The factory letter lists this fascinating rifle as .30 caliber, 1/2 octagon barrel, set trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, Lyman sights, no rear sight dovetail, 1/2 magazine, takedown, extra light, $2.00 engraving, "customer engraving (design)," and indicates it was received in the warehouse and shipped on December 13, 1898, in order number 15369 and returned and repaired on September 28, 1901, work order number 11965. The copy of the factory ledger also notes that it was engraved with a crest which is a rarity on factory engraved Winchesters. The receiver has beautiful scrollwork throughout (style 10 engraving on the right) and details crest consisting of a collared demi-dog dexter with three separate flowers (appear to be tulips) over a torse suspended above the dog's head and the motto "SEMPER PARATUS" in a banner below the dog. The crest is centered in a round panel. This panel contains a deer scene on multiple Model 1894 rifles shown in "Winchester Engraving" by R.L. Wilson. The finely detailed engraving may have been done by John Ulrich but is unsigned. Regardless, it is certainly the quality of the work of a very talented engraver. Semper Paratus, meaning "Always Ready/Prepared," has been the motto of several families, a variety of civilian organizations such as fire departments, and multiple military organizations, including the U.S. 24th Infantry Regiment (a "Buffalo Soldier" unit that fought in the Spanish-American War including the Battle of San Juan Hill the same year this rifle was manufactured), U.S. 16th Infantry Regiment (also combatants at San Juan Hill), and the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service starting in 1896. The latter evolved into the modern Coast Guard which still uses the motto. The rifle has a beaded Lyman blade front sight, "-MODEL 94-WINCHESTER-NICKEL STEEL-30 W.C.F.-/TRADE MARK-" on the upper left barrel flat (indicating it was rebarreled post-1919), a Marble tang peep sight, close coupled set triggers, checkered stock and forearm with sling eyes, hard rubber grip cap, and steel nose cap and buttplate. The rifle has the Winchester "WP" proofmarks suggesting the rifle was sent back a second time and was rebarreled at the factory.

Very fine overall as factory rebarreled/refurbished with 95% blue and casehardened finish, crisp markings and engraving, and minor marks and scratches. The very fine wood has attractive figure primarily on the butt, crisp checkering, mild scratches and dings, and glossy varnish. Mechanically excellent. This is a very interesting and attractive factory engraved special order Model 1894. Model 1894s with factory engraved crests or other personalized inscriptions are very rare and hard to come by.