TURKISH CONTRACT, WINCHESTER MUSKET.

The famed Winchester 1866 repeater was produced in three variants, the short carbine, the long military musket and the hunting rifle with octagonal barrel. The military musket calibre .44 Henry rim fire was exported widely around the world, the new technology of the repeating rifle surpassing all other weapons. In the late 1870’s Turkey adopted the Winchester musket and it was successfully used in the Russia Turkish War of 1877 notably at the battle of Plevna, this was the first major military engagement in the world in which the use of repeating firearms had a substantial influence on the outcome. The Winchester musket was also used as a late as 1915 by the Ottoman Armies and a number were captured by British Forces after the collapse of the Empire in 1918. This example is a superb condition piece numbered ‘111395’, the wood is superb a few scuffs to the left hand side of the fore stock, the initials ‘TK’ engraved to the right hand side of the butt stock with two other minor indentations. No repairs, damages or patches to any other part of the wood stock, fore or end. Although the Winchester series were known as brass framed, the musket receiver is actually a bronze composition. Turkish regimental markings on the rear butt stock, the action full operable and sharp with both of its sling swivels intact and a good clear ‘Winchester Repeating Arms Company’ scrollwork visible to the upper part of the barrel. Complete with its ladder sight. Totally legal without any license needed to own in the U.K. if an overseas purchaser wishes to purchase please check with the regulations within you own country before ordering. A very historic military weapon with interesting history.

Code: 78891