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Rare Documented Early Special Order Antique Winchester Extra Light Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle wit

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:5,500.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Rare Documented Early Special Order Antique Winchester Extra Light Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle wit
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Estimate: $5500 - 7500
Manufacturer: Winchester Model: 1894-Carbine
Manufactured in 1897. This rifle along with a number of special order features also has a very rare extra lightweight 22 inch "pencil" barrel with 2/3 magazine tube (these would be two separate options) and this is a very early extra light example with the front sight dovetailed into the barrel. Winchester quickly learned how dangerously thin the barrel material could get under the dovetail cut, very critical in larger calibers, so almost all of the extra light guns were found with a ramped front sight with the ramp either integral to the barrel or silver soldered to the barrel. The muzzle on this rifle has a diameter of only 7/16 inch. This rifle also features a special order Lyman ivory beaded front blade sight, Lyman three leaf rear sight and Lyman tang mounted short range peep sight, and a shotgun butt and hard rubber buttplate. The top of the barrel is marked with the two line address ahead of the rear sight and "30 W.C.F." at the breech. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. Blue finish with a casehardened hammer and lever, and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The accompanying factory letter verifies the 22 inch round barrel, extra light rifle configuration, caliber, plain trigger, 2/3 magazine, shotgun butt with hard rubber buttplate, that it was received in the warehouse on October 25, 1897 and shipped out of the warehouse with 2 other guns to order number 16981 on October 27, 1897. This rifle is pictured, identified by serial number and described on page 56 of "The Winchester Model 94 The First 100 Years" by Robert C. Renneberg.
BBL: 22 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 30 WCF
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 28202
Condition:
Very fine. The rifle retains 60% plus of the original blue finish with most of the finish loss on the receiver, which has a mix with original blue finish and smooth gray and brown patina. There is some mild thinning on the muzzle and a few minor scratches on the barrel. Much of the original bright case colors remain on the hammer, while the lever has a smooth dark patina with strong case colors in the protected areas. The wood is very good with a few scattered minor dents and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is excellent. A very nice example of an extremely rare early extra light Model 1894 rifle with 2/3 magazine and factory special order options.