Manufactured in 1897. This rifle along with a number of special order features also has a rare extra lightweight 24 inch "pencil" barrel with 1/2 magazine tube (these would be two separate options) and this is a very early extra light example with the front sight dovetailed into the barrel. Winchester quickly learned how dangerously thin the barrel material could get under the dovetail cut, very critical in larger calibers, so almost all of the extra light guns were found with a ramped front sight with the ramp either integral to the barrel or silver soldered to the barrel. The muzzle on this rifle has a diameter of only 7/16 inch. This rifle also features a special order three leaf rear sight and shotgun butt. The top of the barrel is marked with the two-line address ahead of the rear sight and "30 W.C.F." at the breech. The serial number is marked on the bottom of the receiver. Blue finish with a casehardened hammer and lever and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm and straight grip stock. The accompanying factory letter verifies the extra light rifle configuration, caliber, 24 inch round barrel, plain trigger, takedown, 1/2 magazine, shotgun butt, that it was received in the warehouse on October 6, 1897, and shipped to order number 18792 on October 7, 1897. The letter also states that the rifle was returned and repaired (reason not given) on September 7, 1898.

Very fine. The rifle retains 85% plus original blue finish with some minor muzzle and edge wear, and some flaking on the takedown ring and the receiver. The breech bolt retains 98% original blue finish. The forend cap has strong traces of original blue finish mixed with a smooth mottled brownish gray patina. 70% of the aged, darkened original case colors remain on the hammer and lever. The wood is fine with some scattered minor dents, dings and scratches. The markings are clear. The action is excellent.