In in early 1910s Winchester's exposed hammer slide action rifle, the Model 1906, dominated the small bore rifle market, but by the Great Depression the streamlined hammerless designs by competitors like Remington and Marlin were winning over customers. To keep up with current trends, Winchester responded with the introduction of the Model 61 in 1932. This first year production, three digit serialized Model 61 is a tangible link to the exact year Winchester attempted to revitalize its position in the small bore rifle market. Over the years, the Model 61 has gained the attention of collectors, and no collection can be considered complete without an early first year production example. Beaded blade front and Winchester 32B elevation adjustable rear notch sights, first style barrel inscription, Winchester "WP" proofs on the barrel and receiver at the breech, correct early checkered hammer catch, smooth trigger, round top receiver, and factory drilled and tapped upper tang with filler screws in place. 11 groove slide handle and smooth pistol grip stock with checkered blue steel buttplate.

Very fine with 85% plus original blue finish, some areas of minor edge wear, surface scratches, scattered light spotting, and slide retraction marks. The wood is also very fine with scattered dings and scratches, light edge wear on buttplate, and some small chips at the heel. Mechanically excellent.