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LOT 60
Documented Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lightweight Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Factory Letter - Serial
no. 117618, 30 WCF cal., 25 inch lightweight round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in 1901, this rifle is legally considered an antique according
to the manufacture dates published by the manufacturer, where it is listed as produced in 1898. The barrel is marked with the two-line Winchester address/ patent dates, two-line nickel steel marking, and the caliber marking at the breech. Interestingly, the factory replacement barrel on this rifle received the “factory
error” rollmark that shows an “AUGUST 14, 1894” patent date. These barrels are normally found in the 345000-400000 serial number range. The upper tang has the three-line model, trademark, and patent date, and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked “J.P.P. 12429
XXXOFR” and the left of the upper tang is marked “77”. The “J.P.P.” marking is for James P. Parker, who did barrel work at the Winchester factory. This, in combination with the factory error rollmark indicates that the barrel on this rifle was replaced in 1907 when it was “repaired and returned”. “12429 T 94” is marked in the stock
inlet. It is fitted with a ramped Lyman beaded blade front sight, a three-leaf express rear sight, and a Lyman peep sight mounted on the upper tang. There are sling swivel eyes mounted on the nosecap and bottom of the buttstock. It is mounted with a finely figured, H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock with a hard rubber
grip cap and a checkered shotgun buttplate. The included factory letter lists the rifle in .30 caliber with a 24 inch round barrel, extra light, plain trigger, Lyman front and rear sights, half magazine, takedown, and an oil finished checkered pistol grip stock with a hard rubber buttplate when received at the warehouse on 12 August 1901 and shipped the next day in order number 102576. The letter also lists three return and repair dates of 3 September 1903, 27 September 1905, and 25 October 1907, the last being when the rifle received the replacement barrel.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 85% of the factory refurbished blue finish, 90% of the nitre blue on the loading gate, and 95% of the vibrant case colors with the balance having thinned to mostly a smooth grey patina. The wood is also very fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout and otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000
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