3500

Outstanding Winchester Pattern 14 Mark I * "Production Sample" Bolt Action Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,500.00 USD Estimated At:5,000.00 - 7,500.00 USD
Outstanding Winchester Pattern 14 Mark I *  Production Sample  Bolt Action Rifle
This is just an outstanding example of an exceptional Winchester Pattern 1914 Mark I * in-house production sample bolt action rifle as manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms company for Great Britain. This model of rifle was actually adopted in late 1914 but never went into full production until late 1915 due production problems and strikes in the United States, with the first production rifle not being delivered until May 1916. This rifle is actually a late production model, based on the later serial number of the rifle, that was undoubtedly retained by the Winchester factory as an "in-house" production sample rifle. It is the exact configuration of rifle that was produced through out the British contract and was used during WWI and into WWII. It retains all the early features such as the early style "Long Range Volley sights" that are mounted to the left side of the action and stock, the longer bolt and recessed barrel as designated by the small "Circled Star" on top of the receiver designating it as a Mark I * rifle, the early finger grooves stock and British brass unit disc on the right side of the butt stock area. The top of the receiver is marked with only the small circled star, designating it as a Mark I * rifle, a small letter "E" over the serial number of W200353, correspondingly the barrel is also unmarked which tracks with it being retained by the Winchester factory as an in-house sample. The rifle has the original Winchester factory issue bolt that is serial numbered to match the rifle on top, with the corresponding small Star designating it as a Mark I *, along with the large letter "W" and "NS" markings on the underside of the bolt handle indicating that it was made from Nickel Steel. The bolt handle and cocking knob and firing pin assembly are factory blued with the bolt body remaining in the original "In the White" condition with dried grease residue overall. The rifle is fitted with the original factory walnut hand guards and finger groove stock set for a WWI British pattern rifle with finger grooves with the side. There is only one proof on the upper forend of the stock that is a small Crown over US/A, which would also track with it being retained by the Winchester factory as a production sample. The rifle is complete with an exceptional condition 1923 Kerr "No-Buckle" web sling. Several years ago, the Winchester factory sold off a large number of its duplicate rifles from their private collection. Even though this rifle does not have any accompanying documentation, based on the flat brand new condition it's assumed that this rifle undoubtedly came from that group. It would certainly be worth doing some further research on this very scarce and high end condition rifle to document it's history.
BBL: 26 inch round
Stock: walnut
Gauge: 303 British
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: W200353


Excellent plus, unissued with 99.9% of the original blued finish. The stock and hand guards are also in excellent plus condition showing no handling marks anywhere with dried grease around the edges of the metal and wood areas. Just a fantastic, near new Pattern 14 Rifle.