Manufactured in 1895, the second year of production, this is an outstanding example of a standard configuration Winchester Model 1894 rifle. The included factory letter confirms the current configuration as well as the serial number application date of November 12,1895, receipt at the warehouse on 16 December 1895 and shipment on 20 February 1896 in order number 6485. Few things are more inherently American than a Winchester lever action rifle, and they continue to hold legendary status within American folklore right alongside the Colt Single Action Army revolver, apple pie, baseball, muscle cars, and bourbon. They remain one of only a handful of items that immediately invoke a visceral connection with this country, particularly its wild frontiers. The Model 1894 was the most prolific of Winchester's lever actions, with more than 7,500,000 having been produced. About one quarter of the Model 1894 production up to around serial number 353,999 was chambered in .38-55 W.C.F. like this example, and it remains a popular caliber among collectors to this day. These Model 1894s, particularly the early production examples, were seen as utility guns and often saw hard use in the American West on the frontier, leaving very few examples in high condition like this one. It is far more common to see high condition early Model 1894s in special order or deluxe configurations on the collectors market than these standard configuration guns, which were often viewed more as a tool or working gun rather than something that should be kept pristine and protected. This specific rifle is marked with standard two-line address and "38-55" on top of the barrel, three-line model/trademark/patent date on the upper tang, and serial number on the bottom of the receiver. It is fitted with a dovetailed beaded blade front sight, three-leaf express rear sight, and a tang mounted peep sight. The sights all have the appearance of having been installed by the factory, despite not being listed in the factory letter. Mounted with a smooth forearm and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Excellent overall, retains 97% plus bright original high polish blue finish, 95% original vivid case colors, and 98% original niter blue on the loading gate with the balance a smooth grey patina primarily on the buttplate with some scattered very light scratches on the left top receiver edge. The excellent wood has some light storage dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. One of the finest antique Model 1894s we have ever offered at auction!