Winchester Model 1895 Lee Navy .236 USN 28″ Straight Pull Rifle Antique
SOLD FOR: $2600
LSB#: 210917MW80
Make: Winchester Repeating Arms
Model: 1895 Lee Navy
Serial Number: 2636
Year of Manufacture: 1897
Caliber: 6mm Lee Navy (.236 USN)
Action Type: Straight Pull Bolt Action, Fixed Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked “-MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.- / NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PAT. OCT.10.93 JAN.30.94 OCT.8.95”. The top of the receiver is marked “-U.S.N.- / anchor / No. 2636 / -N.C.T.- (inspector’s initials)“. The left side of the barrel band and the left side of the sight hood are both marked “U”. The left side of the trigger guard is marked with a star and “J”, the right side is marked “6”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 28 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set under a protective hood. The rear sight is a sliding “U” notched blade assembly. When down it is a sliding elevator marked “3” and “6” on the left side of the sight base. When flipped up it becomes a sight ladder marked from “8 – 20”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The smooth wood stock has a pistol grip, two barrel bands, a stacking loop, two sling loops and a metal buttplate with a sliding door for storage. There are dings, nicks, scratches, scrapes, and compressions scattered over the wood. Some marks are deep and have removed portions of surface material. The LOP measures 14 1/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has patina, mottled finish loss, and some light erosion. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn and rounded. There is erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 20% of its metal finish. The finish is mostly on the bolt and trigger guard but has turned to patina. There is some finish on the bottom of the barrel. The majority of the metal has worn bright and has scattered dark discoloration from previous oxidation. There are some areas of light erosion, some of the most noticeable is on the magazine. There is some light scabbing, some of the most noticeable is on the trigger guard. The screwheads show light tool marks but remain serviceable. The markings are clear. The rifle rates in about Good 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: None
Our Assessment: This Model 1895 Lee Navy Rifle was made back in 1897 by Winchester Repeating Arms. It is one of about 15,000 M1885 rifles that were made. Many of these rifles saw combat and it is rare to see one in this condition. Here is some M1885 military history, “The M1895 Lee was carried aboard Navy ships for use by naval armed guards (blue jackets) and landing parties, and was the standard service rifle for enlisted Marines, both seaborne and guard forces. Fifty-four USN Lee rifles were recovered from the Battleship Maine, which was sunk in Havana harbor in 1898. These were eventually sold to Bannerman’s, a military surplus dealer. Surviving examples seen of the confirmed Maine rifles have pitted receivers, which would be logical considering the salt water immersion in Havana Harbor. After the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, the M1895 was issued to marines of the First Marine Battalion aboard the naval transport USS Panther, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Robert W. Huntington. As far as is known, all Marine companies involved in the Cuba combat operations were equipped with the 6mm Lee rifle. In addition to service with the First Battalion, additional rifles were later distributed by navy quartermasters to elements of free Cuban forces revolting against the Spanish government…The first major combat use of the M1895 occurred during the land campaign to capture Guantánamo Bay, Cuba from June 9–14, 1898 with the First Marine Battalion, in particular at the battles of Camp McCalla and Cuzco Wells. During the battle of Cuzco Wells, Marines using the M1895 Lee effectively engaged concentrations of Spanish troops at ranges up to 1,200 yards, using volley fire against groups of enemy soldiers while their officers called out the range settings…The M1895 would see considerable action in the Pacific during the Spanish-American War and the early stages of the later Philippine–American War with U.S. Navy and Marine personnel.” Please see our photos and good luck!