This is a fabulous example of an all original unaltered late production Winchester-Lee Model 1895 straight pull rifle as manufactured for the US Navy and Marine Corp, with many of these being used by the Marines in Spanish-American War. This beautiful example is marked with the super rare, "U.S.N.M." markings which stands for the "U.S. Naval Militia". It is estimated that only approximately "183" were actually produced with these markings. In total there were approximately 15,000, sold to the Navy. The Navy rifles were produced in two contracts; 10,000 in 1898 and 1800 rifles in 1899. The serial number of this rifle places the manufacture in mid to late 1898, so it was probably under the first contract quantity. These are a very distinctive rifle that employs a unique straight pull mechanism developed by James Lee. They also were chambered in a non-standard 6mm Lee (236 caliber) military cartridge. This cartridge was actually a very efficient, (ballistically) high velocity cartridge, that was just way ahead of its time. During this time most armies were using large 30 cal., bullets in some form of a bolt action rifle, consequently these Winchester-Lee rifles were not very well received. The top of the receiver ring is marked with the very rare "U.S.N.M./Navy Anchor" proof over the Navy serial number "N30", over the Navy inspectors initials: "J.N.J.". The right side of the receiver has the Winchester factory serial number of "11609". The left side of the receiver is marked "-MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.- / NEW HAVEN CONN. U.S.A. PAT. OCT. 10, 93, JAN 30, 94, OCT 8 95". The stock and handguard are the original military versions. A very nice example of a early US Navy contract rifle.

Excellent with 97% plus of the original Winchester factory blue finish overall with the minor edge and high spot wear with the front radius area of the receiver, the top of the receiver rails and barrel bands having browned out from age and handling. The face of the buttplate shows wear and oxidation spots mixed with a slight gray patina. The stock and handguard are both in excellent condition with a beautiful, matching dark red military oil finished walnut color with just a few minor handling marks on the rear sides of the buttstock and the upper forend area. This is really a super high condition Winchester-Lee Straight Pull rifle with rare U.S.N.M. markings.