This is an early Pre-1898 Model 1894 Winchester. This one shows use but its all original and complete with all the early features commonly found on early 94's.  Serial number is in the 44,000 range which dates its manufacture to early 1896.  Standard sporting rifle with a 26 inch round barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate.  Caliber is 38-55 which was one of the most popular cartridges as well as the original chambering for the 1894 when it was introduced to the market during the Fall of 1894.  Standard semi-buckhorn rear sight with standard front sight with the German silver blade.  Overall, this rifle is in NRA Antique Good++ to Very Good Condition with the receiver mostly turned to a light brown patina with original blue in the protected areas and a few speckles across the sides of the action. Barrel and magazine show 25% original blue mostly in the protected areas between the inner radius of the barrel and tube and along the forend line...the balance has turned to a smooth plum brown patina.  Screws are all original, serviceable and generally Good.  Nice early style hammer with the checkered widow's peak border. The barrel has the early 2 line Winchester address along to the top with caliber marking on the top as well just in front of the receiver.  Upper tang has the earliest style markings with Mfr, Model designation, and John Browning's patent date of August 21, 1894.  It only took the engineers at Winchester about 8 weeks to get the 1894 into production with the first 1894's in 38-55 being shipped out of the factory in late October that year.  The wood is in Good+ condition with a fair amount of original varnish still on the stock along with the usual light nicks, dings, and scratches.  There are no cracks or repairs of any kind.  Nice wood to metal fit which is tight and even throughout...the wood is completely untouched.  Very good bore with good rifling.  All in all, this one has seen some use but its a pure untouched example in a great caliber with a scarce antique serial number. 

SOLD