Lot 43: U.S. Winchester Model 1895 Lever Action Musket

Manufactured in 1898. The top of the receiver has the "U.S." marking, and the left side of the hammer, the left side of the lever and the buttplate tang have the ordnance inspector's initials "KSM." The left side of the receiver has the three-line Winchester address/patent dates marking, and the upper tang has the two-line model marking. The musket is fitted with a pinned blade front sight, a folding ladder rear sight graduated from 8 to 18 and a bayonet lug on the underside of the front barrel band. "GDM" (George D. Moller) collection initials are discreetly marked at the toe of the stock. The buttstock is fitted with a trapdoor buttplate. Includes a leather sling and a Winchester manufactured and marked bayonet with scabbard and leather frog. Initially 10,000 muskets were ordered under U.S. government contract. After issues with the first 100 rifles delivered, the balance of the contract was sold to a dealer in New York, who in turn, sold most to Cuba. Provenance: The George Moller Collection

Fine, retaining 60% original blue finish with thinning to brown on the balance. The wood is very good with some chipping along the grain near the stock toe and minor dings and scratches. The bayonet is fine with the sharpened blade having a mottled gray patina with pitting, and the sheath is very fine with 90% of the original blue remaining on the hardware and overall tight stitching on the leather. Mechanically excellent.