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Winchester Model 1894 Special Order Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Interesting Factory Letter

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,300.00 USD Estimated At:3,250.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Winchester Model 1894 Special Order Takedown Lever Action Rifle with Interesting Factory Letter
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Estimate: $3250 - 4500
Manufactured in 1902 this was the first year that the Model 1894 was made in the 32 Winchester Special caliber. The included factory letter verifies the takedown rifle configuration, caliber, octagon barrel and plain trigger. The letter states that on August 22, 1902 this rifle was a sample consignment (probably meaning Winchester used the rifle for promotional purposes or exhibition), that it was received in the warehouse on August 25, 1902 and shipped out on August 28, 1902. Blade front sight and 50 and 100 yard "SMOKELESS/32W.S. M'94" marked rear sight with the top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight marked with the two line address, the left rear flat marked with the two line nickel steel smokeless powder marking and caliber marking "32 W.S." on top at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1894/WINCHESTER/PAT. AUG. 21, 1894" and the serial number is on the bottom of the receiver. Blue finish with casehardened hammer and lever and smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock with metal forend cap and crescent buttplate.
BBL: 26 inch octagon
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 32 W.S.
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grips:
Serial Number: 145941
Condition: Very fine. The rifle retains 75% original thinning blue finish with areas of smooth brown and plum patina. The magazine tube has a 1 inch worn area from takedown. The hammer and lever retain 80% original case colors. The buttplate has been refinished (blue) and retains 95% finish with some minor pitting present under the finish. The wood is showing an old coat of varnish with some scattered minor dings and dents. There is a crack in the left forearm. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.