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This antique Winchester has survived unmolested for 116 years. This is the EARLIEST M1894 variation which was made for just a few months at the beginning of production. This frame has the two cartridge guide screws located on the outside of the receiver, one on each side.(see pics) Finding these early 1894s is very unusual, especially one like this which remains original and unaltered.
.38-55 caliber, 26″ full octagon, full magazine. This gun went into the warehouse 3/12/1895 and was shipped 7/18/1895 according to the original Winchester ledgers at the Cody Museum. (the Model 1894 didnt go into production until Oct of 1894)
The pix show the condition very well. The metal finish is worn…some very light pitting…nothing heavy..nice and even all over. Few scratches on mag tube where is may have been out years ago. Bottom “floorplate” has quite alot of decent blue. Screws worn but decently worn.
The wood is very sound, no cracks no splits. There are (2) small holes on the underside….they look like tack holes…dont look like screws unless they were very small. They dont detract, they could be camoflaged easily but as I said, it’s just honest. The buttstock fits perfectly but around the sides of the buttplate seems darker and grain is raised….like it was too close to a fire or something. Toe of buttplate seems long in same area. The forend has a old coating of varnish, the buttstock does not. Stock fits perfectly around tangs…does not appear sanded.
The bore is very nice & bright…I would rate it an 8.5 out of 10. Unusual to find an antique .38-55 bore this nice.
Action & hammer is smooth and tight. Barrel & tang markings correct (& unique) Front & rear sights appear to be original.
This is a nice rare example. I may have been overly critical above. Nothing is messed up on this rare first model, honest use just happened over the last century plus.
This is an opportunity to get a great first model at a very reasonable price. It would be a cornerstone of any early Winchester collection.
Feel free to call me.