Pre-64 Winchester 1894 Carbine Custom Engraved .30-30 Lever Rifle 1951 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,024.00
LSB#: WY250429EH102
Make: Winchester
Model: 94 (Custom Engraved)
Serial Number: 1789753
Year of Manufacture: 1951, C&R
Caliber: .30-30 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, “MODEL 94-30-30 WIN.-”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “1789753”. The top of the barrel and receiver are marked with WP proofs. The custom engraving on this Winchester Model 1894 is extensive, detailed, and clearly the work of a skilled artisan, blending classic American scrollwork with wildlife motifs and scene carving evocative of the rifle’s frontier heritage.
Engraving features:Both sides of the receiver are richly adorned with tight scroll engraving that covers the majority of the surface. The scrollwork features deep relief and fine shading, done in a style reminiscent of Nimschke or Ulrich, evoking classic 19th-century Winchester factory engraving.
The left sideplate is highlighted by a silver-inlaid scene depicting a white-tailed deer bounding through a forested mountain landscape, framed in scroll and accented with dot shading.
The right side features a matching outdoor scene with a bear in silver relief, also set in a mountainous backdrop. The mountains are line-engraved with careful depth and contour to provide visual dimension.
The lever loop, trigger guard, and tang are all engraved with flowing scrolls matching the main receiver. The lever in particular shows careful hand-chased curves and floral elements, fully wrapping around the front and underside of the loop.
The barrel flats adjacent to the receiver as well as the barrel bands are engraved in full coverage with deeply cut scrollwork. The engraving continues forward along the top flat surrounding the barrel address and caliber markings, demonstrating precision work that respects the original rollmarks.
The walnut stocks are custom carved. The left side of the buttstock features a raised-relief carving of a mule deer within a circular wreath border. The carving shows depth and anatomical attention to the musculature of the deer, backdropped by mountain peaks.
Both forearm and buttstock show hand-cut checkering in a sharp-point pattern that enhances grip.
This rifle represents a deluxe custom treatment that goes far beyond factory Grade 1 embellishment. The wildlife scenes and scroll coverage suggest the rifle was either specially commissioned or later upgraded by a master engraver. It is not signed in the visible areas, but the level of craftsmanship is comparable to period or contemporary master engravers. A standout piece for any Winchester collector or sporting arms connoisseur.
Barrel Length: 20” Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with banded forend, straight grip, straight comb, and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks have some scattered scuffs, scratches, and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. There is some intermittent finish loss scattered about the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 ¼” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. There is fouling on the lands. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The finish is faintly thinning at the leading edges. The action shows faint operational wear. There is some intermittent oxidation on the receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The engraving is crisp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The rifle has a half-cock safety and a lever safety. 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: This 1951 Winchester Model 94 Carbine has been transformed into a striking custom showpiece, blending the robust utility of the classic .30-30 lever-action with the artistry of fine engraving and stock carving. The scrollwork and silver inlay scenes reflect a deep appreciation for the rifle’s frontier roots, with game animals and mountain landscapes rendered in a style that pays tribute to historic Winchester factory engravers. The quality of work—from the fine dot shading around the inlays to the continuity of the scroll along the barrel flats and furniture—suggests the hand of a truly skilled artisan, even if unsigned. The raised-relief carving of a mule deer in the stock further enhances the visual appeal and reinforces this rifle’s identity as a collector-grade custom.
Beyond the embellishment, this carbine remains a mechanically sound and highly shootable firearm with a bright bore, crisp action, and high finish retention. Pre-64 Winchesters already command attention from collectors for their quality and place in American sporting history, and this example raises the bar with its deluxe, exhibition-grade customization. Whether you’re a Winchester enthusiast, a collector of engraved firearms, or simply appreciate the blend of form and function in American lever guns, this rifle offers an opportunity to own something both historically significant and artistically exceptional. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
