Winchester 94AE C.M. Russell Commemorative .30-30 20″ Lever Rifle, MFD 2002

SOLD FOR: $2010

LSB#: 210826RS05

Make: Winchester

Model: 94AE America Remembers C.M. Russell Commemorative Rifle

Serial Number: 6479182

Year of Manufacture: 2002

Caliber: .30-30 WCF

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Angle Eject and Tubular Magazine

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER MODEL 94AE CAL. 30-30 Win. / -MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. – WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”. The top of the barrel bears the Winchester proof mark. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number, “A&A ENGRAVING Inc. / Rapid City S.D.”, and ““AMERICA REMEMBERS” ® AHL © ASHLAND VA.”.  Both sides of the receiver are marked “C.M. RUSSELL MUSEUM”. The upper tang is marked “172 of 300”. As stated on the ‘America Remembers’ website, “The left side of the receiver features one of Russell’s classic paintings, “Buffalo Hunt,” as a pair of Indian hunters on horseback take aim at a buffalo. The right side of the receiver features a scene from Russell’s painting, “The Jerkline.”  A drover snaps his bullwhip, guiding a team of horses as they pull a heavy wagon uphill.  To the right is the self-portrait “Charles Russell on Neenah,” showing the artist enjoying the Western scenery as he rides one of his favorite horses. The stocks are laser-carved on both sides. The shoulder stock features Russell’s signature and his buffalo skull logo, along with a quiver of arrows and an inverted tomahawk. Inscribed is Russell’s quote to a friend, “The West is dead…you may lose a sweetheart but you won’t forget her.”  The left side also features Russell’s “Red Man of the Plains,” while the right side features “Buffalo in Winter,” surrounded by scrollwork.   The forearm features Russell’s initials and the dates of his life.”

Barrel Length: 20″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded beaded blade atop a serrated riser that is screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch elevator sight with a white triangle aim guide.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are engraved walnut with a banded forearm, straight grip, straight comb, and a checkered hard rubber Winchester buttplate. The wood shows no notable imperfections. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the checkered hard rubber Winchester plate, which shows a few tiny nicks at the heel and toe. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Blue with 24 Karat Decorated Steel Receiver, Lever, Barrel Bands, Trigger, and Site Hood

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, just some light fouling in the grooves.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light handling marks. The gold plating is bright and beautiful. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes in a black hard case with a white sleeve, a cloth protector, and a certificate of authenticity from America Remembers.

Our Assessment: This beautiful rifle is a limited C.M. Russell Commemorative number 172 of the 300 that were made. Taken from the C.M. Russell Museum website, “Charles Marion Russell (1864–1926) masterfully captured the art and soul of the American West as it was transforming before his eyes. While he fulfilled his dream of an authentic cowboy life in Montana, he was also gifting the world with an inspired visual record celebrating Indigenous culture, Western narratives, grand landscapes, and majestic wildlife scenes. While his art is considered historic, his spirit is timeless.” This rifle is handsomely decorated in 24-karat gold artwork against a special blackened background for maximum contrast. Barrel bands, lever, trigger, hammer, and hooded site are decorated in 24-karat gold. This rifle is in excellent condition and is waiting to be taken home by one lucky bidder. Please see our photos and good luck!