Lot 16: Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Lever Action .405 WCF Rifle

Manufactured in 1903 and chambered for the highly desirable .405 WCF cartridge, the most powerful cartridge ever offered in a Winchester lever action rifle and suitable for hunting dangerous game in North America, Africa or Asia. President Teddy Roosevelt used a Winchester Model 1895 rifle chambered for the .405 W.C.F. cartridge extensively during his famous African safari. The rifle is fitted with a Lyman beaded blade front sight, folding two leaf rear sight and Lyman receiver sight. A Winchester factory oval proof is stamped on top of the barrel and receiver at the breech. The left side of the later factory production barrel is marked "MADE IN U.S.A." followed by the two-line nickel steel marking and "405 W.C.F." It is marked underneath, "MNS, 405 W.C.F., 35". The checkered forearm and straight grip stock are highly figured select walnut. The buttstock is fitted with a Winchester hard rubber shotgun buttplate. According to Winchester expert and author George Madis, higher grade finishes "will be found less often on the Model 95 than on other models," continued Madis, "partly due to the fact that it was a higher-power arm intended for the more rugged hunting."

Exceptionally fine as factory rebarreled, retaining 85% plus original blue finish with thinning to brown (strongest on the magazine and lever) on the balance. 80% original case colors remain on the hammer. The wood is excellent with some minor handling marks and crisp checkering overall. Mechanically excellent. A high condition Winchester Deluxe Model 1895 Rifle in highly desirable .405 WCF.