Offered here is a scarce example of a Savage Model 1895 lever action rifle. Manufactured c. 1895-1896, with Savage Model 1895s found in the approximate low 3000 to low 8000 serial range according to information at the top of page 134 in the book "A Collector's Guide to the Savage 99 Rifle" (2016) by David Royal. The included Savage factory letter, dated July 2, 1998 and addressed from John T. Callahan, states in relation to this rifle by serial number, "The record books tell us that this rifle was accepted at Savage's Utica, New York offices on July 25, 1896, and was shipped on July 19, 1897. It was built in caliber .303 Savage with a full octagon barrel. The original consignee is listed to be the J.B. Varick Co. of Manchester, N.H. The rifle you have is a Model 1895. Of interest, is that this rifle was produced for Savage by the Marlin Firearms Co. of New Haven, CT. An arrangement was made by Arthur Savage to have John Marlin produce the first firearms in his factory as Savage did not have the plant or equipment at that time to do this. Approximately the first 8000 rifles were produced by Marlin and are stamped with a 'JM' or 'M' marking under the barrel." Mr. Royal indicated to us that there is believed to instead be only approximately 5,200 Model 1895s manufactured. This rifle features a 26 inch octagon barrel with a dovetail mounted flip-up combination Beach type front sight and adjustable elevator notch rear sight, with "SAVAGE REPEATING ARMS Co., UTICA, N.Y., U.S.A./PATENTED FEB. 7. 1893. JULY 25. 1893. CAL. .303." marked in two lines on top of the barrel, a flip-up adjustable peep sight mounted on the top of the receiver tang, opening on top of the bolt with cocking indicator, and a cartridge counter on the left of the receiver. Provenance: The David Royal Collection

Very fine, retains 70% plus original blue finish, half of the faded original case colors on the lever, with some areas faded to smooth gray patina and some scattered brown surface freckling on the balance. Wood is also very fine with some scattered minor dings and scratches, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.