Winchester Model 53 Takedown .25-20 W.C.F. 22” Lever Action Rifle, 1927 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,750.00
LSB#: LSB260412PC032
Make: Winchester
Model: 53
Serial Number: 10542
Year of Manufacture: 1927 / C&R
Caliber: .25-20 W.C.F.
Action Type: Lever Action Takedown Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “-MODEL 53-“, “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-“, “-NICKEL STEEL – 25-20 W.C.F.-“. The top of the barrel and receiver have ovalled “WP” proofs. The top tang is marked “WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK- / -MADE IN U.S.A.-“. The right of the barrel is marked “MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN.”. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked with the serial number “10542”. The bottom of the receiver next to the lever is marked “26”.
Barrel Length: 22″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Marble No. 2 brass beaded blade dovetailed to a base integral to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a Marble’s “U”-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel with fine elevation adjustment. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a capped forend, straight wrist, fluted straight comb and serrated steel shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have some compressions, nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13? from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with light patina and oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is minor erosion in the muzzle but the rest of the bore appears clean. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 60% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish on the barrel is mostly strong with mild thinning throughout. The receiver has largely turned to a mottled patina. There is intermittent oxidation throughout the receiver. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety position. 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: Winchester’s Model 53 is essentially the same as the 1892, but was offered with fewer special order features. Introduced in 1924, the standard model was chambered for 25-20 with a 22? round barrel, 6-shot button magazine, straight grip and shotgun-style steel buttplate. Special order features included chambering for 32-20 or 44-40 (or .218 Bee very late in production), takedown frame, pistol grip, set-trigger, crescent buttplate and deluxe wood.
This is a particularly early example, serial 10542 with a special order takedown frame, and is chambered for .25-20. The rifle has seen some use over the last 100 years but has been generally well preserved and maintained. The barrel retains the majority of its original finish, an excellent bore and great mechanics. The rifle would make a great addition to a Winchester collection and maybe even getting back out in the field. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.