Winchester 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine 38-55 w/ Scabbard --Early Production--

Nice honest and 100% original 1894 SRC in caliber 38-55 that shows use during its life as a genuine working saddle gun and comes with a proper original leather scabbard. This one has an antique serial number in the 29,000 serial range, which dates its production to pre-1898. Winchester 1894 SRC's with antique serial numbers have been becoming especially hard to find in Good or better grades of condition. Part of the reason for this is that they were manufactured in the early years in limited quantities. The other reason is that carbines were built and equipped specifically for use on horseback as a utility weapon. Many show decades of use and spent much of their working lives out in the elements. This gun is no exception...it has seen a lot of miles but is still in very respectable shape.

Configuration: Standard carbine with 20" round barrel, full magazine, early carbine ladder sight graduated 200 to 900 yards, carbine front sight with the early German silver blade, saddle ring, early walnut stocks with semi-crescent buttplate. This gun is completely original and correct with the early style two-line Winchester barrel address located on the crest of the barrel between the barrel band and rear sight. Caliber is clearly marked "38-55" directly behind rear sight. Upper tang is correctly marked...three lines which denote the Model 1894, -Winchester- brand, and Ogden, Utah inventor Jonathan Browning's original August 21, 1894 patent date. The hammer has the early decorative style dipped border in the checkering pattern.

Overall Condition is NRA Antique Good++ to Very Good- with 10% original blue on the frame located mostly around the saddle ring and in protected areas. Balance has worn to a peppery gray turning to brown. The barrel and tube are mostly gray turning brown with 10% original blue in protected areas between the barrel and magazine tube. Front portion of the barrel and mag show some light rash (probably from resting in a scabbard) with some cleaning done along the barrel and tube. The hammer and lever have traces of faded original case colors in protected areas. Wood grades to Good++ to Very Good overall. It's solid with no chips, cracks, or repairs. Wood is fairly smooth with the stock showing some fairly signficant rack wear along the right side just above the lever. Good mechanics and a Good+ bore with good spiral to the rifling...a little frosty but with zero rough spots, no bad pits, no rings, and no bulges. All in all, just a good solid example of an 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine in the best caliber with a nice early antique serial number.

Item# 1550

SOLD