Manufactured in 1896, the second year of production and serialized with a three digit number, 551. This rifle is 1 of only 5,000 manufactured with the flat side receiver. The accompanying factory letter lists this rifle with a round barrel in .40-72 caliber and plain trigger when it was received in the warehouse on August 15, 1896 and shipped on August 17. The rifle is equipped with dovetailed blade and elevation adjustable sights on a barrel marked with the two-line address and "40-72 WCF." The upper tang is marked "WINCHESTER/MODEL 1895." Directly behind the trigger it is marked "PAT NOV. 5, 1895/- NOV. 12, 1895 -." The low serial number "551" is marked on the lower tang. Mounted with a smooth tapered forearm with an ebony insert and straight grip stock with a steel crescent buttplate.

Extremely fine, retaining 80% plus bright original high polish blue finish with the balance thinning to a brown. Traces of original case colors remain on the buttplate and hammer with stronger colors around the trigger. The wood is also very fine with a small notch on the comb, a hairline crack near the upper tang and some minor dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent. One will look a long time to find a finer example!