#WINCHESTER REPEATER RIFLES SERIAL#

Henry Morton Stanley brought an 1866 rifle, in 44 rimfire and an 1876 rifle, in 45-75 calibre on his epic expedition to locate the lost explorer David Livingstone. There are no British proof markings present, indicating that the rifle was not shipped from the UK, but arrived directly from North America. Unusual features for an American gun include sling swivels and a front sight secured by a setscrew.Ĥ. The only unit abbreviation that matches is 'British Empire Service League,' which was the predecessor of todays South African Legion.ģ. This abbreviation doesn't correspond to any of the military, paramilitary or police units of South Africa, the Cape Colony or Bechuanaland. The right side barrel flat has the letters 'BESL' deeply embossed. The top barrel flat has the U/Broad Arrow Acceptance mark of the Union of South Africa (apparently not used until either late in the War or until Union was declared in 1910).Ģ. On more careful exam, it has several unusual features:ġ.

#WINCHESTER REPEATER RIFLES SERIAL#

Based on the serial number, it was shipped from the factory to Winchester's US warehouse in the spring of 1897. I welcome any further information that anyone reading this post may wish to share.īy description, on initial examination, the rifle is a pretty well a standard Model 1873 Full Length Rifle, calibre 44-40 with an octagonal barrel. Furthermore, being a Western Canadian, I have to wonder whether there may be a connection with personal firearms brought (and left) by certain Canadian officers of the Canadian Mounted Rifles. I believe that this rifle has an intriguing history and would share several details I've observed that make it distinct. They were able to confirm a South African Provenance, but unable to provide any more details. I attach several pictures of a Winchester Rifle I recently acquired through Holt's Auctioneers in the UK.

Winchester repeater rifles