Lot 36: Factory Engraved Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle

Manufactured in 1915. The rifle has standard Winchester markings including the factory oval proofs on the barrel and receiver, a raised dovetail blade front sight and an elevation adjustable rear sight. The factory engraving on the receiver consists of a vine and leaf scroll motif along with game scenes on the sides. A wedge of engraved scrollwork appears on top of the barrel at the breech, and additional engraved vines are found on the bolt at the rear. The nicely figured forearm and straight grip stock are checkered and feature an ebony forend tip insert and hard rubber Winchester shotgun buttplate. Model 1895s with factory engraving are tough to find. According to Winchester author and expert George Madis, "Engraved Models 95 are very rare; by the time the Model 95 was introduced the cost of engraving had become quite high."

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with the balance a smooth brown-gray patina. The wood is also fine with some minor dings and scratches and some wear in the overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. One has to ask themselves the question; when will I ever get another opportunity to acquire one of these.