Early 1st Year 3-Digit Winchester Model 1895 .30 U.S. Lever Rifle, Antique
SOLD FOR: $4701
LSB#: 210614BB01
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 248
Year of Manufacture: 1895
Caliber: .30-40 Krag (30 U.S.)
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE / -WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A.-” and at the rear with “30 U.S.”. The top tang is marked -“WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895”-. The bottom tang is marked “248”.
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear of the barrel has a dovetail currently filled with a blank. A sight arm adjustable for elevation has been installed on the left of the receiver with a notch rear sight mounted in a slot on the cross-bar.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a Schnabel forend with ebony tip, straight wrist, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some discoloration where the wood meets metal. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with scattered wear, oxidation and some erosion. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows an ME of about 2.25.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is scattered light finish wear in the barrel including wear from a previously installed rear sight. The barrel has some light nicks, scuffs, scratches and infrequent minor oxidation. The receiver has scattered finish wear, most notable in the magazine, lever and tangs. The left flat has wear from the installed receiver sight, mostly concealed as currently adjusted. There are scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The worn areas of the receiver shows some discoloration from oxidation. There is some light erosion scattered along the top of the receiver and bolt. The action shows operational wear. There is a screw missing from the right-front of the receiver. The remaining screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, however there is a screw missing from the right-front of the receiver. The action is fairly smooth and the lever locks up correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first lever action model to incorporate a non-detachable box magazine. This is the model Teddy Roosevelt called his “Big Medicine” that he used in hunting here and in Africa. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and spitzer bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. This rifle is a particularly early example, serial 248! Its early features include a “flat-side” receiver, one-piece lever with straight-loop and early marking style. Despite its age, this rifle retains much of its original finish, a great bore, and strong mechanics apart from a missing screw in the receiver (though this doesn’t appear to impair function). Such an early example of the 1895 will make a great addition to even advanced Winchester collections and its great bore means it still has some trips in the field left if you so choose. Please see our photos and good luck!