Offered here is one of the first 5,000 Winchester Model 1895s manufactured with the flat sided receiver. This is an deluxe variation in 38-72 WCF and with a three digit serial number, no. 820, making this Model 1895 flatside rifle even rarer and more desirable as it is a first of its kind. As proclaimed in the included research letter (copy) from Cody Firearms Museum Records Specialist Jessica Bennett, no. 820 was the first Model 1895 manufactured with a round barrel in .38-72 caliber and checkered pistol grip stock. "Records indicate that serial number 820 was the first Model 1895 in that configuration serially and chronologically," wrote Bennett. Her letter also indicates this is the first of only 7 Model 1895 flatside deluxe rifles in .38-72 WCF. These seven rifles left the factory in 1896-1897, with no. 820 being the first to leave the factory in August 1896. Deluxe configuration is already a rare variation to the Model 1895 line. According to Winchester expert and author George Madis, about 387 Model 1895s featured checkered or carved stocks (see "The Winchester Book," page 460). 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." This deluxe rifle certainly makes for a rare Model 1895. The accompanying factory letter (copy) lists this rifle with a round barrel in .38-72 caliber, plain trigger, checkered pistol grip stock, screw eyes, Lyman receiver and front sights, shotgun buttplate and 1 inch bbl. (unknown notation). A copy of the factory ledger is included. The rifle is fitted with a No. 21 sporting front sight, blank in the rear barrel sight slot, and Lyman No. 21 adjustable receiver sigh. As confirmed in the factory letter, sling eyes are mounted on the underside of the barrel and stock. The forearm and pistol grip stock are 3x select grade walnut with fine factory "H" checkering. The forend has a Schnabel tip with ebony insert. The stock has a hard rubber Winchester pistol grip cap and a steel shotgun buttplate. The left side of the lower tang is marked "3166 XXX S". The assembly number "3166" is repeated on butt of the stock under the buttplate and on the back of the buttplate. Provenance: The Wayne Connor Collection

Very good. The receiver, bolt, magazine and lever retain 50% original blue finish with a mix of smooth brown and gray patina on the balance. The barrel retains 95% of the period refinished blue finish. 40% original case colors remain on the hammer. The buttplate is mostly a silver gray. The wood is also very good with minor handling marks and some wear to the top of the checkering. Mechanically excellent. This documented first of its kind deluxe Model 1895 flatside rifle in .38-72 is a must have for the serious Winchester collector.