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LOT 33
Outstanding Documented Antique Early 1895 Production Winchester First Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle Serial Number 3079 with “10 O’Clock” Screw Frame in Desirable .38-55 W.C.F. with Factory Letter - Serial no. 3079, 38-55 WCF cal., 26 inch octagon bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufactured in February of 1895, the second month of the second year of production. This Model 1894 rifle features the early “First Model” receiver featuring the “10 o’clock” screw by the loading gate. These First Model receivers are only found on Model 1894s as
late as the early 7000 serial number range, but become very rare after around serial number 5220. From serial number 828 to serial number 5220, Model 1894 receivers are approximately split half and half between the First Model and Second Model receivers.
It is believed that early on in Model 1894 production, these First and Second Model receivers were produced and assembled simultaneously in different parts of the Winchester plant, leading to this mix of receiver types on these early rifles.
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