Designed by John Browning, the Winchester Model 1894 rifle is one of the most famous and popular sporting lever actions of all time, and offered here is serial number 5! The rifle has the rare, very early receiver which has the screw over the loading gate entering from the outside. The highly desirable, extremely early serial number "5" is located on the underside of the frame. The lower tang directly ahead of the trigger is marked "32". According to Model 1894 expert and author Robert Renneberg in his book "The Winchester Model 94: The First 100 Years" he states that only two serial numbers below 22 were known to exist, number 3 and 8. Apparently this would be the third known serial number under 22. The serial number marking appears to writer to be legitimate. The top barrel flat ahead of the rear sight is marked with the two line address and "38-55" at the breech. The upper tang is marked "MODEL 1894/-WINCHESTER-/PAT. AUG. 21 1894". The left barrel flat has been crudely marked "HE - AT- HV M902 M3". Dovetail brass blade front sight and elevation adjustable buckhorn rear sight. Blue finish with casehardened lever and buttplate, and mounted with a smooth walnut forearm with end cap and straight grip stock with a crescent buttplate.

Fair. The receiver has and artificial smooth mottled gray patina overall. The barrel and magazine tube retain strong traces of original blue with the balance a smooth gray patina. The wood is very good with a few moderate scratches on the left side of the forearm and overall scattered minor dings, dents and scratches. The markings remain crisp and clear. The action is a bit hard to cycle, nothing some oil wouldn't fix. Do not miss your chance to acquire the lowest serialized Model 1894 we have ever cataloged. A must have for the serious Winchester collector. Provenance: The Brandhorst Collection.