Winchester Model 1894 26” Octagon .32-40 Win Lever Rifle, 1898 Antique
SOLD FOR: $1,320.00
LSB#: WY250417JB172
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894
Serial Number: 138290
Year of Manufacture: 1898, Antique
Caliber: .32-40 W.C.F.
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a Full-Length tubular magazine.
Barrel Length: 26” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight v-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel with fine elevation adjustment. The tang has a drilled, tapped, and filled hole for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, compressions, and scratches as well as finish loss. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is in the white, likely scrubbed, with some intermittent oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull and the rifling is defined. There is scattered erosion throughout with minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 25% of its metal finish. There are scattered scratches, nicks and scuffs. There is scattered surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. There is finish loss and thinning on the leading edges and muzzle. There are scattered patches of erosion and minor pitting. There are some tool marks on top of the receiver around the bolt. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and there is a lever safety. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire 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 Winchester Model 1894 rifle followed the other John Browning designed lever action rifles to become one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was the first commercial sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units, making the name “Winchester” synonymous with all lever action rifles. It was also the first commercial American repeating rifle built to be used with smokeless powder. It was introduced in 1894 in two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 and .38-55 Win. rounds, but by the next year Winchester had developed a different steel composition that could handle higher pressures, and the .30-30 Win. family of cartridges was born.
This example is in Good condition as Antique, retaining a fair amount finish and showing honest wear given its age and intended use. Whether you’re looking to add a Winchester to a collection or looking for a classic American rifle, you can’t go wrong with this vintage American lever gun. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
