FASCINATING AGENT MARKED 1886 .45-70 SADDLE RING CARBINE, #132XXX, MADE 1903

Description:
FASCINATING AGENT MARKED 1886 .45-70 SADDLE RING CARBINE, #132XXX, MADE 1903. I’m sure there is a great deal of history in this one as the forward part of the left side of the receiver is marked in two lines with small block letters “CARLOS RASETTI” over “526 RIVADAVIA BUENOS AIRES.” A quick internet search revealed that this was a large firearms importer and dealer in Buenos Aires, Argentina that was founded in 1857 and ran through the 1930s. This carbine was made in 1903 and during this time huge cattle ranches  on the pampas (grasslands) called estancias added to Argentina’s wealth. Interestingly, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid arrived in Buenos Aires in late 1901 and had a cattle ranch before being killed in Argentina in 1905. This example in desirable .45-70 caliber is a standard saddle ring carbine with carbine butt plate, carbine ladder rear sight with slide intact and 22” barrel. It obviously saw use on the ranches there as the overall metal is gray/brown with fine markings etc. There is scattered light pitting from mainly surface rust that was wiped off (not buffed etc.). The stock and forend have not been sanded or refinished and show only normal light handling. There is some very minor and very old chipping in the stock by the upper tang/receiver juncture and one hairline age crack in the tip of the forend coming back toward the barrel band- again all this is minor. There is some very light honest saddle wear on the bottom of the forend just behind the barrel band. The action is tight, the half-cock safety holds correctly, and the bore is fairly bright and excellent. Overall, a most attractive and rare agent marked 123-year-old 1886 saddle ring carbine in a great caliber. 
 

Curio/Relic: Yes
Rifle Caliber: .45-70 Government
Manufacturer: WINCHESTER
Model: 1886 CARBINE
Serial Number: 132XXX
Barrel Length: 22
Condition: VG
Bore Condition: EXCELLENT

Price: $5,850.00