The Griffin & Howe – 1885 Winchester Custom, R-2 Lovell

A Masterwork of American Craftsmanship

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A Masterwork of American Craftsmanship: The Griffin & Howe – 1885 Winchester Custom, R-2 Lovell

In the rich tradition of bespoke American rifles, few examples capture the harmony of mechanical precision and decorative artistry as eloquently as the Griffin & Howe – 1885 Winchester Custom, chambered in R-2 Lovell. Engraved by master craftsman Joe Fugger, this rifle is a tour de force of classic form elevated through exceptional embellishment, demonstrating why the single-shot 1885 Winchester remains a canvas of choice for artisans and collectors alike.

At the heart of this masterpiece is a 25-inch round barrel, paired with a Unertl 6x target scope—a combination that bridges vintage aesthetics with period-accurate precision shooting utility. The rifle retains the unmistakable silhouette of the High Wall action, its lines gently refined by Griffin & Howe’s meticulous custom work. An ebony tip at the forend lends contrast and elegance, subtly hinting at the level of detail to follow.

It is Joe Fugger’s engraving, however, that transforms this rifle into something singular and enduring. The receiver is richly engraved in deep relief scrollwork, with fine acanthus leaves and trailing vines flowing seamlessly across every visible surface. The left side features an engraved woodland scene, its focal point a gold-inlaid marmot resting alertly among the grasses—an unexpected but charming subject rendered with realism and whimsy. The right side presents a contrasting tableau: a flock of birds in flight over a pastoral landscape, one of which is strikingly highlighted in gold, drawing the eye with a delicate shimmer and motion. Both vignettes are framed within gold-bordered ovals, set against a backdrop of sweeping scrolls that extend across the tang, lever, and lower frame.