This is an example of an early production Winchester-Lee Model 1895 straight pull, prototype sniper rifle as shown and described on page 43-44 of the excellent reference book "The Winchester Lee Rifle" by Myszkowski. As noted, this was a non-military contract type rifle, that has been fitted with a set of Winchester scope bases, along with a higher set of brass, riser scopes mounts, which is fitted with a Winchester A5 scope. Although the original scope bases mounted to the rifle barrel, were designed for the Winchester A5, the factory ledger does not indicate they were fitted by the Winchester factory. The additional set of higher brass bases are both boldly stamped on the left side, "WINCHESTER". Probably the intent of the higher brass bases were to provide adequate clearance when the action was cycled. A limited number of the military contract Winchester-Lee rifles were used by the Marines in Spanish-American War, however were phased out in favor of the Model 1898 Krag rifle. They were chambered in the non-standard 6mm Lee (236 caliber) military cartridge, that was just way ahead of its time. It was completely different than any other military cartridge was used to at this time, however the 6 mm (236 caliber) was a very efficient, high velocity cartridge. 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. This beautiful example is marked on the receiver ring with the serial number "14042", which indicates that it was manufactured circa 1902, which would fall into an early military contract serial number range however there are no military markings on the rifle. It was later returned to the factory in 1912 for repairs. These are a very distinctive rifle in that it uses a unique straight pull mechanism developed by James Lee. 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, correctly modified by the factory for the scope bases. The scope is correctly marked with the Winchester factory, two line legend on top of the scope tube followed by "A5". It is fitted with a set of early stamped Winchester scope mounts with the front mount correctly stamped with the Winchester factory markings, with the rear mount having a somewhat larger windage and elevation turrets with click adjustments. An outstanding and certainly very unique and interesting example of a early Winchester-Lee straight pull rifle with a unique prototype sniper scope mount system.

Very fine as fitted with scope with 90% plus of the original blue finish overall with some minor edge and high spot wear. It has the military style full length walnut stock and handguard, that both show numerous handling marks and light pressure dents and dings on the sides from handling and use over the years. The right side of stock has an indentation caused by bolt handle. The top of the handguard has been machined for the scope bases. The Winchester scope retains 98% of its blued finish overall with clear optics, however it has a broken cross. A very unique and certainly one-of-a-kind Winchester-Lee straight pull rifle with unique Winchester marked scope bases and A5 scope. This is one rifle that is certainly worth doing some more research on!