December 16, 17, & 18, 2025 Firearms & Militaria
Lot #1275:
(A)OUSTANDING 3RD MODEL WINCHESTER HOTCHKISS CALIFORNIA MILITIA PATTERN RIFLE.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/16/2025
Documented with a factory letter indicating manufacturing date of 1895. The Hotchkiss was the first bolt action rifle produced by Winchester. This blue and case color finished Winchester 3rd Model Hotchkiss rifle Caliber 45-70 Gov't with 5 shot internal tube magazine. Has a 2 piece straight grain oil finished walnut stock with military pattern steel butt plate, sling swivels and post mounted blade front sight and military pattern slide adjustable rear sight. Serial number 82922 indicates this is one of the very last produced. Wiping rod has been removed and a saber bayonet lug added at nose cap. This was done for the California Militia who purchased a quantity of these rifles in the mid 1890's. A US inspection is located on both sides of the wrist. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine with brilliant bright bore. Both safety lever and magazine selector lever operate properly. Barrel retains 97% factory blue finish. Receiver is vividly factory case colored. Stocks are superb with some very light impressions and bruises. The inspection marking are believed to be a contemporary addition and spurious. Mechanically excellent.