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Winchester Model 1894 Special Order Takedown Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:2,600.00 USD Estimated At:3,200.00 - 4,500.00 USD
Winchester Model 1894 Special Order Takedown Rifle
This lot features a Winchester 1894 special order takedown rifle made with a rare half-octagon barrel in the less common caliber of .32 Winchester Special. This rifle, with serial number 214396, was made in 1904, indicating this was an early, second year production for this caliber that was introduced in 1902. This is a superb example of a special order Model 1894 that shows fine blue on both receiver sides and only thinning blue on the bolt and bottom of the receiver. The barrel and magazine also show fine blue and excellent, correct markings on the upper tang, as well as on the barrel. The takedown is tight, as is the wood to metal fit. Winchester often chose a higher grade of walnut to be used on special order and takedown rifles, and that was the case with this rifle as the butt stock reveals a particularly attractive grain pattern. While this rifle is in superior condition, it shows it was used on horseback. This is indicated by a typical saddle rub spot on the upper left side of the forearm. This is caused by a right handed hunter gripping the rifle by the wrist and resting the forearm over the front of the saddle. There is a similar rub area just behind the lever that is probably from riding in a saddle scabbard. This kind of honest wear adds to the western flavor of this fine and early Winchester rifle. Additionally, this Model 1894 is fitted with the correct .32 Special smokeless rear sight, which was used only for this caliber, and is also marked with early patent dates. It is paired with a standard Winchester blade front sight. The bore is bright, sharp, and excellent all the way through; the screw heads are also excellent and the action is tight. The Browning designed 1894 was one of the most popular of Winchester’s models and thousands are still used regularly today. The 1894 was also known as the “Klondike Model”, as many found their way to the Yukon Gold Rush of the last years of the 1890s and into the 20th century. It was equally popular east and west of the Mississippi and big game hunter/conservationist, Theodore Roosevelt, was known to have used several Model 1894s on his various hunts. This is a truly fine 1894 with desirable special order features that is in better condition than usually encountered on the collector market today, especially for such an early production example. It would be a prize for any firearms collector. Serial Number: 214396. This firearm qualifies as a Curio & Relic firearm and requires FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check.