September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
.38-40 caliber with a 24" barrel. Following on the heels of the short-lived Model 1888, the Model 1889 lever action rifle was competing with the Winchester Model 1873 as it fired the same cartridges as well as that of the popular Colt Single Action Army. It was light years ahead of the Model 1873 with the much smaller frame, stronger action and side ejection system. Winchester would not answer this competition until the Model 1892, a full three years later. This example is a standard as manufactured, all original, that has never been messed with in any matter short of two slightly burred screws. The barrel retains 85% of the smooth blue-brown patina with sharp edges and light wear to high spots. The tube retains approximately 50% of the blue-brown patina, worn to gun metal grey on bottom. The frame is a like mix of blue-brown-gun metal and has never been cleaned or touched and shows no hint of pitting, scratching or cleaning marks. Original stocks are excellent with no cracks or major chips, proud to metal with the beautiful dark oiled finish. Just the usual minor abrasions. Strong rifled bore with some minor black powder abrasions. An excellent, honest, all original example.