This is an exceptional original example of a Winchester Model 1895 Flat-Side Rifle that was manufactured in 1896. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .40-72 caliber, plain trigger and Lyman front and receiver sights when received in warehouse on January 23, 1897, and shipped on November 2, 1898. The rifle has a blue finish on the distinctive flat side, receiver, barrel, loading lever and magazine. The hammer, trigger, loading lever linkage and crescent buttplate have a casehardened finish. The walnut stock and forearm have a varnish finish. The distinctive Model 1895 forearm has a factory, ebony, insert. The 26 inch octagon barrel has a Lyman 'Winchester Express" front sight with white bead and a sporting style rear sight. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman "WR-WT" receiver sight. The top barrel flat is roll-stamped: "-MANUFACTURED BY THE-/- WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. -" in two lines ahead of the rear sight. The caliber, "40-72 W.C.F." is roll-stamped on the top of the barrel between the rear sight and the receiver. The upper receiver tang is marked: "WINCHESTER/- MODEL 1895 -" in two lines. "PAT. NOV. 5. 1895/-NOV. 12. 1895-" is stamped in two lines on the trigger linkage behind the trigger. The serial number is stamped on the lower barrel tang. The flat-side receiver was used only on the first 5000 Model 1895 Rifles; examples in high condition are scarce.

Excellent. The rifle retains nearly 95% of the original blue finish on the barrel, bolt and high polished blue flat-side receiver. There is some minor finish loss on sides of the loading lever and the magazine. The hammer, trigger and trigger linkage have at least 90% of the dark case colors. The casehardened finish on the crescent buttplate has aged to a dark patina. The stock and forearm are in excellent condition with most of the original varnish finish. Wear is limited to some very minor handling and storage marks. All of the barrel and receiver markings are sharp. This is an outstanding example of an early production, Model 1895, Flat-Side, Lever Action Rifle.