Details for Item # 10182		+
Custom Special Order Winchester M. 54 Rifle .30 Gov.	Price: US $9850.00
Click on thumbnails below to enlarge images	Maker: Winchester Model: 54

This rare bolt action Winchester is accompanied by a letter from Mr. Herbert G. Houze of Cody Wyoming, noted author of several books on Winchesters and past curator of the Winchester museum in Cody. Mr. Houze states, "with respect to your Winchester Repeating Arms Company Model 54 sporting rifle serial number 46502A, I am of the professional opinion that it was originally manufactured with a full-length "Mannlicher style" stock. The basis for this conclusion lies in the fact that the for-end cap is identical in construction and form to those found on other Winchester "special order" full-length stocked rifles produced during the mid-1930's. These include one Model 52, a Model 70 and two Model 75 sporting rifles that were all made specifically for John M. Olin, the co-owner of the Winchester company at the time. While the Model 52 was made for Mr. Olin's personal use, the Model 70 and 75s were given by Olin to his friend, Robert W. Woodruff, president of the Coca-Cola company. In common with your Model 54, the previously mentioned model 52, 70 and 75s featured deluxe checkering, as well as pistol grips fitted with plain steel caps. Apart from the form of the stock, the most compelling reason to identify this rifle as having been ordered by John M. Olin is the absence of the standard Winchester proof mark on the receiver and barrel. To the best of my knowledge, the omission of these marks was only allowed on arms made specifically for Mr. Olin." "With regard to the rifle's decoration, the construction of the engraving indicates that it was executed by George Alden Ulrich, the firm's chief engraver. The pattern of the scroll work conforms to the company's "style A" offered during the 1930's. This would be consistent with the rifle's date of manufacture, which, by its serial number, can be assigned to early 1936. It is also likely that the checkering of the bolt handle was cut by George Alden Ulrich. While rarely encountered, this type of checkering was offered by the Winchester company as an extra cost option. The other features identifying this rifle as having been made under a "special order" are the front sight and the absence of a rear barrel sight. In conclusion, it can only be added that this is an exceptionally rare Model 54 that is in all likelihood probably unique. What more can be said, this is a 100% original custom Winchester rifle. It is not mint, it has been hunted by the prior owner. It is simply an extremely rare rifle for the Model 54 or Model 70 or the Winchester collector." FFL or C&R