This Model 1895 Winchester rifle was manufactured in 1896, the second year of production. This rifle has the first model "Flat-Side" receiver. The receiver has the slight flare at the junction with the forearm and lacks the fluted sides found on Model 1895 Winchesters manufactured after serial number 5,000. The rifle has a rapid taper, round, 26-inch barrel chambered for the 40-72 W.C.F. cartridge. The barrel has a blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. and is marked "MANUFACTURED BY THE/-WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A.-" ahead of the rear sight and "40-72 WCF" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "-WINCHESTER/MODEL 1895-." The lower tang is marked has the early production three digit serial number "807." This serial number is stamped between the tang screws. The November 1895 patent dates are stamped in two lines behind the trigger. The included Cody Firearms Museum Records Office serial number confirms the rifle's round barrel, plain trigger, and August 5, 1896 ship date. The First Model "Flat-Side" 1895 rifles were manufactured for less than two years and are scarce and very desirable, and this example is in well above average condition, making for a very appealing addition to any lever action collection.

Fine, retaining 60% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance and a few scattered areas of pitting visible on top left frame, touched up with cold blue. The wood is also very fine with a few short stress lines at the upper tang and minor handling marks. Mechanically excellent. A fine representative Winchester Model 1895 flat sided rifle well deserving of any Winchester lever action collection.