This is just an outstanding example of an all original and unaltered Winchester Pattern 1914 Mark I * bolt action rifle. This is the exact configuration of the rifle produced for and issued during WWI and again during WWII by the British Army. This specific rifle was actually discovered in the 1960s in the Winchester factory storage vault and was purchased and retained in the Peter and Patty Murray Winchester collection. We had the pleasure of selling that collection approximately 10 years ago. This rifle still retains the Murray collection identification tag and description card. As noted, this rare rifle remains in original "unissued" condition as it was apparently a contract over run and never left the Winchester factory. Accordingly it was never inspected/proofed by the British, and it properly lacks the British proof and acceptance marks normally stamped on the barrel and receiver as well as the identification marks usually located on the right side of the buttstock. The rifle has the original Winchester factory issue bolt correctly serial numbered to match the rifle on top, with the corresponding small Star designating it as a Mark I *. The underside of the bolt handle is also stamped with a large letter "W" and "MC5" markings. The bolt handle and cocking knob and firing pin assembly are factory blued, and the bolt body remains in the original "in the white" condition with dried grease residue overall. Both the bolt and breech are also stamped with a small, five-pointed, star that indicates the rifle were subject to the bolt and breech modification required by the British after production was initiated. The rifle retains all the early features such as the early style long range volley sights mounted to the left side of the action and stock, the longer bolt and recessed barrel as designated by the small "Circled Star" on top of the receiver which designated it as a Mark I * rifle and correspondingly the barrel is also unmarked which tracks with it being retained by the Winchester factory. It is fitted with its original walnut buttstock and handguard set with the early finger grooves on the sides of the stock and the unmarked British brass unit disc on the right side of the butt stock area. This exceptional rifle comes with an original issue 1923 Kerr-No Buckle canvas sling. In the "Winchester Repeater' collector magazine, (vol 16 summer of 1994), Peter Murray authored an article detailing this extremely rare acquisition. It is indeed rare to know the full history of a gun nearly 100 years old.

Excellent plus with 99% of the original factory blued finish overall with the stock and handguard set also still in as new condition. If you are looking for one all original like new WWI era British Pattern 14 rifle this is the one!