Winchester 94 O.F. Winchester Commemorative 38-55 24” Lever Action Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1,060.00
LSB#: LSB250804MF155
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms Company
Model: Model 94 Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative Edition
Serial Number: OFW8624
Year of Manufacture: 1980 (Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of Oliver F. Winchester’s Birth, 1810–1880) ATF C&R
Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER® MODEL 94 38-55 WIN. / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL.” The left side of the receiver is richly engraved with a frontier hunting scene and scrollwork, including “W.R.A. Co.” The right side displays a panoramic factory engraving with ornate floral borders. The top tang is marked “Model 1894 WINCHESTER.” The left side of the barrel is inscribed “Oliver F. Winchester” in gold script. The right side of the buttstock features an inset brass medallion bearing Oliver F. Winchester’s portrait, signature, and “1810–1880.”
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a semi-buckhorn leaf sight, adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle is fitted with a straight-grip walnut buttstock and a matching checkered forearm with a schnabel tip. The wood is finely finished with crisp checkering, strong figure, and a smooth satin sheen. The medallion remains bright with clear detail. The stock shows minimal evidence of handling and rates in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Polished Blue Barrel, Brass-Lite Gold Receiver, Lever, Forend Cap, and Buttplate.
Finish Originality: Original Factory Finish.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains approximately 99% of its original finish. The barrel and magazine tube show deep, rich bluing, while the receiver and furniture exhibit brilliant gold tone with only faint storage marks. Screw heads are sharp, and all markings are crisp. This commemorative is in Excellent overall condition.
Mechanics: The action cycles smoothly, and the trigger breaks cleanly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Accessories: The rifle includes its original factory box with full-color illustrated sleeve, molded styrofoam insert, factory hang tag, commemorative specification card (Symbol G94800WF), and literature.
Specifications (Per Factory Card /Hang Tag):
- Caliber: .38-55 Winchester
- Magazine Capacity: 7 Rounds (Plus One in Chamber)
- Overall Length: 41¾”
- Barrel Length: 24”
- Length of Pull: 13”
- Drop at Comb: 1¾”
- Drop at Heel: 2½”
- Weight: 7 lbs.
- Rate of Twist: 1 Turn in 18” Right-Hand
Our Assessment:
The Winchester Model 94 Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative was introduced in 1980 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Oliver Winchester’s birth, honoring the industrialist who guided the company that revolutionized the repeating rifle. Built in New Haven, this commemorative edition reflects the craftsmanship and pride of an era when Winchester’s lever guns symbolized America’s pioneering spirit.
Chambered in .38-55 Winchester—a cartridge originally designed for accuracy and mild recoil—this rifle combines historical cartridge heritage with striking presentation. The engraved brass-tone receiver depicts frontier scenes and the Winchester factory, while the medallion inlaid in the stock immortalizes the man himself.
Retained in exceptional condition with its original packaging and complete factory materials, this rifle stands as both a tribute to Winchester’s legacy and a highly collectible example of the company’s commemorative craftsmanship.
KF
