September 9, 10, & 11, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #2035:
(A) 1ST SHIPMENT WINCHESTER-LEE NAVY USN MODEL 1895 STRAIGHT PULL RIFLE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2025
Dates to 1896. The first Navy government contract for this rifle was awarded to Winchester in January of 1896 but the order was not filled until 1897. This rifle was part of that first order. A second order for 5000 rifles was delivered in 1897. The Lee Navy was the standard service rifle for U.S. Marines and Naval guards. All of the Marine companies in combat during the war in Cuba, including the First Marine Battalion whose task was to capture Guantánamo Bay, carried the Lee rifle. Historically, this rifle is of great interest in that this model was on board the USS Maine when it was sunk in February of 1898. Rifles with serial numbers below approximately 13390 were all part of that first Navy shipment prior to December 31, 1898, which includes all the rifles aboard the Maine. The top receiver bridge is stamped U.S. N. with anchor, serial number and the NTC inspector stamp for Nathan Twining. The left side of frame has the Winchester Lee legend. The walnut stock is near full length with plain pistol grip and wears an 11" hand guard. Metal finish is blue. Standard features include two barrel bands, swivels, front sight with scarce cover, folding ladder military style rear sight ,and a metal carbine butt plate. There is a bayonet lug attached to front band. CONDITION: Fine. Bolt retains nearly all the bright blue. Barrel and frame retain majority of softening blue but patina is bleeding through. Magazine is patina. Stock is solid but does show some dings and impressions. Legends are all crisp. Mechanically sound. Bore is bold with light frosting.