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LOT 1035
Attractive Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 10686, 38-55 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, deluxe checkered walnut stock. As “the ultimate lever gun” for over a century, the Winchester Model 1894 rifle holds a special place in the hearts of collectors. These “working guns” were not often ordered with special, extra cost features, making deluxe variations highly sought after by collectors, especially those in
high condition like this example. This example is worthy of the finest collection. The accompanying factory letter states the rifle was received in the warehouse on November 21, 1895 and shipped on November 26 with an octagon barrel in .38-55 caliber, plain trigger, and checkered pistol grip stock. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight, and folding tang peep sight. The top barrel flat is stamped with the two-line Winchester New Haven address ahead of the rear sight and the caliber designation “38-55” at the breech. The serial number is stamped on the underside of the receiver. The beautiful highly figured XXX deluxe walnut forearm and pistol grip stock are checkered
in the factory “H” pattern. The buttstock is fitted with a
Winchester hard rubber grip cap and a casehardened crescent
buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is stamped “2408 XXX.”
The assembly number “2408” is repeated on the stock inlet and back of
the buttplate.
CONDITION: Exceptionally fine. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% plus original blue finish and the receiver retains 95% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The forend cap retains 85% original blue finish. The bolt retains 95% original blue finish. 80% original niter blue remains on the loading gate. The hammer and lever retain 80% original case colors. 85% vivid original case colors remain on the buttplate. The wood is very fine with scattered minor handling marks, most of the lightly touched up piano varnish remaining, and overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. An impressive antique special order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 rifle to any lever action collection.
Provenance: The Tommy Rholes Collection: Property of a Gentleman. Estimate: 22,500 - 35,000
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