Page 15 - 4093-BOOK3

LOT 3014
Exceptional Documented Factory Silver Trim Antique Special Order Winchester
Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial no. 85987, 32 W.S. cal., 26 inch octagon bbl.,
blue/silver finish, walnut stock. Per the Madis serial number data published by Winchester, this rifle is legally an antique.
The Winchester Gun Museum indicates the rifle was shipped on May 1, 1905. The letter confirms the octagon barrel in .32
WS caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, silver trimmings, and Lyman hunting front and rear sights. 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. Only adding to the desirability of this rifle is the
silver trimmings. The forend cap, receiver and buttplate are silver plated. We can quantify the relative rarity of this rifle
using the survey of existing Model 1894 records which was completed by Oswalt and Hawk, which can be found published
in “ARMAX Vol. V” and includes the first 353,999 Model 1894s manufactured. Only 117 are listed as nickel plated or trimmed.
The rifle is fitted with a dovetailed beaded blade Lyman front sight, a folding two leaf Lyman rear sight, and a folding tang
peep sight. The barrel has the two-line Winchester legend ahead of the rear sight and “32 WS” at the breech on the upper
flat and the two-line nickel steel marking on the upper left flat. Mounted on a fancy, highly figured walnut forearm and pistol
grip stock featuring checkering, hard rubber Winchester grip cap and crescent buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked
“20757 XXX”. The assembly number “20725” is stamped on the buttstock under the buttplate and on the back of the buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% slightly faded original blue finish with a vertical scratch visible ahead of
frame, thinning on the balance. The forend cap, receiver and buttplate retain 97% plus original silver plating with some freckling and minor
scratches visible on both sides of receiver. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. 80% original nitre blue remains on the loading
gate. The wood is very fine with minor dings and scratches and scattered blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. A rarely encountered silver trim
antique special order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Rifle that would be hard to improve upon.
Estimate: 16,000 - 25,000
13