Offered here is an extremely rare Savage Model 1895 lever action carbine, one of only three known factory examples, according to page 185 of "Savage Model 1895, 1899 & 99 Rifles Volume 2, Engraved and Special-Feature Models" (2022) by David Royal, in which this exact carbine is pictured on page 186 in figure 3-65 (mistakenly referenced as SN 4745). Receiver 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 March 4, 2004 and addressed from John T. Callahan, states in relation to this carbine by serial number, "The record books tell us that this rifle was accepted at Savage's Utica, New York offices on December 26, 1896, and was shipped on June 29, 1899. It was built in caliber .303 Savage with a round barrel. The original consignee is listed to be the Rice-Lewis Co. No address was entered in the record. The rifle you have is a rare Model 1895 carbine. Of interest, is that this rifle was produced for Savage by the Marlin Firearms Co. of New Haven, CT. An arrangement was made by the Savage Company 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. The first 8200 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. Information provided from David Royal's Volume 2 book, page 185, indicates this carbine was factory built when Model 1899 production began using a left over receiver from Model 1895 production, with a barrel factory shortened from 22 inches to 20 inches and a Model 1899 pattern bolt assembly. It was then exported to Canada, as Rice Lewis was found to be located close to where David Royal acquired this gun in Canada. This carbine features a 20 inch barrel with a dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight and ladder 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, cocking indicator on top of the bolt, a saddle ring, and a cartridge counter on the left of the receiver. Provenance: The David Royal Collection

Fine, retains 70% original blue finish, 60% original case colors on the lever, with some areas faded to smooth gray patina and some scattered brown surface freckling on the balance, and a few small patches of minor surface pitting concentrated on the left of the receiver. Wood is also fine with some scattered light scratches and dings, a scuff on the left of the wrist, and defined edges. Mechanically excellent.