Winchester Model 1894 ’94 Solid Frame 32-40 26” Lever Rifle Antique 1897
SOLD FOR: $1,425.00
LSB#: LSB251016KS068
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Rifle
Serial Number: 82960
Year of Manufacture: 1897, Antique
Caliber: .32-40 W.C.F.
Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a full-length tubular magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “ – MANUFACTURED BY THE – / – WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. –” and “32-40 W.C.F.” at the rear. The bottom-front of the receiver is marked “82960”, the top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT.AUG.21.1894”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a V-notch buckhorn elevator sight with fine elevation adjustment, dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have some scattered draglines, compressions and scratches. There are some losses along the edges of the wrist. The front left of the forend has a repaired piece. The right side of the wrist at the receiver has a repair. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Good condition as refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is no notable erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its finish. Most of the finish has worn to white with scattered oxidation and patina. There is scattered intermittent erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and the lever safety functions properly. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1894 rifle followed the other John Browning designed lever action rifles to become one of the most famous and popular hunting rifles of all time. It was the first commercial sporting rifle to sell over 7,000,000 units, making the name “Winchester” synonymous with all lever action rifles. It was also the first commercial American repeating rifle built to be used with smokeless powder. It was introduced in 1894 in two black powder cartridges, the .32-40 and .38-55 Win. rounds, but by the next year Winchester had developed a different steel composition that could handle higher pressures. This is a Winchester Model 1894 rifle made in 1897 with a 26” round barrel and chambered in .32-40 W.C.F. This is a great find for the Winchester enthusiast and will sit nicely in your collection. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
