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Serial Number 1
LOT 3025
Rare First Production Serial Number 1 Winchester Model 63 Semi- Automatic Rifle - Serial no. 1, 22 LR cal., 23 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1933, this is the very first production,
serial number 1, Model 63 rifle manufactured by Winchester. The Model
63 rifle was the successor of the Model 1903 rifle, which was the very
first semi-automatic rifle offered by Winchester. The design originated
in 1901, with a patent by T.C. Johnson for a semi-automatic blowback design, which culminated in production of the Model 1903. By the 1930s however, the popularity of the Model 1903 was waining, primarily due to its use of a proprietary cartridge, and Winchester was in need of a new semi-automatic rifle. Production began in 1933, with this example being the very first off the line, and the Model 63 saw immediate success, in part due to its chambering in the ever-popular .22 L.R. cartridge. Winchester shut down production of the Model 63 briefly during the 1940s to focus their production on supporting the war effort, but by the end of its 25 year production run, 174,692 Model 63s had been produced. It is rare to have the opportunity to own a serial number 1 Winchester of any model, let alone one so universally desirable and in such high condition as this. These 63s saw popularity among a wide array of individuals, including being possibly one of the most desirable of firearms for a young boy of
the time. The left
side of the barrel
has the standard Winchester proof steel, model designation, trademarks, and caliber markings, while the two-line address and patent marking is
on the right. Interestingly, the Model 63 is reported to have only been offered with a 20 inch barrel until serial number 15300, when the 23 inch length was also offered. Eventually, by serial number 52000 the 23 inch length had become so popular that it became standard and the 20 inch offering was dropped. This example has a 23 inch barrel, which according to many sources would be incorrect for such an early production Model 63, however the barrel is marked in the correct early production format, which was changed around serial number 52000 along with the standard barrel length, so the writer believes it to be original. There is a Winchester oval proof on top of the barrel at the breech. The desirable, very first production, serial number “1” is marked on the bottom of the receiver
and trigger plate. It is fitted with a beaded blade front sight and elevation adjustable notch rear sight and mounted with a smooth forearm and pistol grip stock with a smooth steel buttplate.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 90% plus of the original blue finish with some light thinning in high spots to show some grey patina, a small patch of brown patina on the upper right of the receiver, and some scattered light handling marks. The wood is also excellent with a few scattered very light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A rare opportunity to own a serial number 1 Winchester that is in exceptional condition!
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
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