Manufactured in 1895, the second year of production, this is an excellent example of a special order deluxe version of the most successful lever action rifle in history, the Winchester Model 1894. John Moses Browning's design has scarcely been changed between 1894 and today. It is one of about 155 Model 1894s built with a casehardened receiver. It is believed that only 16 of the 155 were deluxe versions such as this example. The accompanying two factory letters confirm the caliber, round barrel, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Lyman Jack front sight, half magazine and casehardened receiver. It was received in the warehouse on September 14, 1895, and shipped the same day. It was brought to our attention that a casehardened 1894 bearing the same serial number was sold 30 plus years ago at auction, photographed in a small black and white thumbnail, that gun has what appeared to be a Lyman sight on the receiver. We have gone through this rifle in excruciating detail and have found no evidence of repair. The top of the barrel has the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "30 W.C.F." at the breech. The upper tang has the three-line model/patent marking. The stock pistol grip has a hard rubber cap embossed "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO." The first year production four digit serial number is stamped across the front edge of the receiver bottom. The barrel, bolt and loading gate are blue. The forearm cap, receiver, hammer, lever and crescent buttplate are casehardened.

Excellent. The barrel and magazine tube retain 90% of the original slightly faded blue. The remaining metal surfaces retain 95% original case colors. The wood is very fine with a number of minor handling marks and a minor chip missing at the toe. There are a few blemishes in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This first year production special order deluxe Model 1894 rifle would be a great addition to any antique Winchester lever action firearm collection.