Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

Bert H. If you got the time, tell us a story.

garanch
Bert. In all of your travels doing research, collecting, and handeling rare Winchesters what would you say has been one of your biggest surprises?

Like what was the rarest model that you have ever held, finding a gem in a collection of other common guns, or discovering a serial numbered gun that supposedly did not exist anymore, etc..

I know that in all of your time spent pursuing your passion, you have one or two amazing stories or surprises that you could relate to us. I am always intrigued when I hear stories that sound too good to be true, but are.

If you have a spare moment or two please share one with us.

Thanks
0

Comments

13 comments

Date Votes
  • GuvamintCheese
    [:p]
    0
  • Grasshopper
    [:)] Nice topic, hope he answers..nambu
    0
  • Bert H.
    Finding an authentic factory original Model 1885 high-wall Saddle Ring Carbine has thus far been my biggest surprise... neither George Madis, John Campbell, Bill West, or any other noted Wincehster collector/author ever mentioned one, or knew they existed. They were never cataloged by Winchester, nor where they listed as a special order option.

    I discovered the first one of them back in late 2002, and the second one several months later. The second one is now in the possession of a friend of mine, and I have had the gun in my hands several times. The first time I had in my hands on it, I took it completely apart to study it.

    Since discovering the pair of them (2-digits apart on the serial number), I have scoured the factory ledgers looking for more of them... thus far, I have found that just (16) of them were made. The first (6) are non-sequential serial numbered, but all on the same order number, and they have a 20-inch No. 2 round barrel, chambered for 40-60 W.C.F.

    The second batch (10 guns total) all have sequential serial numbers, and are identical to the first six, except that they are chambered for the 44 W.C.F. cartridge.

    All (16) guns were ordered by a dealer in Australia. To the best of my knowledge, just the one has made it back home to the states. Hopefully Tony will post a few pictures of it.
    0
  • Hangfire
    Bert..You're doing a great disservice to everyone by including even the mention of Bill West with 'Noted' collector/authors [xx(]..I'd hate to see anyone run across one of his books, and give it any credence!!! Remember, I knew the guy..[8D] He was a comical figure that knew very little..He was great fun at the Disneyland gunshows..We'd make up Winchester configurations, and 'ol Bill would say 'Yeah, I had one of those!!' Then go on to outline the entire history of a fictional gun..What a HOOT.. Madis may have taken 'liberties', but he was a good guy..George would even egg-on Bill..too much fun..

    Bob...
    0
  • hp289
    When I'm bored with it; Bert gets first shot at it. He deserves it! He has done more for the 1885 than anyone else ever has. I hope he gets off his butt and writes his book! -T
    0
  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by hp289
    When I'm bored with it; Bert gets first shot at it. He deserves it! He has done more for the 1885 than anyone else ever has. I hope he gets off his butt and writes his book! -T


    Tony,

    Please post the pictures of your SRC high-wall.

    The book is better than 75% complete, but I still have several research projects to complete yet.
    0
  • ruger41
    Hope you have a book signing table at one of the WAC shows--I'd be one of the first in line! Is your book going to have lots of pics like Jailbird R.L. Wilson's books?[:D]
    0
  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by ruger41
    Hope you have a book signing table at one of the WAC shows--I'd be one of the first in line! Is your book going to have lots of pics like Jailbird R.L. Wilson's books?[:D]


    It will have pictures, but not quite to the same level that Wilson did. The biggest difference, is that my book will be full of statistical facts[:0]
    0
  • HAIRY
    quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by ruger41
    Hope you have a book signing table at one of the WAC shows--I'd be one of the first in line! Is your book going to have lots of pics like Jailbird R.L. Wilson's books?[:D]


    It will have pictures, but not quite to the same level that Wilson did. The biggest difference, is that my book will be full of statistical facts[:0]
    I trust you will offer signed copies of your book here on Gunbroker. Please put me down for one (advance order).

    Edit: Hairy,

    Yes, I will offer them here on Gunbroker, and will sign them for people who desire it.

    Bert
    0
  • hp289
    [img][/img]http://picasaweb.google.com/tonyg289/1885SRCS?feat=directlink[img][/img]
    0
  • hp289
    As Bert requested. The low wall is 44-40, factory 15 inch with ATF clearance letter, although not needed, but the previous owner submitted it so I have it. It's an antique number. Many call these Baby trappers and Berts research has turned up that WRACO made around 300 of them.

    The High Wall SRC is one of the only 16 ever made. It came from Australia and is one of the 10 made in 44-40. It's believed that only 2 examples survive, with mine being the only one in the U.S. Most know that I collect 44-40 boxes and 44 Henry ammo boxes so my guns are usually, but not exclusively, in those calibers.
    0
  • garanch
    [/quote]I trust you will offer signed copies of your book here on Gunbroker. Please put me down for one (advance order).

    Edit: Hairy,

    Yes, I will offer them here on Gunbroker, and will sign them for people who desire it.

    Bert
    [/quote]


    Desire, or deserve? Which one is it?

    Just joking. Please put my name on the list to purchase your book when it is ready, and yes I would like to have it autographed by the master himself.

    Thanks again for your story, I knew you had one in ya'.
    0
  • Bert H.
    You are quite welcome... but it wasn't a "story"... just real facts.

    Here is another true "story"... several years ago, I had in my right hand the only known engraved Colt Walker, and in my left hand, one of the finest condition Colt Walkers in existance... the pair was absolutley awesome, and quite likely worth close to 2-million $$$$$$$ GWs[:0][:0][:0]

    I will indeed autograph a book for anyone who "desires" it.
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity