The Model 1894 was Winchester's most prolific model, and due to its reputation as a "working gun" deluxe and special order examples such as this are relatively scarce, particularly in high condition. The factory letter states the serial number was applied on December 13, 1897 and the rifle was received in the warehouse on November 19, 1898 and shipped on November 21 with an octagon barrel in .30 caliber, extra light weight, takedown configuration, checkered pistol grip stock, oil finish, and hard rubber shotgun buttplate. The top flat of the octagon tapered barrel, or "pencil thin barrel," has the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "30 WCF" at the breech, and the upper left barrel flat has the two-line nickel steel marking. A 20th century Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The barrel is fitted with a blade front sight (special higher front sights were required on tapered barrels) and a folding three leaf rear sight. The upper tang has the three-line model/patent date information. The underside of the buttstock has a brass inscription plaque marked "SINGLETON HINMAN BIRD/JANUARY 1ST 1899." The rifle belonged to 1930s-1940s Tiffany & Co. Vice President Singleton Hinman Bird (1883-1965). In 1899, Bird was 16 years old. The rifle is mounted with a very nicely figured, factory H-pattern checkered forearm and pistol grip stock. The buttstock is fitted with a hard rubber Winchester grip cap and shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "5130 XXX S." The stock inlet has the assembly number "5784." Although the tapered barrel is a factory replacement, it is a rare special order feature. According to the data published by Oswalt and Hawk, out of the first 353,999 Model 1894s produced, only 26,934 were takedowns and 10,512 had checkered stocks. Provenance: Singleton Hinman Bird; Property of a Gentleman

Very fine, retaining 80% factory refurbished blue finish with thinning to brown and high edge wear on the balance. 60% of the nitre blue remains on the loading gate. The wood replacement is fine with a hairline crack on the forearm (left side), dings, scratches, and some worn checkering. Mechanically excellent.