The accompanying letter from Cody Firearms Museum curator Frances Clymer to famed Winchester collector Peter Murray confirms that this rifle was deaccessioned from the Winchester Arms Collection in January 1991 and was sold to Murray at a Cody Firearms Museum auction on June 22, 1991. The rifle retains the original museum tags on the trigger guard. The right side of the chamber is stamped "U.S./W/32". The receiver rail is marked with a Ordnance Bomb followed by an circled five-pointed star. The rear sight leaf is identical to those used on the Pattern 14. The barrel is marked "W/[Ordnance Bomb]/8-17." All components have the Winchester "W" identification mark. An Ordnance Bomb is stamped on the bolt handle. The stock and handguard are oil finished black walnut and lack inspection markings. This is undoubtedly one of the lowest serial numbered Model 1917 rifle ever offered for sale. It appears to be a pre-production rifle retained by Winchester for the reference collection. Formerly from the Peter and Patty Murray Collection.

Excellent, retaining 98% plus original blue finish with some wear on the bolt, bolt handle and buttplate. The wood is also excellent with very limited handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. A high condition, two digit serial numbered Winchester Model 1917 that shows only the wear expected from a rifle that spent nearly 75 years on display in the Winchester museum. Impossible to improve upon!