Winchester Model 94 Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative 38-55 Lever Action C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,130.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF139
Make: Winchester (U.S. Repeating Arms Co., Licensed from Olin Corporation)
Model: 1894 Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative
Serial Number: CCH10683
Year of Manufacture: 1983 ATF C&R
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Full-Length Tubular Magazine
Markings:
The left side of the barrel is marked “CHIEF CRAZY HORSE” in gold-filled script. The receiver is richly case-colored and roll engraved with an intricate buffalo hunt scene on the left, and a portrait of Chief Crazy Horse surrounded by the names of the United Sioux Tribes—including “Cheyenne River,” “Rosebud,” “Pine Ridge,” “Standing Rock,” “Devil’s Lake,” “Sisseton Wahpeton,” and others—on the right. The upper tang is marked “MODEL 1894 WINCHESTER.” The right side of the buttstock features a large inlaid medallion reading “Chief Crazy Horse – United Sioux Tribes” encircled by twelve brass tacks. The underside of the receiver is marked with the serial number “CCH10683.” The barrel bears the Winchester proof mark and “Mfd. by U.S. Repeating Arms Co. – Winchester TM’s Licensed from Olin Corporation.” The stock retains the “Genuine American Walnut” decal.
Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Round
Sights / Optics:
Fitted with a hooded brass-bead front sight and a semi-buckhorn rear sight adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition:
The rifle features select walnut furniture with a satin finish, brass tack-style ornamentation, and an inlaid Sioux medallion on the right butt. Both the forearm and buttstock remain free of notable wear, showing only faint evidence of handling from storage. The stock and forend fit tightly to the receiver and barrel, with strong grain figure and uniform factory finish. The condition is excellent.
Finish:
Blued barrel and magazine tube with color case-hardened receiver, lever, hammer, and buttplate.
Overall Condition:
This rifle retains approximately 98.5% of its original metal finish. The case coloring remains vibrant with deep mottling, the bluing is rich and glossy, and all gold accents are intact and sharp. There is a slight ring mark on the right side of the receiver near the corner that turns to the belly. The walnut furniture shows only minimal storage handling marks, with the “Genuine American Walnut” decal still present. The rifle appears unfired and remains in near-new condition.
Mechanics:
The action functions correctly. The lever, hammer, and trigger operate smoothly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
Included is an original factory Winchester box, styrofoam insert, and color art sleeve featuring Sioux warrior and buffalo hunt illustrations.
Our Assessment:
This Winchester Model 1894 Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative was issued in 1983 to honor T?ašú?ke Witkó (Crazy Horse), the Oglala Lakota leader who courageously resisted U.S. expansion into Sioux territories during the Great Sioux War of 1876–77. The .38-55 Winchester chambering recalls the early black-powder cartridges used in the late 19th century when the original Model 1894 first appeared.
Each rifle in this limited production run was adorned with deep relief engraving, color case-hardening, and Sioux tribal inscriptions, making it one of Winchester’s most culturally significant commemoratives. The craftsmanship and symbolism reflect both the artistry of Winchester’s commemorative era and the enduring legacy of Crazy Horse as a figure of courage and resistance in American history.
KF
