A rare and spectacular Winchester Model 1886 that was made for automotive magnate John F Dodge has sold as top lot in James D Julia's Outstanding Firearms auction, held March 11-12 in Maine.
 John Ulrich and his brother Conrad, two of the most respected Winchester engravers, both worked on the rifle's elaborate design |
The elaborately engraved rifle sold for $333,500, as the highest valued piece of the auction. Its receiver was engraved by the highly-respected artist John Ulrich, and features a full elliptical vignette of a gold inlaid white tail buck, doe and fawn in an extremely detailed forest scene.
The right side of the receiver has a smaller vignette of a standing gold bull moose and reclining gold cow moose, also in a forest scene. The entirety of the rear portion of the right side is engraved in arabesque patterns and has a Moorish pattern centred above the loading gate.
Attesting to the rifle's authenticity, the bottom of the receiver has the gold inlaid initials JFD. It was accompanied in the sale by a two-page letter from the Cody Firearms Museum.
 There are only around five of Custer's valour medals in existence, though many more were issued at the time |
Dodge's rifle was followed by an extraordinary collection and medal grouping relating to George Custer's civil war 7th Michigan Cavalry. Coming from the family of Colonel George G Briggs, the last commander of the regiment, the collection contained letters, photographs, and a piece of the Appomattox surrender flag, which was presented to Custer upon the Confederate surrender.
Also featuring in the collection was the gold Tiffany valour medal that was authorised only by Custer for his brigade, which is one of only around five known to exist. It was joined by the Sheridan Cavalry Corp badge and Colonel Briggs' Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States membership badge. In total, the collection brought $184,000.
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