This is a good example of an early 1st Model 1894 sporting rifle in Caliber 38-55.  Standard 26" round barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate.  Serial number is exactly 1100.  Sold this one years ago and just recently got it back.  If my memory is correct, I believe it letters as shipping out around January or Feb. of 1895.  Production started in the last week of October 1894 so this was built within first few months of production. 

Only about 2-3000 First Models were built (all apparently in 38-55) and can be easily distinguished by the exposed screws that secure the rails for the bolt to travel across when the action is levered.  These screws are located almost in the center of the frame...one just Northwest of the loading port...the other rests directly opposite of it on the other side of the frame.  Winchester quickly did away with this early design in favor of internally mounting the screws in a more forward position.  In today's world, we typically find First Models from 1-3000...with a few  32-40 and 38-55 rifles w/2nd model frames mixed in.  It seems, the higher the serial range, the fewer First models we see...their numbers get pretty thin past 3000 and they really dry up around 4000-5000. 

Overall condition is NRA Antique VG+. Frame has 40% fading original blue mixing through a smooth brown patina.  Bolt shows about 60% blue.  25% fire blue on loading port.  Hammer and lever have mostly turned to patina w/traces of original case colors in protected areas.  Barrel and magazine tube show 35% darkened original blue towards the protected areas.  Nice markings include early style 2 line Winchester barrel address and 3 line maker/model/patent on the upper tang.  Original sights include the semi-buckhorn rear w/original elevator and standard front sight w/German silver blade.  Earliest type hammer knurling with decorative dipped border.  Very good screws throughout. Very good wood with light handling marks. Walnut is solid with no cracks.  A couple of small corner chips, these are very minor...have been expertly mended, and are practically invisible.  Nice wood to metal fit. Good working action and good+ bore.  A rare find and the genesis of one of John Browning's greatest designs.  The 1894 is one of the ;longest produced products in American history and built for over 110 years through 3 different centuries.  Here is a rare chance to own of the of the very first ones ever built!

Item# 8601

$2750.00