Winchester Model 1894 Solid Frame .30-30 WCF 26” Lever Rifle Antique 1896
SOLD FOR: $3,500.00
LSB#: LSB250527MS037
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1894 Solid Frame Rifle
Serial Number: 44754
Year of Manufacture: 1896, Antique
Caliber: .30-30 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.– ”, “30 W.C.F.”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “44754”. The top tang is marked “MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / PAT. AUG. 21. 1894”.
Barrel Length: 26”, Full Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. The stocks display light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stocks are in about Fine condition as refinished antique.
Type of Finish: Blue, Case Colored lever, hammer, and buttplate
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is well defined. There is one small spot of faint erosion. Other than that the bore looks great. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10 for antique.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout with some light thinning at the leading edges. Most of the finish can be found at the muzzle where there is some more thinning, oxidation, patina, and a few nicks.There is some light muting on the high handling areas of the lever. Other than that, the case color is vibrant. Overall, this rifle is in about Fine condition as refinished antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety which still releases when pulling the trigger. 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: This 1896 Winchester Model 1894 Solid Frame Rifle is a beautifully preserved and highly collectible example from the early days of one of the most iconic lever-action rifles ever produced. As a true antique manufactured just two years after the model’s introduction, this rifle represents the dawn of the smokeless powder era and John Browning’s brilliant advancement in lever-action design. Chambered in .30-30 W.C.F.—the first sporting cartridge designed specifically for smokeless powder—this rifle would have been state-of-the-art for its time and helped usher in a new standard for performance in the field.
This example has been tastefully refinished, with about 95% of its current blue and case color finish remaining. The 26″ full octagonal barrel gives it excellent balance and classic visual appeal. The bore is bright with strong rifling and just a single faint spot of erosion—an impressive 9/10 rating by antique standards. The stocks have been refinished to a smooth luster and show only light handling wear, free of cracks or major flaws. The action is smooth and functional, though the half-cock safety no longer holds under trigger pull, a common trait in rifles of this age and use.
With its antique status, solid mechanics, bright bore, and handsome appearance, this early Model 1894 is both a shootable classic and a valuable collector’s piece. Whether you’re a Winchester aficionado, a student of American firearm innovation, or a lever-action enthusiast, this 1896 Winchester Model 1894 offers history, craftsmanship, and character in one timeless rifle. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
