Offered here is a scarce example of a Savage Model 1895 special order 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. This exact rifle is featured on page 20 of the aforementioned book, above the caption, "1895 with optional case colored receiver. Note the safety and lever lock just behind the trigger. The checkering and slimmed stock and forearm were probably not done at the factory." This exact rifle is also described and depicted in various pictures on pages 182-184 of "Savage Model 1895, 1899 & 99 Rifles Volume 2, Engraved and Special-Feature Models" (2022) by David Royal. David Royal indicated to us that information has since come to light after the aforementioned 2016 and 2022 published books, and believes this Model 1895 rifle was probably actually checkered at the factory, as another Model 1895 rifle with identical checkering has since surfaced, and further indicated that the high grade wood and plastic buttplate on this rifle are rare Model 1895 options. The included Savage factory letter, dated February 27, 2013 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, and was shipped on April 25, 1896. It was built in caliber .303 Savage with a half octagon barrel. The original consignee is listed to be Rice & Miller of Bangor, Maine. The rifle you have is a Model 1895. It was Savage's first rifle, and established the company. 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 be only approximately 5,200 Model 1895s manufactured. This rifle features the optional casehardened receiver, a 26 inch half octagon barrel with a dovetail mounted Lyman beaded blade front sight and two leaf 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

Fine, retains 70% original blue finish with some areas of thinning, and 20% original case colors concentrated mostly around the trigger area with smooth silvery gray patina and some scattered minor surface freckling on the balance, and a sharp barrel address. Wood is fine as re-varnished with upgraded checkering, some scattered light scratches and dents, some light outer finish wear spots at some of the otherwise defined edges. Mechanically excellent.