This rifle was manufactured in 1914 and is marked with a series of British proofmarks on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The barrel also has the standard Winchester markings along with a "GUN SHOP INC/LANCASTER CA" import marking just ahead of the forend cap on the right. As noted in the included article, the English government is known to have purchased 120 of these rifles, along with 78,000 rounds of ammunition, between December 1914 and April 1916. These rifles were altered for trials and used by the Royal Flying Corps prior to the availability of machine guns. They were given to the rear seat observers. Another similar example of these rare rifles is pictured on page 179 of "Winchester Repeating Arms Company" by Herb Houze. Note that both this example, and the one pictured, feature extended fifteen round magazines and larger operating rod handles. This example also has the winged front sight, enlarged magazine catch, operating rod and extended trigger guard known to have been fitted to these rifles. These enlargements made it easier to operate the rifle while wearing gloves. The screw holes below the chamber and on the left side were used to mount a case bag. This rifle has a standard sporting rear sight, a multi-point non-factory checkered forearm and a smooth pistol grip buttstock with a checkered hard rubber buttplate embossed with the Winchester emblem. Only a scarce few of these rifles are known. Nearly all were likely destroyed or lost during the war.

Very good as modified for the Royal Flying Corps (trigger guard, receiver tapped and forearm checkered). The rifle retains 50% plus of the original blue finish and has brown patina on the balance along with some light spotting. The wood is very good with crisp checkering, various small scratches and dings and a few small chips. It is mechanically fine and has crisp markings. This is a very rare rifle. As noted above, only 120 were sold to the English government and altered for use by the Royal Flying Corps.