Winchester-Lee Straight Pull Model 1895 U.S. Navy Rifle w/ Bayonet
Description:
Serial #17711, 6mm Lee, 28" barrel with a very good bore that has minor freckling within the grooves.
This is a U.S.N. marked rifle: “-U.S.N.-/[anchor]/No. 17711/J.N.J.", that has 80-85% of the original blue finish remaining, and the balance having developed a smooth plum-brown patina that has some minor silvering at the muzzle, front sight hood, bearing surfaces of the bolt, and along the raised edges and projections.
This is a late production rifle with sight notch in the top of the bolt and screw head on the left side of the receiver.
The action is tight and functional, however the extractor is missing on this example.
The walnut stock and handguard are in very good condition with numerous small handling marks and blemishes scattered evenly about the re-applied military oil finish, and a wide, with-the-grain crack on the rear of the handguard behind the rear sight.
The rear QD sling swivel is no longer present (even though the base is), the stock compartment is empty, and a small “T (in triangle)" inspector mark is present on the toe of the buttplate.
Also included is a rather rare, original bayonet and scabbard.
The bayonet measures 12 3/4" overall, with an 8 1/4" straight, single-edged blade with single, stopped fullers.
The steel has moderate pitting with dark brown freckling on both sides, however the balance of the metal has been cleaned bright, and the Remington markings are no longer visible in the reverse fuller.
The USN “T (in triangle)" inspection mark of Nathan Twining is clear and crisp on the ricasso obverse.
The hilt has mild brown pitting throughout, and sanded wood grip panels.
The original scabbard has a flaked, but still intact, leather belt loop, and an overall plum-brown patina with a single, barely noticeable dent, and single area of rough surface oxidation.
These are interesting and significant arms, the only straight pull rifle built specifically for the U.S. government, and saw much service in Cuba, the Philippines, and the Boxer Rebellion.
Although a good design, the rifle was handicapped by the usage of a small caliber bullet (.236 caliber) mated to black powder propellent which fouled the bore very quickly during use.
This example is in very good-near fine condition and would make a great addition to any collection.
Antique
SOLD
Antique: Yes
Manufacturer:
Winchester
Model:
Lee Navy
Serial Number:
17711
Caliber Info:
6mm
Gauge Info:
6mm