1st Model Flat Side Winchester Model 1895 .30 US .30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle with Letter

SOLD FOR: $4,500
Make: 
Winchester
Model: 1st Model 1895, Flat Side
Serial Number: 4310
Year of Manufacture: 1897 – Per Included Factory Letter
Caliber: .30 US (.30-40 Krag)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Fixed Box Magazine
Markings: The barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.” and “30 U.S.” The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895.” The serial number is on the lower tang and the trigger group is marked “PAT. NOV. 5. 1895 / – NOV. 12. 1895 -“.
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade set in a base and the rear sight is a semi-buckhorn leaf sight, with elevator present, also set in a dovetail slot.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are original fit and finish pieces of smooth American Walnut. The wrist is straight and the stock has a crescent plate. The wood to metal fit is almost perfect and we would expect the stocks have rarely if ever been off of the rifle. The wood shows the reddish color that original Winchester stocks are known for. There are two hairline cracks starting at the plate, one on the right above center and the other on the left near the toe. The finish has worn at areas of frequent contact and there are many scattered marks and dings. The LOP measures about 12 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the case colored crescent plate. There is still visible case coloring and no erosion or rust on the plate. The stocks rates in about Excellent overall condition, despite the fine cracks as original condition and finished wood like this is nearly impossible to find.
Type of Finish: Blue Frame, Winchester Rust Blued Barrel
Finish Originality: Factory Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep. There is mild erosion in the grooves and a bit of old fouling. This bore is a 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 75% of its ORIGINAL metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light and general thinning on the barrel, more so towards the muzzle. The barrel shows a very light drift to patina. There are a few marks and surface scratches in the barrel, to the left of the address and forward of it. These scratches have revealed bare metal which has since turned brown from age. The frame shows the factory streaking, which is one of the few ways to determine original Winchester finishes in this vintage. There is more patina on the frame and a very light frosting. The frame has edge wear and scattered scratching, but it is again the original finish and is beautiful! The trigger group still shows case colors, as does the hammer. There is as much finish inside this rifle as there is outside. The screw heads are sharp with a few dings. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The scanned Cody letter is included.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 1895 represented an important milestone in American Rifles, as amongst the first repeating rifles that could safely fire pointed bullets, repeatedly. The box magazine allowed for this and ushered in the use of this rifle and the calibers with pointed bullets into US Military and Frontier Service. Teddy’s “Big Stick” was a Winchester 1895 (in .405).

More than just a representation of an 1895, this rifle is special. First Model 1895’s are rare and usually quite worn. This rifle is a first model, from the 2nd full year of production and retains as much finish as anyone could conceivably hope for. We sell a lot of Winchesters, but this is bar-none the best First Model 1895 we have sold or even handled. Every American Arms and Winchester collection needs a Flat Side 1895 to show the progression of rifles in American History from single shots to effective and potent repeaters.

1st Model Flat Side Winchester Model 1895 .30 US .30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle with Letter
1st Model Flat Side Winchester Model 1895 .30 US .30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle with Letter