Winchester Model 1895 28″ .30 US 30-40 Krag Lever Action Rifle, 1899 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4025
LSB#: 210714SH08
Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 22641
Year of Manufacture: 1899
Caliber: .30-40 Krag (.30 US in 1899)
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Fixed Box Magazine
Markings: The barrel is marked “NICKEL STEEL BARREL / ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER” on the left and “30 U.S.” at the top-rear. The left side of the frame is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. PAT. NOV. 5. 95. NOV. 12. 95. AUG. 17. 97. JAN. 25. 98. / AUG. 23. 98.”, the last patent date has been marked through the finish. The serial number is found on the lower tang. The upper tang is marked -“WINCHESTER / MODEL 1895.”-. The left of the trigger guard is marked “K.S.M.”
Barrel Length: 28″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a white beaded blade pinned in a slotted base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel. The notch is fine-adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered fancy walnut with schnabel-tip forend, ebony forend nose insert, straight grip, straight comb and Winchester checkered black hard rubber shotgun-style buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches, most notable on the left of the forend and the left-rear of the buttstock. The checkering is well defined, generally sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 12 7/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light wear, mostly around the edges with generally sharp checkering and lettering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. Our gauge shows an ME of about 1.0..
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is finish wear along the top of the receiver, the top tang, and some on the sides toward the top. The worn areas show discoloration from oxidation. There is infrequent other finish wear, mostly operational wear. There are some scattered minor nicks and scratches. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good-Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a Cody Firearms Museum Records Office Show Search Form which confirms that this rifle had its serial applied 8-10-1899, was received in Winchester’s warehouse 9-8-1899 as a rifle, caliber .30 with fancy checkered stock and rubber shotgun-style buttplate.
Our Assessment: The 1895 Winchester was the first lever action model to incorporate a non-detachable box magazine. This is the model Teddy Roosevelt called his “Big Medicine” that he used in hunting stateside and in Africa. With its quick handling characteristics, box magazine and spitzer bullet capability, the Model 1895 changed the world of sporting rifles forever. The rifles were offered in a number of configurations with a number of special-order features, making for a great variety available to collectors. This rifle is a particularly nice example, made in 1899 and having some documented special order features including checkered fancy walnut stocks and shotgun-style hard rubber buttplate. Despite its age, this rifle retains the great majority of its original finish, a great bore, and strong mechanics. Such a great example of the 1895 will make a wonderful addition to even advanced Winchester collections and its great bore means it still has some trips in the field left if you so choose. Please see our photos and good luck!