This is another strong example of an early Winchester Model 1894 rifle with a scarce four digit serial number in the 7400 range.  Its in desirable 38-55 caliber with a special order takedown feature, 26" octagon barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate.  This is one of the nicest and earliest examples of an early takedown rifle that we've ever had. 

Overall condition is NRA Antique Excellent with 85-90% bright strong original blue with even the ring for the takedown still showing 90% bright blue.  Hammer and lever show 50-60% light faded out case colors with some bright streaks of color still left on the lever still protected by their original lacquer.  This rifle has all the early features you'd expect to find on an early antique Model 1894 including the hammer with its early decorative dipped border, 2 line Winchester barrel address, and 3 line tang markings that include John Browning's August 21st, 1894 patent date.   The loading port still has 80% bright vivid fire blue.  The screws are all excellent...almost all look to still be unturned.  Barrel and magazine tube have 80% thinning and 90% original blue respectively.  The tube has some bright wear near the barrel thimble from the takedown feature being use which is natural for this feature.  Forend cap still has 85% strong original blue remaining.  Original sights include the rear semi-buckhorn style with original elevator and the standard front with German silver blade.  The walnut stocks are Excellent condition overall.  One thing you'll notice about Winchester 1892's and 1894's with takedown features is fancier wood...some folks even call this deluxe wood but its really not....although its always curly walnut with wavy grain and/or tiger stripes.  My personal opinion is that while Winchester did radomly reward its customers who placed special orders with fancier wood, the wavy/striped grain Walnut we find on takedowns appears standard (not random) on takedowns and probably has more to do with torsional strength than appearance.  Since it was necessary to hold the wood by the thin forearm and fragile wrist while twisting the barrel from the frame during disassembly, ordinary straight grain Walnut would have had a tendency to crack. The waves in the grain must have provided protection against these angular forces by reducing stress and cracks.  At least that's my opinion based on other takedowns we've had...but the next time you see another takedown...take a look at the wood and decide for yourself.  The stock still shows about 90% original varnish while the forend has about 25% original varnish remaining from carry wear.  No chips, cracks, or reparis, with nice wood to metal fit.  The takedown feature still works perfectly with tight barrel/frame lockup with no play or wiggle.  Nice action and a Very Good bore with strong rifling that is getting just a little frosty but still fairly bright overall.

Item# 9092

SOLD