Winchester 1894 Rifle 38-55

This is a nice super-clean example of an early Model 1894 Winchester Sporting Rifle in caliber 38-55 with a highly sought after antique serial number. Standard Sporting Rifle with 26" octagon barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate. This Winchester has had one owner for the past forty-two years and was found by a now-retired engineer while working on an a project in New Haven, Connecticut back in the early 1970's. It is 100% original down to the smallest screw including the sights which have never been filed or altered. Serial number is in the 52,000 range which qualifies it as an antique and manufactured before Jan. 1, 1899. Nice early markings include two-line barrel address on top flat, and three-line tang marking which includes Model 1894 designation, WINCHESTER, and inventor John Browning's original August 21, 1894 patent date. Hammer has the earliest "Victorian-era" style knurling with decorative dipped border around the checkering.

Overall Condition grades to NRA Antique Excellent with 80% original blue on the receiver and 95% original blue on the barrel and magazine tube. Hammer retains 65% original case colors with 15% faded colors on the lever w/ balance faded to nickel-silver. Loading port has 30% fire blue mostly around the edges. Excellent screws overall. Original walnut wood is Fine+ Overall with only a couple of blemishes. Has never been cleaned or sanded with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Nice wood to metal fit, still has its factory fit with wood standing slightly proud of the metal. Nice mechanics. Bore is Very Good Overall with good rifling and no areas of bad pitting, rings, or bulges. Just a nice solid all original example of a early Model 1894 rifle.

Item# 1781

SOLD