This is a very early Model 1895 sporting rifle in 30/40 Gov't Krag which was one of the original 3 calibers offered in this model.  Standard 28" barrel with crescent style buttplate and original sights.  This is a great looking rifle with an antique serial number that's in the low 19,000 range. Mfd. in 1898.  That same year, during the Spanish American War, Teddy Roosevelt is reported to have handed his 1895 Sporting Rifle (probably a Deluxe) in 30/40 Krag to one of his Rough Riders charging up Kettle and San Juan Hills.  While he's best known for his affection for the three 1895s in .405 caliber during his expedition to Africa in 1909, the 4th 1895 he took with him was a 30/40 Krag.  A few even made their way West with the Posse of Pinkerton Detectives assigned to capture Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the Wild Bunch.  See Photo!  Some tough looking hombres which provides perhaps a clue why they fled to Bolivia.  OK, back to this gun!  One thing to also note about this 1895 is that its never been modified with a receiver sight or sling swivels...Therefore:  No EXTRA HOLES!  This is a pure 100% original gun down to the smallest screw. 

Condition-wise, they just don't get much better than this especially in the antique ranges!  Overall, NRA Antique Excellent Plus condition with 98% bright original receiver blue.  Even the areas that are prone to wear...such as the lever handle, upper tang, and sides-which are prone to chafing against the box magazine and inside of the frame are nearly perfect!  Can't remember the last time we saw one of these with such a nice box magazine...aside from a couple of scratches, its perfect!  Barrel would be 100% but has some little round stains from water droplets near the forend....so 95%. Good case colors on the trigger housing and hammer.  Even the buttplate has most of its original case colors.  Wood has 95% original varnish with perfect wood to metal fit. No chips, cracks, or repairs.  Left side of the stock has a couple of light scorch marks near the frame.  BTW, go back and look closely at the photo of Pinkerton Detectives in the Union Pacific Railroad car. You'll notice the Detective...2nd Man seated on the right is holding his model 1895 rifle with both hands at the same time he's clasping to a cigarette.  Looking at that photo, you can almost see how those singe marks got on the wood.  Excellent screws overall and perfect markings.  Mechanics are perfect.  Bore is MINT!  This is great Model 1895...don't let it slip away!

Item# 1049

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