This is a Third Model Winchester-Hotchkiss musket that was manufactured in 1895. The barrel has a block mounted blade front sight that doubles as the lug for the included socket bayonet and a folding ladder rear sight. There are no visible government inspection or acceptance marks, but the buttplate tang is numbered "237." This is likely a rack number and suggests the rifle was owned and used by a state or local National Guard/militia unit or police department. The bolt also has a turned down handle which is a modification that has been noted on rifles purchased by the State of California in 1915. Some of the rifles in that order were originally manufactured in the mid-1890s. This example lacks the bayonet rail seen on the California muskets, but it may have been purchased by another state. Provenance: The Peter & Patty Murray Collection; Private Collection

Very fine with 90% original blue finish remaining on the barrel and 80% plus slightly darkened original case colors remaining on the action. The wood is excellent showing some minor pressure dents and scratches. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet remains bright overall.