Matching Set Winchester 1895 Theodore Roosevelt Safari 405 Win Lever Rifles
SOLD FOR: $4025
LSB#: 230111KB027 & 230111KB028
Make: Winchester, made by Miroku in Japan
Model: Set of 1895 Theodore Roosevelt Safari Centennial Rifles, one in High Grade and one in Custom Grade
Serial Number: KB027: TR100C0005 KB028: TR100H0005
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Caliber: .405 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Markings: KB027: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER”, “Model 1895 Theodore Roosevelt Custom Grade – – Caliber 405 Win. ONLY” and at the rear with “WP” proof, the right is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan – – Imported by BACO, Inc. – Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The top of the bolt is marked with a superimposed “TR”. The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895”. The lever is marked with Theodore Roosevelt’s signature. Both sides of the receiver are marked with elaborate scroll engraving and gold inlaid game scenes with gold swirls surrounding, the right side of the receiver is also marked with the serial number. The left side of the magazine is marked “THEODORE / ROOSEVELT / SAFARI / CENTENNIAL” and “1909 / 2009”, both in gold on gold accented banners as well as with two gold lions. The left side of the lever is marked with a gold inlaid bust of Teddy Roosevelt within a gold border surrounded by floral scrolls. The right side of the magazine has elaborate scroll engraving with two gold inlaid rhinos with a gold border and “BIG MEDICINE” in gold on a gold accented banner. The right side of the lever is marked with a gold inlay of Teddy Roosevelt standing with his 1895 rifle within a gold border surrounded by floral scrolls. The right side of the buttstock has a horn inlay marked “THEODORE ROOSEVELT”, superimposed “TR” in between “1909” and “2009”, and “SAFARI CENTENNIAL” with diamond shape along the border.
KB028: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER”, “Model 1895 Theodore Roosevelt High Grade – – Caliber 405 Win. ONLY” and at the rear with “WP” proof, the right is marked “Made by Miroku – Japan – – Imported by BACO, Inc. – Morgan, Utah / Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation”. The bottom of the barrel has a Winchester factory sticker. The top of the bolt is marked with a superimposed “TR”. The upper tang is marked “WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895”. The lever is marked with Theodore Roosevelt’s signature. Both sides of the receiver are marked with elaborate scroll engraving and gold inlaid game scenes with gold swirls surrounding, the right side of the receiver is also marked with the serial number. The left side of the magazine is marked “THEODORE / ROOSEVELT / SAFARI / CENTENNIAL” and “1909 / 2009”, both in gold on gold accented banners as well as with two gold lions. The left side of the lever is marked with a gold inlaid bust of Teddy Roosevelt within a gold border surrounded by floral scrolls. The right side of the magazine has elaborate scroll engraving with two gold inlaid rhinos with a gold border and “BIG MEDICINE” in gold on a gold accented banner. The right side of the lever is marked with a gold inlay of Teddy Roosevelt standing with his 1895 rifle within a gold border surrounded by floral scrolls. The right side of the buttstock has a horn inlay marked “THEODORE ROOSEVELT”, superimposed “TR” in between “1909” and “2009”, and “SAFARI CENTENNIAL” with diamond shape along the border.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: BOTH: The front sight is a brass beaded blade with a serrated rear face dovetailed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed into the top of the barrel. The left side of the receiver has two drilled, tapped, and filled holes for mounting an optic (not included). The top of the Custom Grade barrel has wavy serrations for glare reduction.
Stock Configuration & Condition: BOTH: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a schnabel forend, straight grip, straight comb, and a shotgun-style blued steel buttplate. There are no significant imperfections. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is clean with no significant wear. Overall, the stocks are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: KB027: Blued & Case Color KB028: Blue & Silver Nitride
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: BOTH: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: KB028: This rifle retains about 98% of its original metal finish. There is a small amount of faint thinning on the top of the wrist. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine-Excellent condition.
KB027: This rifle retains about 99% of its original finish. There is no significant wear or damage. The screws are sharp and the markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: BOTH: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety, there is a tang-safety and the trigger pull is crisp. 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: Each rifle comes in its original serial matching box with factory paperwork and a safety lock. Also included is a set display case with two leather case straps and a book entitled “AFRICAN GAME TRAILS”. Two of the pegs on the bottom of the case have broken off.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first model to incorporate a non-detachable box magazine. Teddy Roosevelt called this model, chambered in .405 WCF, his “Medicine Gun for Lions” (from his book “African Game Trails”). The M1895 rifle became the preference of major powers worldwide, with Russia alone purchasing nearly 300,000 1895’s for use in the Great War. The Model 1895 was designed for the new generation of cartridges utilizing smokeless powder and pointed bullets, and many of its original chamberings remain popular today. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and pointed bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the U.S. Repeating Arms Co. licensed Miroku to produce a limited re-introduction of the design, including this model 1895 Theodore Roosevelt Safari custom grade two gun set, patterned after Roosevelt’s 1895 rifle featured in Cody Firearms Museum, and includes full color box sleeve and hardcover copy of Roosevelt’s book, African Game Trails, and deluxe double gun case. A limited manufacture of 1,000 two gun sets, sold only with Model 1895 Safari High Grade, made in 2009 only. These rifles are in fantastic condition with great bores and strong mechanics. With its limited production, Winchester collectors who missed their chance in 2009 will want to jump on this one. Please see our photos and good luck!
