GUN SPRING 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/21/2018
EXTRAORDINARY EARLY HALF NICKEL FACTORY ENGRAVED WINCHESTER 1894 DELUXE RIFLE WITH FACTORY LETTER. WINCHESTER 1894 24709 30 WCF ESA Cal. 30 WCF. 26" oct nickel steel bbl with two line address and caliber stamped on top flat. Full magazine. Patent Lyman ivory bead sight with sporting rear and period Marbles tang sight. Nickel plated receiver as is the breech bolt, buttplate and nosecap. Simple open scroll engraving patterns on receiver sides. Top portion of chamber area of receiver and area behind hammer are engraved with a simple scroll flourish. Deluxe checkered American walnut stock in about XX grade with capped pistol grip. Accompanied by a 1964 dated Winchester Factory Letter which identifies the special order features and ship date of Sept 18, 1897. PROVENANCE: The spectacular collections of Ray Bentley featuring the finest and rarest deluxe antique Winchesters in the world. CONDITION: Extremely fine condition overall. Screw heads remain in unmarred condition. Nose cap retains 99% nickel with no flaking. Left side of receiver retains 99% condition with the right side equaling it in the same %. Loading gate retains 98% dark niter blue color. Nickel plated lever link retains 98% nickel with just a few surface spots present. Hammer has dark case colors. Lever has case colors in protected areas with the balance a light and dark patina. A few compression marks and light scratches are visible on left side of stock with 2 or 3 scratches on the right side, as well as compression marks. Wood to metal fit is near perfect with no chips or splinters off wood. Buttplate retains 98% of its nickel with no frosting showing at all. Trigger is mostly light patina. Mechanics are fine. Overall, a very fine nickel plated model 1894. Antique factory engraved Winchester 1894's are extremely rare and factory nickel plated deluxe examples are virtually unknown. This rifle is remarkable for both rarity and condition. 53091-200 MS (25,000-35,000)