Winchester Offers Commemorative Bullet Boards & Rifles in 150th Anniversary Celebration
Oliver Winchester introduced a legendary brand to the world in 1866. And for 150 years since, generations upon generations across the globe have experienced life, with Winchester. In celebration of its 150th anniversary in 2016, Winchester Ammunition produced five, custom-built, collectible cartridge-firearm boards, offered to various industry-conservation organizations in support of the shooting sports and hunting heritage. In addition, a once-in-a-lifetime series of 10, pre-production hand-engraved rifles, chambered in 44-40, from the "One of Five Hundred" Model 1866 "Yellow Boy" commemorative rifle collection will also be offered at specific trade and industry events throughout 2016.
The Winchester Model 1866 “Yellow Boy”
Winchester’s iconic image in Western lore comes from the widespread use of its fine lever-action rifles,
and the Model 1866 was the one that started it all: the legendary “Yellow Boy.”
In celebration of its 150th anniversary in 2016, Winchester has set aside 10 pre-production rifles,
chambered in 44-40, from the “One of Five Hundred” Model 1866 “Yellow Boy” commemorative rifle
collection. These 10 pre-production rifles have been sent to Baron Engraving for custom embellishments
and identification.
In turn, Winchester is generously donating this collection of 10 Model 1866 rifles to select industry
partners and special trade events to help raise funds for key programs within the shooting sports.
These unique “1 of 10” Model 1866 pre-production rifles represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for
the serious collector to create a centerpiece for their Winchester collection. Each of these 10 rifles will
include a box of special commemorative Winchester ammunition and the magnificent Winchester 150th
collectible medallion.
Commemorative Bullet Boards
Model 1866 Winchester “Yellow Boy”
Winchester’s iconic image in Western lore is borne from the widespread use of its fine lever-action rifles of the time. And this Winchester, the Model 1866 was the one that started it all, the iconic “Yellow Boy”. This is a 3rd model rifle, manufactured in 1871. At 144 years old, the condition of the receiver is excellent, with the brass toning a very pleasing butterscotch patina. It retains sharp edges that are not worn or rounded. This 1 of 5 exclusive Winchester framed cartridge and firearm collectible, features historic ammunition cartridges, nostalgic packaging and the Winchester 150th anniversary medallion. Winchester, The American Legend. Celebrating 150 years of legendary excellence.
Model 1873 Winchester .38-40 Cal. Made in 1882
From this period, no lever-action is more famous than the Winchester Model 1873, known as “The Gun that Won the West.” The Model 1873 was originally chambered in 44-40, followed by .38-40 and .32-20, which were all popular handgun cartridges allowing for a cowboy of the day to shoot the same ammunition from both his rifle and his handgun. Similarly, this Model 1873 made in 1897 is chambered in .38-40 caliber. The rifle features a straight, original walnut stock, a 24-inch round barrel with a full-length tube magazine. This 1 of 5 exclusive Winchester framed cartridge and firearm collectible, features historic ammunition cartridges, nostalgic packaging and the Winchester 150th anniversary medallion. Winchester, The American Legend. Celebrating 150 years of legendary excellence.
Winchester Model 1894 Lever-Action Rifle in .30 WCF
While the Winchester Model 1873 may be “The Gun that Won the West,” the Model 1894, was the lever-action that took the hunting world by storm. In fact, the Model 1894, which is without peer in sales—more than 7.5 million rifles sold and counting since its creation in 1894—is synonymous with the .30 WCF, a cartridge credited with taking more North American big game than any other cartridge in history. This model boasts the smooth walnut straight stock and forend, blued metal, crested butt plate and front post and rear buckhorn sights common to the model in its original variation. This 1 of 5 exclusive Winchester framed cartridge and firearm collectible, features historic ammunition cartridges, nostalgic packaging and the Winchester 150th anniversary medallion. Winchester, The American Legend. Celebrating 150 years of legendary excellence.
Winchester Model 12, 20 Gauge
Once billed as “the perfect repeater,” the Model 12 was Winchester’s first hammerless pump-action shotgun. Introduced in 1912 as the Model 1912—it wasn’t until after WWI that it would be marketed as simply the Model 12. The shotgun was made from the best steel alloys available and the receivers were machined from solid steel blanks. From the duck blinds along the Mississippi Flyway to the European battlefields of WWI and WWII, the Model 12 saw an abundance of action and would go on to become the preferred firearm of many a hunter, competitor and soldier. This Model 12, built in 1912, includes highly embellished, custom engraving, and was manufactured during the model’s inaugural year. It is chambered for 2¾-inch 20-gauge shells. This 1 of 5 exclusive Winchester framed cartridge and firearm collectible, features historic ammunition cartridges, nostalgic packaging and the Winchester 150th anniversary medallion. Winchester, The American Legend. Celebrating 150 years of legendary excellence.
Winchester Model 70 (pre-1964) .30-06
The Model 70 is without a doubt one of the most famous bolt-action rifles in history having developed a loyal following among American sportsmen during the peak of the rifle’s production. It would come to be known as “The Rifleman’s Rifle” and as such continues to hold a special place in sporting lore. Chambered in .30-06, this rifle, built in 1937, with checkered walnut forend and stock, fires one of the most ubiquitous and versatile sporting cartridges of the 20th century, capable of taking most North American big game. This 1 of 5 exclusive Winchester framed cartridge and firearm collectible, features historic ammunition cartridges, nostalgic packaging and the Winchester 150th anniversary medallion. Winchester, The American Legend. Celebrating 150 years of legendary excellence.
