Winchester Model 1901 Like 1887 10 GA Full Lever Action Shotgun, 1911 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1275

LSB#: 220228RL001

Make: Winchester

Model: 1901

Serial Number: 71121

Year of Manufacture: 1911

Gauge: 10 Ga.

Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun

Markings: The barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A.PAT. FEB.16, 86, JULY 20, 86. DEC. 14. 86. AUG. 31.97.”, “MODEL 1901 10 GA.”, and at the receiver on the left with “FULL”. The underside of the receiver is marked “71121” and the left side of the receiver has the “WRA Co” logo. The top tang is marked “-WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK“. The Winchester proof mark is on top of both the barrel and the frame.

Barrel Length: 32”

Choke: Fixed Full

Sights / Optics: This shotgun is mounted with brass bead at the muzzle.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a round bottom pistol grip, checkered metal butt plate, and a two-piece forearm. There are some scattered nicks and dings into the wood, the most have colored with age. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There are some scattered scratches which have also mostly colored with age. There are a few scrapes, some have removed portions of surface wood, the most noticeable is on the belly at the toe. There are a few little cracks on the comb at the heel and another on the left side of the buttstock up towards the top. There are areas of thinned finish. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the rear of the butt plate. The plate has finish loss, scabbing, and erosion. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark and has patches of pitting throughout.

Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. The finish has mostly gone to a patina. There are scattered areas of discoloration from previous oxidation, scabbing, and oxidation. There are areas of finish loss and thinning. There is finish wear on the edges. there are some nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The strongest bluing is left on the bottom of the barrel above the magazine tube, top of the magazine tube, and on the top of the receiver behind the hammer. There are a few areas of minor pinprick erosion but there is no heavy erosion. The receiver has a few freckles but a lot of finish still left. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun rates in about Good-Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1901 was an improved version of the Model 1887 made only in 10 gauge. In its day it was largely considered a “goose” gun and popular with some of the commercial hunters. Today it is more of a curiosity, only about 13,500 were manufactured before Winchester discontinued the lever action in favor of the slide or pump action repeating shotgun. It was designed to shoot 2 7/8” 10 gauge smokeless shells. As a Winchester, a lever action shotgun, and a model which was not produced in great numbers, this piece has a great deal of collector value, especially with so much of its original finish and its uncut stocks. Please see our photos and good luck!