Strange emblem on antique rifle

[Acaldwell32]

Hey all. My friend just purchased this collectors rifle and noticed a gold piece inserted into it. Looks like a crescent moon too me..he tested the metal and it came out as gold. It dates to 1880's. My guess was maybe a civil war vet put it In in remembrance of his service

 

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[Acaldwell32]

 

[Kace]

What model is the rifle?

Is there a crescent head on the other side also or can you feel any kind of previous repair on the stock?

You guys can look up the original owner in War records to see if he was a CW veteran and also Winchester has kept good records to find out who ordered it from them.

You could very well be right in your guess!

Kace

 

[Argentium]

Are you suggesting that the "War of Northern Agression " was still being fought until 1885 ? or is that a typo ? ( 1865 perhaps )

 

[Kace]

Are you suggesting that the "War of Northern Agression " was still being fought until 1885 ? or is that a typo ? ( 1865 perhaps )

Thanks A! Typo..Its Late..lol!

Kace

 

[dansalata]

pretty good piece or history

 

[glass half fool]

Yes A pretty good piece of history as dansalata said .Would love to have something like that

 

[against the wind]

That would start a great conversation among collectors of Winchesters. Kudos to your friend.

 

[ivan salis]

the creasant moon symbol was commonly used in NEW ORLEANS

 

[Hillbilly Prince]

Are you suggesting that the "War of Northern Agression " was still being fought until 1885 ? or is that a typo ? ( 1865 perhaps )

For some I think the war is ongoing to this day

 

[Bob-E-Pin]

I definitely see the moon, IMHP it looks like a repair, kinda like an early version of a Corby Bolt. The patent on that lever gun is from the 1880’s. Meaning the year of that patent is the earliest that model would have been produced. Had it been a gun in production, all the recurring patents would be listed as well (ex. Model 1886 patent date Jan 1, 1866, July 24, 1892 etc... ) my guess is without seeing the rifle in its entirety is that is a Model 1886. Awesome piece of history!!

 

[Ogre1190]

Have your friend contact the Cody Firearms Museum in Cody WY. They can do a ton of research on Winchester and a few other makes.