 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Winchester 1894 Rare 1st Model Rifle
Guns International #: 100646103 Seller's Inventory #: 1804
Category: Winchester Rifles - Model 1894 Pre-64 - Winchester Rifles - Antique Lever
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: Brent Wilburn
Company: Antique Arms, Inc.
Member Since: 11/19/15
First Name: Brent
Last Name: Wilburn
State: Georgia
Zip: 30052
Country: United States
Phone: (678) 471-1432
Phone2: (678) 471-1432
Premium Seller
Number of Active Listings: 35
Total Number of Listings: 577
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order, Certified Check
Description:
Winchester 1894 1st Model Rifle in 38-55
This is a very early Model 1894 Winchester Rifle in the scarce 1st Model Configuration with the externally mounted guide rail screw in the 10 o'clock position. Standard sporting rifle configuration with 26" round barrel, full magazine, and crescent rifle buttplate. In terms of condition, this is the best 1st Model we've ever had with lots of original blue and case colors remaining. Very few of these 1st Model rifles were manufactured with the early frame style and are the closest in design to inventor, John Browning's original prototype. All known examples are in 38-55 and typically have serial numbers under 5,000 with just a few rifles found above this mark. This particular rifle has a serial number in the 1,000 range and is low enough to have technically shipped within the 1894 calender year. Production only began for the Model 1894 in late October of that year and the highest number to ship that first year was in the 1,300 range. Still many with lower numbers were still in production or in the warehouse and therefore didn't ship until early 1895. We have not checked with Cody but it should letter as leaving the factory in either late 1894 or early 1895.
Condition-wise, this rifle is in NRA Antique Excellent Condition Overall with 90% original blue. The hammer shows 80% original case colors with 25% remaining on the lever...the balanced faded to silver. Loading port retains 50% bright fire blue. Original sights include semi-buckhorn rear sight and standard front with German silver blade with no set screw...which is only seen on the earliest examples. The hammer has the correct early style decorative dipped border pattern around the checkering. Nice early two-line barrel address and three-line markings on the upper tang with John Browning's August 21, 1894 patent date. See photos. The original walnut stock and forend are in Very Good Plus Condition with 50% original varnish overall showing numerous light handling marks. Nice wood to metal fit with zero chips, cracks, or repairs. It has an Excellent bore and a perfect action. Normally in today's market, it's not uncommon to see a First Model 1894 Winchester in this condition sell for $15-20,000 while well-worn examples in Fair to Good condition usually bring $2,500-4,000. This rifle should be priced in that upper range but for the fact that when this gun was new, someone installed a very early side-mount telescopic sight. This was done with minimal alteration...one extra screw on the left side of the receiver and a small 1/4" dovetail about four inches behind the front sight. Given the distance between the slot and the screw, this early scope would have been around 2 1/2 Feet Long. The scope has long since vanished as these were quite fragile and many were damaged beyond repair. Since its removal, a plug screw has been placed in the hole for the rear mount located on the receiver and a small blank placed in the front mount position towards the front of the barrel. This was tastefully done and doesn't distract from the pleasing appearance of the rifle. See photos. It would be nice to locate an original scope for this rifle as I think it would enhance its value but we will price it accordingly for now. This is one of the nicest 1st Models around and for a fraction of the price the few you will see in similar condition on the market.
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 1894
Caliber Info: 38-55
Condition: NRA Antique Excellent
Barrel Type: Round
Action: Lever
Stock: Straight
Finish: Blued/Case Colored
Manufacture Date: 1895