This Winchester-Lee Model 1895 straight pull rifle was manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. as part of the first contract run for the United States Navy with completed deliveries between 1896-1897. Designed by James Paris Lee, the innovative Winchester-Lee rifles are chambered for the rimless high velocity 6mm Lee Navy (.236) cartridge and feature a straight pull-bolt action, charger-loaded five-shot magazine and pistol grip stock. These rifles saw extensive service with the Navy and Marine Corps landing parties during the Spanish-American War, Boxer Rebellion and Philippine Insurrection. This rifle has the Navy markings: "-U.S.N.-/Naval anchor/No.4563/-N.C.T.-" roll-stamped on the top of the receiver, with the latter being the inspection initials of Nathan C. Twining. A small five-pointed star Navy inspection mark is stamped ahead of the buttplate tang. Winchester patent marks are roll-stamped in two lines on the left side of the receiver. The barrel, upper and lower barrel bands, rear sight base, receiver, bolt, magazine, trigger guard and buttplate have military blue finish. The rear sight leaf spring is nitre blue. The stock and handguard are oil finished black walnut. The upper barrel band has a stacking swivel, the lower band has a fixed sling swivel, ahead of the magazine has a rotating sling swivel, and a fixed sling swivel is fitted underneath the buttstock. Fitted with the scarce front sight cover designed for the Navy Model 1895 rifles. The carbine style buttplate has a sliding butt trap door. Although the innovative U.S. Navy Model 1895 rifle had a relatively short service life it is a scarce and historically important rifle that saw action in numerous small engagements with the Navy and Marines in the colonial era that began with the Spanish American War. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials marked at the toe of the stock. Includes a Winchester Repeating Arms Co. bayonet, scabbard, and period leather sling. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Very good, retaining 30% plus of the original blue finish strongest on the receiver and bolt body with smooth brown patina on the balance and scattered spotting. Stock is very good with scattered light dents and scratches. Mechanically fine. Included bayonet is very fine with a few patches of light spotting. Included scabbard is fine with some light wear.