Manufactured in 1895, the second year of production, this is an exceptionally fine, documented example of a special order, factory engraved and inscribed, Winchester deluxe Model 1894 rifle. A John Moses Browning design, the Winchester Model 1894 has become of the truly iconic American firearms, with its lineage firmly rooted in the Western Frontier, its later popularity as a hunting gun, and over 7,500,000 produced, it is impossible the argue its legendary status. The collectability of all Model 1894s continues to rise, making factory embellished deluxe examples like this one a true investment-grade cornerstone in a fine American arms collection. The included factory letter with this rifle lists it in takedown configuration, .38-55 caliber, with an octagon barrel, plain trigger, "$2.50 engraved", "C.S.M. on side", and with a checkered pistol grip stock when received at the warehouse on 14 May 1896 and shipped the same day in order number 10162. According to survey data pulled from the Winchester factory ledgers published in "Armax Vol. V" which covers the first 353,999 ledger entries, we can get an excellent idea of the rarity of this rifle. The data indicates that in this range of Model 1894s, only 366 rifles were engraved and only 530 Model 1894s were inscribed, with this example exhibiting both. Beyond that, it states that one in every 10 was in takedown configuration, only one in every 34 had a checkered stock, and one in every 25 had a pistol grip. These ratios show the scarcity of the features even more when looking at more of the total production of around 7,500,000, as special order features gradually became less common and were eventually dropped as an offering. It is unclear exactly how many Model 1894s were both factory engraved and factory inscribed, but at the time of writing only one other example sold by Rock Island Auction Company was found in our records, showing how truly scarce they are. This example shows a pattern of engraving similar to the Winchester No. 10 style which typically shows a decorative border on the receiver along with flourishes of floral scroll, and a wildlife panel scene on the left side. On this specific rifle, the panel scene has been replaced with the script initials "CSM" as documented in the factory letter, with the remainder of the engraving very close to the No. 10 style. There are also small flourishes of scroll engraving on the forearm cap and buttplate tang. Unfortunately, due to vague Winchester shipping records, the identity of "CSM" may never be known. The top barrel flat has the standard two-line address and the caliber marking at the breech. The upper tang is marked with the three-line model, trademark, and patent information, and the serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. The left side of the lower tang is marked "2467 XXX", with "2467" repeated in the stock inlet and on the butt of the stock under the buttplate along with "94". It is fitted with a set of "sporting" sights featuring a German silver blade front and an elevation adjustable buckhorn rear. It is mounted with a very finely figured, "H" pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock that has a hard rubber grip cap and a crescent buttplate.

Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with some scattered light speckling of brown patina, primarily on the nose cap, receiver, and takedown collar. 70% of the vibrant original case colors remain on the lever and hammer with the balance primarily a smooth grey-brown patina. The original nitre blue on the loading gate has turned colors. The buttplate shows a grey patina with some brown speckling. The wood is very fine with some scattered light handling marks and a few minor blemishes in the otherwise crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. This is an outstanding opportunity to add a truly scarce, documented, factory engraved and inscribed, special order Winchester deluxe Model 1894 to your collection of fine American arms!