Lot 25

Grizzly Attack Inscribed Winchester-Hotchkiss Sporting Rifle

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Grizzly Attack Inscribed Winchester-Hotchkiss Sporting Rifle

Estimate: $9,000 - $16,000

Starting Bid: $8,000

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Historic Special Order Winchester-Hotchkiss First Model 1879 Bolt Action Deluxe Sporting Rifle with 1885 Dated Montana Grizzly Bear Attack Inscription and Engraving, and Cody Letter The wrist of the stock of this fascinating rifle has well-done period reinforcements consisting of screwed on nickel-silver plates with a finely engraved scene of a grizzly bear in a forest on the left plate, and inscriptions on the two right plates that read "GUN AND OWNER SEVERELY/DAMAGED BY GRIZZLEY/TETON PEAK MONT. NOV. 10 1885/BEAR FARED EVEN WORSE!" Not much is left to the imagination as to whether this rifle has a story to tell or not; it is spelled out and illustrated right on the gun. This is one of the neatest examples of a Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle we have ever offered, serving as a historic snapshot and making for a wonderful conversation piece. Teton Peak is part of the Sawtooth Range of Montana's Rocky Mountain Front and has a summit of over 8,400 feet. A sporting rifle such as this Winchester-Hotchkiss would have been a desirable choice for a mountain hunter of the time. Its combined stopping power from the .45-70 Government cartridge and repeating capability clearly saved the life of the individual who was carrying it from a grizzly fate. The Hotchkiss was the first bolt action manufactured by Winchester, and it was designed for sporting and military use. The accompanying Cody letter states this Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle was originally received in the warehouse on January 6, 1880, and shipped on February 6, 1880, under factory order number 19003, with a round barrel and special order checkered pistol grip stock. This sporting rifle has a 26 inch round barrel with a dovetailed nickel-silver pinched blade front sight, a scarce Winchester express "V" notch rear sight with three folding leaves, and the First Model safety and turn button magazine cut-off mounted on the right side of the stock above the trigger. The left side of the receiver wall is marked with the three-line address/patent dates, and the serial number is marked on the upper left of the receiver wall. The checkered pistol grip stock has a horn Schnabel tip forend, horn accent on the bottom of the pistol grip, and a smooth steel buttplate.

Manufacturer: Winchester

Model: Hotchkiss

BBL: 26 inch round

Stock: deluxe walnut

Gauge: 45-70 Government

Finish: blue

Serial Number1971

Class: Antique

  • Condition: Very good with a very fresh appearance and the authentic character of a sporting rifle carried in the mountains of Montana, retains 30% original blue finish with even smooth brown patina on the balance, and distinct markings and edges. The stock is fine, with well-defined edges, the noted grizzly bear attack crack in the wrist remaining otherwise sound, attractive aged patina on the wrist plates, handling mark, and crisp checkering. Mechanically functions. This special order Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle with its period grizzly bear inscription would make a great addition to any American arms collection!

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000