This is an early Model 1894 standard sporting lever action rifle in Caliber .30 WCF with 26" round barrel full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate.  Scarce early antique Serial number is in the 35,000 range which dates its production to the year 1895.  Out of over 7 million produced, only the First 147,000 Model 1894's qualify as Antique under Federal law.  These early ones have become exceedingly difficult to find in recent years as collectors have bought up most of these as investments.

Overall condition is NRA Antique Excellent Plus condition with 98% bright original receiver blue with just a few of the original forging streaks just starting to peak through the blue.  The loading port retains 95% bright original fire blue.  Bolt retains 99% original blue with the extractor showing most of its original purple-straw colored temper.  Hammer retains most of its original case colors that are subdued under its original age-darkened lacquer while the lever shows mostly faded mottled colors that are stronger in protected areas along with a couple of minor staining marks.  Barrel and magazine tube have 90% strong bright blue with the balance dull and light from some type of staining...mostly at the front left side of the barrel where the blue was lightened.  Original sights include the standard front sight with German silver blade and original rear 2 leaf platinum-lined Winchester Express sight.  Screws are in Excellent condition throughout and most look to be unturned.  All correct early style origina markings including the barrel address, early Smokeless powder/nickel steel marking on left side of the barrel, and 3 line tang markings with John Browning's original September 21, 1894 patent date.  The hammer has the early style checkering with Victorian-era Widow's peak border.  The wood in in Fine++++ to Excellent condition with only some light handling scratches on the left side of the forewood and wrist probably from being stored in a rack...otherwise, the wood is nearly perfect retaining 95% original varnish with lots of untouched feathered raised walnut grain.  Buttplate is mostly silvered out with light case colors present in places. The wood is completely untouched with perfect fit to the metal.  No chips, cracks, or repairs.  Excellent mechanics and an Excellent bore...bright with strong rifling and no pitting.  This is is a very strong example of an early production Model 1894 rifle.

Item# 0348

SOLD