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The barrel and stock were changed at some point by the factory as the letter lists several factory return dates: returned to the factory on April 19, 1897, received in the warehouse on April 1, 1898, shipped on April 2, 1898, received in the warehouse on July 10, 1899 and shipped on August 11, 1899. Return dates are common in Winchester collecting, and everything done on this rifle from when it first left the factory to its current configuration was certainly done at the Winchester factory. A Winchester factory oval proof which was not standardized until 1905 is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. Dovetail blade and three leaf sights on an octagon barrel stamped with the two-line address and “30 W.C.F.” on the top flat and the two-line nickel steel marking
on the upper left flat. A Lyman tang peep sight is installed. Mounted on a highly figured and checkered forearm and pistol grip stock. The buttstock has a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and
a casehardened crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked “3660 XXX.” The stock
is hand marked “SPARE” in pencil over the stamped marking “92/7570” under the buttplate. The assembly number “7570” is repeated on the buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 98% plus original blue finish. The forend cap, receiver and bolt retain 97% original blue finish showing some speckling of
brown and extremely limited pitting. 97% original case colors remain on the hammer, lever, and buttplate. The wood is excellent showing some minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A highly attractive factory documented antique deluxe Model 1894 rifle that will make a great addition to any Winchester lever action collection.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
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