Thank you Keith! I had no idea of the British use of Winchesters, but this is truly fascinating! These guns in themselves have amazing histories as they were so widely used and over such long periods. Yours is a classic! Its funny, we have spent so many years discussing swords, yet our interest in arms history of course carries into guns.
This is my 1873 Saddle Ring carbine, found some years back in Albuquerque, it had been in use from 1880s there and only 'retired' in the 80s. Here in Texas the Texas Rangers have carried them faithfully up until recent years, some probably still do, when mounted.
Joaquin Jackson, one of the legendary Rangers around here seen some years ago with his. He wrote the book, "One Ranger", the title referring to the old story about years ago a riot broke out in a town and calls were sent for help. One Ranger rode calmly into town....the towns people looked and exclaimed, 'they only sent ONE ranger!!??
He calmly drawled, 'there's only one riot aint there?"
Jackson was the model for the movie "Hell or High Water" Jeff Bridges character.
With the rolling blocks, this is the one I ended up with.....the guy in New York laughed and said, well this came outa Texas in the first place, so guess its going home!
As for the Ballard, thanks for the thought on 'Kentucky'. I pretty much had that feeling too. If they wanted 'em, they'd get 'em, and hell with proper channels.
Both guns rough for wear.....but thats history!