This is a Browning prototype bottom feed lever action musket similar in design to the Model 1895. Winchester's partnership with John Browning began in 1883 and lasted 16 years. Browning's legacy at Winchester is marked by the company's most notable late 19th century firearms such as the Model 1885 single shot rifle, Model 1887 lever action shotgun, Model 1897 slide action shotgun and lever action Models 1886, 1892, 1894 and 1895. Speaking to Browning's success, firearms historian and author R.L. Wilson stated, "No other gun inventor or designer can rival John Browning's string of achievements. He owned 128 gun patents covering eighty different firearms; he sold approximatively forty gun designs to Winchester." Of course, not every Browning patent Winchester purchased made it to the factory production line. The trail leading to even the most successful designs is often steeped in documented and undocumented trails and errors. The action has a fixed magazine and stripper slots in the top. The thick, high breechblock is striker feed. The lever contains the trigger assembly. The receiver has a bolt with double extractors and a follower. There is no safety. When the action is opened, the breechblock rises and slides backwards. When closing the action, the breechblock rises and slides forwards, locking into place via a spring loaded detent. Part of the lever supports the back of the breechblock. The breechblock has a cocking indicator. The action is similar to that found in Browning's patent 619132, which was applied for on February 21, 1898 and issued on February 7, 1899. Browning had several lever action rifle patents purchased by Winchester with many of the patents not being used in production firearms. There are two barrel bands with the front band having a bayonet lug like a Krag rifle. Sling swivels are located on both barrel bands and underside of the buttstock. Equipped with a pinned blade front sight and ladder rear sight graduated 1,800 yards. The left side of the lever is marked with the number "1" and is the only visible marking on the musket. The musket has been left in the white with blue finish barrel bands and buttplate. Mounted with a musket type stock featuring grasping grooves, upper handguard, straight grip stock and buttplate with a trapdoor compartment (cleaning rod not included).

Excellent. The musket is in the unfinished, in the white configuration with untouched original surface showing machine marks. The barrel bands and buttplate retaining 95% original blue finish with a smooth brown patina on the balance. The wood is excellent showing a few minor handling marks with most of the finish remaining. Mechanically excellent. A true one of a kind prototype showcasing Browning's genius.