Need information about a Winslow rifle

[GRAYHAIR]

Hello,
I am new to the forum. I was hoping that the smart people on this forum would be able to give me some information about a rifle I got a few months ago. I bought it off of a gentleman in south Texas, and he told me that he had bought it from a friend estate that had passed away, and that he had it a long time. He told me that he thought that is was a Winslow custom rifle. The bore looks like new. I have looked on the web site trying to find out more information.
Here is what I would like to know if possible

1. who is the maker for the rifle?
2. How old could it be?
3. If it is a Winslow rifle, what grade would it be?

Here is the information on it.

1. 22-250
2. FN Supreme action
3. Serial # 2017
4. 24" barrel
5. 10 power fixed AO Zeizz scope
6. Has multiple inlays on the stock
7. Lots of hand carving in stock

I would appreciate any help.
Thanks,
Grayhair

 

[dryhumor]

Winslow was the principal of the operation. A fellow named Albrekt (sp?) was the stock maker. I met Mr Albrekt in 2012-13 it seems like. I purchased several stock blanks from the business before they closed shop. There were several pattern stocks still there, and what you have appears to be of their style, but not sure about the carving. They used a lot of Sako and Mauser actions, and a good many Douglas barrels.

The last operation was in Camden South Carolina. Winslow Arms. I can’t remember the town in Florida that they relocated from. I met an older than me guy some years ago that had worked part time for them in Camden, I haven’t seen him around in awhile, so not sure he’s still around.

The Albrekts had legal documented ivory that was used to embellish many of their stocks. I can’t tell by your pics how much/if ivory is in your stock or not. The diamond under the grip appears to be. At the time of his death, Mr Albrekt had a complete tusk, and a part tusk.

The gunsmith in Camden had been there awhile, but I never knew his name, or how long he was with the business. I have seen a few Winslow rifles locally in state, at gun shows from time to time, I also have seen them periodically on auction sites.

The operation changed hands maybe a year or so after Albrekts death. All the rifle blanks, shotgun blanks (nice ones too), and leftover barrels were sold off. The new owner made it into a basic guns and ammo operation.

There are or were, catalog pages on the internet showing several stock styles, I’m thinking these pages were from the ‘70s. Guns International may have some pictures of Winslow rifles, they aren’t as quick to delete content as GB.

 

[butchlambert]

They were a very gaudy rifle built in the 60s I believe. IMHO, I believe they appealed to people that taste was in their mouth as my Wife says. I do understand that the work was quality.

 

[GRAYHAIR]

Thanks dryhumor for the great information! thanks to you also butchlambert for the input.

 

[ShootDots]

When I was a kid, there was a gun / fishing store called G and R Tackle. They sold new and used rifles and some of the best fly fishing gear anywhere. Also inside the store was a small shop where a gunsmith came in to do scrolling on the metal and stocks, unreal carvings, scrolling and inlays, both gold and ivory in both metal and wood. There were 2 Winslow rifles in his shop for sale. One was a 7mm Rem Mag and I can't remember the other. However, I remember their prices. They both were $3500.00 at the time. That would have been from about 1964 til they closed. As far as I know, they never sold those rifles. Both rifles had awesome scrolling and wildlife images in the metal done in gold and diamond inlays of ivory with ivory sculpted into wildlife images in the stocks. They also had large "roll-over" cheek pieces with ivory "white line spacers" etc...you get the idea. Your rifle looks very similar in design to those "slightly over done" Winslow's in his shop.

At that time, those guns would have cost more than many new "normal" cars! They were things of pure beauty! However, NOBOBY and I mean NOBODY back then would have ever shot them or used them for hunting for fear of putting a mark or even a mar on them!

 

[snert]

I should recall the name of the publiccation, but can't...but yearly there used to be (1970s-80s) a big fat catalogue of GUNS..Gun Digest maybe...that had black and white photos of "every gun made" as well as "values". I used to read it cover to cover when I could get my hands on it as a kid. I saw those rifles then.

If you grab up an ebay copy of those from pre-1982 (I say that cause by then I was out of school and I know I was in school when I read those) you will likely see them listed and they will have a page or two of them in different grades. I'd look for about 1976-1979...for a good bet cause that would be the vintage I recall reading them.

 

[dryhumor]

An internet search using:

John Winslow, Nils Hultgren, & Richard Bortmess

Comes up with more information.

@dmoran provided it and the Florida location of Osprey in another thread. Quick search on the internet shows a good many pictures, questions, etc.

March 1966 photo



Possibly an NH inside your rifle stock would attribute it to Nils Hultgren. Be worth looking…

 

[GRAYHAIR]

Ok, people, what is your opinion on my rifle? Do you think it might be a Winslow rifle, or who do you think might have made it? Just guessing, how old do you think it is?
Thanks everyone for your input.
Grayhair

 

[two dogg]

This is A WINSLOW RIFLE, There is one on " GunBroker.com " right now...

Close Match in Looks !

 

[DaveTooley]

From a 1968 Gun Digest. Winslow was not listed in a 1988 edition.