Savage Model 1899C 303 Sav. 99 Solid Frame Lever Action 26″ MFD 1902 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,452.00
LSB#: LSB260120RS107
Make: Savage
Model: 1899C
Serial Number: 30543
Year of Manufacture: 1902
Caliber: .303 Savage
Action Type: Lever action, centerfire rifle, with internal rotary magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Savage Arms Co, Utica NY, USA, Pat Feb 7, 93, July 25, 93, Oct 3, 99, Cal 303/ Sav. 303”. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. The serial numbers on the stocks and buttplate match the receiver.
Barrel Length: 26″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a silver beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and the dovetail plugged. The top of the tang is drilled and tapped for a peep sight. There is a folding peep sight installed.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece smooth walnut, schnabel forend tip, straight grip, straight comb, with crescent buttplate. The LOP is 13″ from trigger to buttplate. There are scratches and compression dents throughout. There is a gouge on the belly of the stock. There are no cracks. Overall this stock rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal with operational brass cartridge counter.
Type of Finish: Blued, color cased
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion this bore rates a 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its original finish. There are light scratches and a few light corrosion freckles throughout. The receiver is scratched and has finish loss from handling wear. The color case on the lever has good color left showing some handling wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall this rifle is in Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: None
Our Assessment: The Savage Model 1899C, produced in 1902, represents an early and highly desirable form of Savage’s revolutionary lever action rifle, introduced at a time when American sporting arms were rapidly evolving beyond traditional tubular magazine designs. The 1899 series set itself apart with its internal rotary magazine and brass cartridge counter, allowing the safe use of pointed bullets and offering a clear technological advantage over its contemporaries. Chambered in .303 Savage, one of the company’s flagship cartridges of the era, the rifle reflects a practical and capable hunting arm from the turn of the 20th century, well suited for deer and similar game.
This example retains approximately 90% of its original finish, with light scratches, scattered corrosion freckles, and handling wear most noticeable on the receiver. The color case hardening on the lever remains visible with pleasing color still present despite expected wear. The rifle is fitted with a tang-mounted folding peep sight, replacing the original rear sight which has been removed and the dovetail neatly plugged. The 26″ barrel, silver bead front sight, and classic long rifle profile give the piece a strong period presence. The walnut stocks are matching to the rifle, including the buttplate, and show honest wear with scratches, compression marks, and a gouge on the belly, but remain structurally sound and in Good to Very Good condition.
The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no visible erosion, rating 9 out of 10 in this writer’s opinion, with only light fouling present. The action functions correctly, and the internal rotary magazine with brass cartridge counter remains operational, preserving the defining mechanical feature of the Model 1899 design. Overall, this rifle stands as a well-preserved early Savage 1899C, combining strong original finish, matching components, and excellent bore condition in a classic pre-1905 sporting configuration. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! MF