 patent date. Large frame, large caliber early repeater pre-dates the 1881 Marlin, Features a full octagon barrel, full magazine, knife blade front sight, single standing leaf rear sight, early S-lever, walnut stocks with non-trap butt plate. Frame has early high polish blue finish. Condition. Frame retains at least 75% of the high polish blue, Peacock blue on loading gate and frame screws. Barrel retains generous flashes of blue mixing soft patina with razor sharp legends. Stock is excellent. Fore-arm has a tight 3.5" hairline. Barrel breech has couple of small chuck marks. Forward frame sides have some light denting from small hammer. Bore is sharp. Very handsome seldom seen big bore lever. ANTIQUE