Manufactured in 1898 as one of approximately 400 with this special issue rollmark. These Model 1895 muskets were used extensively by the Colorado National Guard in suppressing miner's unions during the Colorado Labor Wars of 1903 and 1904. The right side of the receiver has the marking: "NATIONAL GUARD OF COLORADO" while the left has standard Winchester markings. The top of the receiver ring is marked "2C28". The musket lacks a caliber marking. "KSM" inspector mark is stamped on the lever, hammer, and buttplate. Pinned blade front sight, rear aperture sight graduated to 1,800 yards and marked "200," "300," "500," and "700" on the left side, bayonet lug on the front barrel band and musket stock with finger groove forearm, sling swivels and trapdoor buttplate. These Colorado National Guard Model 1895 muskets are seldom encountered in their original configuration and when found generally show hard use. Includes a Winchester marked bayonet, which is missing the scabbard, and a canvas cartridge belt. Includes a copy of a Winchester research request listing it as a Colorado National Guard musket that shipped on 2 April 1899 as well as a copy of a page from Springfield Research Service of U.S. Martial Arms Volume 4 listing the rifle by serial as in Colorado National Guard inventories in 1905.

Very good, retains 40% of the original blue finish on the frame, traces of original case colors on the hammer and front band, and the barrel and front sight a smooth artificially enhanced grey patina with some scattered patches of light pitting/surface oxidation. The lightly sanded and reoiled wood is also very good with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout. Mechanically excellent. The bayonet is very fine with minimal wear and the belt has mild wear and some staining.