Winchester Promotional Films-Extremely Rare

Rare Collection of Seven Winchester Promotional Films (1957-1965) with Model 59 DVD – A True Gem for Winchester Collectors

Attention Winchester collectors: this unparalleled collection of seven promotional films, spanning 1957 to 1965, offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Winchester history. These films, produced by Winchester-Western and distributed through a network involving Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation, Skeetrap, Inc., and Dura-Sel Corporation, highlight iconic Winchester shotguns and the competitive shooting culture of the era. Preserved in their original metal canisters and Technicolor loop cartridges, and accompanied by a DVD version of the Model 59 film, this set is a testament to Winchester’s legacy in firearms marketing. With few surviving copies known to exist, this collection is a must-have for any serious Winchester enthusiast.

Collection Highlights:

1. "SKEET WELL" 16mm Reel (1957):
- A 16mm film showcasing Winchester’s skeet shooting shotguns, likely the revered Model 12 or Model 21. Postmarked November 12, 1957, this film was sent from Winchester-Western in New Haven, CT, to a manager in Plano, IL, and is associated with Skeetrap, Inc. in Pittsburgh, PA. The canister features vintage U.S. Mail stamps and the handwritten title "SKEET," capturing the essence of 1950s skeet shooting culture.

2. Model 59 Technicolor Cartridge (1961) with Canister and DVD:
- A Technicolor loop cartridge promoting the Winchester Model 59, a semi-automatic shotgun with a groundbreaking "Win-Lite" fiberglass barrel, produced from 1960 to 1965. The accompanying canister, marked "MK 59," was sent from G. H. Bolton in Pittsburgh, PA, to F. Harris in St. Albans, WV, with an "Urgent Shipment by Express" label, reflecting its significance in Winchester’s sales strategy. This set includes a rare DVD version of the Model 59 film, ensuring the content can be viewed without risking the original film—a unique addition for collectors. The Model 59’s limited production run of just 82,085 units makes this promotional material exceptionally scarce.

3. "CHAMPION" (Model 101 Champion) Technicolor Cartridge (1963-1965):
- A Technicolor loop cartridge highlighting the Winchester Model 101 Champion, an over-under shotgun introduced in 1963 and celebrated for its excellence in competitive shooting. The "CHAMPION" title likely focuses on skeet or trap shooting, possibly featuring a champion shooter or event. The Model 101’s enduring popularity among collectors makes this early promotional film a prized artifact.

4. "DS 128" Canister (1961):
- A canister sent from Dura-Sel Corporation in New York to G. H. Bolton, District Manager for Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA, dated October 6, 1961. Marked "Express Air Priority," this canister likely contains another Winchester promotional film, possibly related to the Model 59 or a different product from 1961. The "DS 128" designation adds intrigue, inviting its new owner to uncover its story.

5-6. Two Unlabeled Technicolor Cartridges (Early 1960s):
- Two additional Technicolor loop cartridges, prepared by Dura-Sel Corporation for immediate playback. While untitled, these films are likely Winchester promotional pieces from the early 1960s, potentially showcasing other models (e.g., the Model 70 rifle) or shooting activities (e.g., trap shooting, hunting). Their connection to G. H. Bolton and Pittsburgh ties them to the same distribution network as the other films.

Rarity and Historical Significance:
This collection is a rare archive of Winchester’s marketing efforts during a transformative period in firearms history. Promotional films from the 1950s and 1960s were produced in limited quantities for dealers, trade shows, and sporting events, and surviving copies are exceedingly scarce due to the fragility of 16mm film and the passage of time. The inclusion of Technicolor loop cartridges—a pioneering format in the early 1960s—adds technological significance, appealing to both Winchester collectors and vintage film enthusiasts. The films cover a spectrum of Winchester shotguns, from the classic Model 12/21 to the innovative Model 59 and the iconic Model 101, offering a comprehensive view of the company’s product lineup and its emphasis on competitive shooting sports. The Model 59 film’s DVD version, a rare modern reproduction, ensures the content’s accessibility while preserving the original cartridge’s historical value. The distribution network, involving key figures like G. H. Bolton and companies like Skeetrap, Inc., indicates these films were part of a targeted sales campaign, making surviving copies exceptionally rare.

Condition:
The canisters and cartridges exhibit wear consistent with their age, including rust, peeling labels, and markings, but remain structurally sound, preserving their authenticity as historical artifacts. The films have not been tested for playability, and potential buyers should be aware of possible degradation (e.g., vinegar syndrome) common in 16mm films from this era. The included DVD of the Model 59 film allows collectors to view its content without risking the original, though the DVD’s condition has not been verified. Digitization of the other films is recommended to preserve their content, offering a chance to experience these rare glimpses of Winchester history. The canisters bear vintage stamps, postmarks, and handwritten notations, enhancing their charm as relics of a bygone era.

Why This Collection Belongs in Your Winchester Collection:
For Winchester collectors, these films are a direct link to the company’s legacy in shooting sports and innovation. Whether you admire the Model 12’s timeless design, the Model 59’s cutting-edge engineering, or the Model 101’s competitive pedigree, this collection reveals how Winchester marketed these iconic firearms to the world. The rarity of these films, combined with their historical significance, the unique Technicolor cartridge format, and the added value of the Model 59 DVD, makes this a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a piece of Winchester history that few collectors will ever encounter.

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