WWI Pre-64 Winchester 1894 Carbine “Spruce Gun” .30-30 Lever Rifle 1919 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,775.00
LSB#: WY250417JB159
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Carbine “Spruce Gun”
Serial Number: 849991
Year of Manufacture: 1919
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester (.30 WCF)
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN.CONN.U.S.A.PATENTED. AUGUST. 21. 1894.”, “-NICKEL STEEL BARREL- / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER 30 W.C.F.”. The top of the barrel and the receiver are marked with Winchester “WP” proofs. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK REG.U.S.PAT.OFF &FGN.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “849991”.
Barrel Length: 20”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a L shaped brass blade pinned to a slotted base. The rear sight is a folding ladder-style sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The sight presents a “U”-notch when folded down. The ladder’s slider has a “v”-notch. The top tang is drilled, tapped and installed with a tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth wood with banded forend, straight grip, and straight comb, and steel buttplate. The stocks have been lightly sanded and oiled. There are scattered nicks and compressions. There are a few heavier nicks on the bottom of the forend. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some scattered light wear and discoloration from oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling though slightly rounded. There is some intermittent erosion. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. The only remaining finish is found on the barrel, mag tube, and hammer. The receiver has mostly worn to white with oxidation and surface erosion throughout as well as some patina. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The saddle ring provision has been filled. The markings are legible, but worn on the barrel. Overall, this rifle is in about Fair-Good condition.
Mechanics: The action is “gritty” and somewhat stiff. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the lever safety functions properly. 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: This Winchester Model 1894 lever-action rifle, dated to 1919 and chambered in .30-30 Winchester, is presented as a “Spruce Gun,” a nickname for U.S.-marked Winchesters issued to the Army’s Spruce Production Division during World War I. It falls into a possible serial number range for authentic Spruce Division rifles. As a Winchester produced during the World War I era, it carries historical interest, and its bore, mechanics, and standard barrel markings remain sound, despite significant finish wear.
These rifles hold a special place in history since the Spruce Production Division worked to supply the critical spruce wood needed for aircraft production during the war. Authentic examples are scarce and command premium values among collectors. The date and US markings, and wear are all consistent with an authentic Spruce Gun Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
