GUN FALL 2017
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/31/2017
ANTIQUE WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 DELUXE TAKEDOWN RIFLE LYMAN SIGHTS AND FACTORY LETTER. WINCHESTER 1894 65758 38-55 Cal. 38-55. 22" half-oct bbl takedown, full blue finish, Lyman bead front sight and Marble's tang sight. Full blue finish, figured American walnut stock with checkered pistol grip and forend. Crescent steel buttplate. Bbl shows 2-line Winchester address rolled in front of rear sight mortise which has been plugged. Breech of bbl shows Cal. marking with "WP" proof in oval on top flat. "WP" proof also appears on top of receiver. These marks indicate that this rifle was returned to the factory at some point after 1905. It is possible that the bbl was shortened to its present length at that time. Forend measures 9-3/8" which would indicate that this rifle originally had a longer bbl. "NICKEL STEEL" is rolled on left rear bbl flat. Assembly number "868" appears on the left lower tang on the inside and on the left side of the bolt which indicates the rifle was refinished when it was returned to the factory. The old assembly number has been X'd out. No assembly number appears in the upper tang mortise of the stock or on the buttplate. Stock appears to be orig to this gun. Upper tang is marked "MODEL 1894 / WINCHESTER / PAT. AUG. 21, 1894". SN is stamped on the lower forward part of receiver. Buttstock shows nice figure at the heel. Accompanying this rifle is a Cody Firearms Museum letter confirming Cal., bbl type, stock and takedown and showing shipment on August 18, 1899 to Order Number 34630. Manufacturing records show that this rifle was manufactured in 1896, making it an antique. CONDITION: Very good. Bbl retains 80% of the blue finish that is somewhat dull and shows some muzzle and high point wear. Magazine tube also shows same condition. Markings are sharp. Front sight is good with a white paint dot. Bore is bright with strong rifling. Receiver retains 20-30% blue finish with the balance blending to a smooth grey/brown patina with slight wear at the carry point. Hammer and lever show traces of blue finish. All receiver markings are sharp. Stocks are very good and full sized. Stocks may have been lightly cleaned and show an old varnish finish. Checkering is sharp. Pistol grip cap is very good. Buttplate is a mottled grey/brown patina with slight roughness. Takedown ring and forend cap are also a smooth silver/grey patina. Mechanics are crisp. Very nice example of an antique Winchester 1894 rifle that was returned to the factory for modification and refinish. 52405-3 TEP (3,500-4,500)