Page 203 - 4095-BOOK1

Recorded by serial number
as one of the salvaged
Winchester-Lee Model 1895
Straight Pull rifles from
the U.S.S. Maine in "The
Winchester-Lee Rifle" by
Eugene Myszkowski.
201
This rifle has the Navy markings: “-U.S.N.-/(Naval anchor)/
No7131/-N.C.T.-” roll-stamped on the top of the receiver, with
the latter being the inspection initials of Nathan C. Twining.
Winchester patent marks are roll-stamped in two lines on the
left side of the receiver. The barrel, upper and lower barrel
bands, rear sight base, receiver, bolt, magazine, trigger guard
and buttplate have military blue finish. Fitted with the scarce
front sight cover designed for the Navy Model 1895 rifles.
The upper barrel band has a stacking swivel, the lower band
has a fixed sling swivel, ahead of the magazine has an empty
slot for a detachable sling swivel, and a rotating detachable
sling swivel is fitted on bottom of the buttstock. The buttplate
has a sliding trap door. Includes a souvenir spoon made with
metal recovered from the U.S.S. Maine. An irreplaceable and
desirable fully documented rifle that is a relic of one of the
most significant events in 19th century American history!
CONDITION: Very good as a U.S.S. Maine recovered rifle,
exhibiting a mix of blue finish along with brown and gray
patina, with light pitting as expected on a historic rifle exposed
to salt water in the Havana Harbor. Stock is also very good,
with scratches, cracks, and otherwise fine figure. The gas shield
from the back of the bolt is absent, otherwise mechanically
functions. As a documented historic Spanish-American War
rifle salvaged from the sunken U.S.S. Maine Battleship, this
Winchester-Lee 1895 is well above average condition and
is an immensely significant American treasure worthy of a
prominent place in any museum or military firearms collection!
Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000