This is an early standard Model 1894 Winchester saddle ring carbine in Caliber 30 WCF (aka 30-30).  Standard carbine configuration with 20" round barrel, full magazine, saddle ring, ladder sight, and carbine style buttplate.  Early Pre-1898 antique serial number is in the 33,000 range which according to the Madis Book dates its production to the year 1895.  Early style checkering on hammer with dipped border, 2 line barrel address, and 3 line upper tang marked with Winchester name, Model, and Patent date.  The rear sight is a correct Model 1894 but has the later turn of the century type 0 to 20 graduations....technically, it should be graduated 2 to 9...otherwise, this carbine is all original.  Original front sight still has its original German silver blade....quite nice and only found only on early carbines.

Overall condition grades to NRA Antique Fine with 65% original receiver blue that is mixed with some fine pinprick oxidation and a few scattered pits around the saddle ring.  The lever has 25% of its original mottled case colors while the hammer shows 80% strong case colors.  Even the buttplate shows 30% strong case colors.....another unique feature found only on the earliest 1894 antique carbines as these were blued later on.  The loading port has 35% vivid fire blue around the edges that  fades out to a worn greyish purple towards the center of the port.  Bolt shows 90% bright original blue with the extractor still revealing strong signs of its original tempered blue when viewed at the correct angles.  Barrel and magazine tube have 80% original blue that is full coverage but mixed with oxidation.  Excellent screws throughout....there is not a single bad screw to be found on the entire gun and most appear to be unturned.  This carbine has beautiful early walnut retaining 95% original varnish.  Even high wear areas such as the forearm still has nearly all its original finish.  Wood to metal fit is perfect with no chips, cracks, or repairs.  There are a few dings and a couple of gouges...otherwise, this would grade to Excellent+.  Its not very often we've seen wood this nice on a carbine.  Very good action.  Very good bore with strong lands and grooves...no signs of serious pits but a little frosty.  A scarce little gun that is hard to find in the early antique serial ranges. 

Item# 8605

SOLD