Winchester Model 1895 .30-40 Krag 24″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1901 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,876.00
LSB#: LSB260629EB058
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 32975
Year of Manufacture: 1901 (Cody factory letter: serial applied October 1, 1901, shipped October 14, 1901)
Caliber: .30-40 Krag
Action Type: Lever action
Markings: The barrel is marked “”30 U.S.”” ahead of the receiver and “”NICKEL STEEL BARREL ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”” on the left side. The top tang is marked “”WINCHESTER MODEL 1895″” and the serial number 32975 is stamped on the lower tang.
Barrel Length: 24 inches
Sights: Lyman blade front sight set in a raised block at the muzzle. Lyman receiver peep sight mounted to the left side of the receiver with an elevation-adjustable aperture. The tang is not drilled or tapped for a tang sight.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two piece smooth walnut with straight grip, straight comb, checkered steel shotgun style buttplate, and schnabel tip forend with triangular ebony inlay. There are scattered light handling marks. There is a small crack on the left side of the forend at the receiver and minor losses around the wrist. Length of pull measures 12 7/8 inches. Overall, the stock rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued metal, oil-finished wood
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dull with defined rifling and light erosion. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10. Many military and C&R-eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its original blued finish. The blue thins to a soft brown patina along the receiver edges, lever, and hammer, while the barrel retains deeper blue. There is mild operational and handling wear. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly tool marked. Overall, this rifle rates 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 all your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork and Accessories: The factory letter from the Cody Firearms Museum, dated July 7, 2014, is included and is shown in the photographs. The letter documents two factory Repair and Return visits: October 18, 1904 (order 254288) and April 28, 1908 (order 18139).
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1895 brought John Browning’s lever-action design into the era of full-length military cartridges, using a fixed box magazine in place of Winchester’s familiar tubular magazine. Chambered in .30-40 Krag, this example represents that transition in a classic sporting configuration. Its distinctive receiver and magazine give the 1895 a character all its own among Winchester lever actions, reflecting a design built around the demands of a changing ammunition market.
This 1901 rifle combines substantial original blue with the attractive details of an ebony-inlaid Schnabel forend, steel shotgun buttplate, and Lyman receiver sight. The included Cody letter adds particular interest, documenting its October 1901 shipment and returns to Winchester in 1904 and 1908, although the supplied information does not identify the work performed. The stock flaws and bore erosion reflect its age and use, while its surviving finish and documented factory history give collectors meaningful features to appreciate. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! – L.S.