This is an outstanding example of an unissued Winchester Model 1917 in-house production sample bolt action rifle as manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms company for the U.S. Army during World War I. The Model 1917 rifle was adopted after the British Pattern 1914 rifle contract ended, with the 1917 becoming a war-expedient option since Winchester was already tooled up from the previous contract, and it required very little modification of the British pattern rifle to adopt it to use the U.S. military's standard cartridge, the .30-06 Springfield. This rifle is actually a late production model, based on the later serial number of the rifle, that was undoubtedly retained by the Winchester factory as an "in-house" production sample rifle. It retains all the original Winchester marked parts in their original configurations. The top of the receiver is only marked with the serial number "548244", with a small circle "WP" Winchester proof on top of the left receiver rail and top of the exposed barrel. Correspondingly the barrel is also unmarked which tracks with it being retained by the Winchester factory as an in-house sample. The rifle has the original Winchester factory issue blue finished bolt that is marked with the large letter "W" and "N.S." markings on the underside of the bolt handle indicating it was made by Winchester from Nickel Steel material. The rifle is fitted with the original factory walnut hand guards and finger groove stock with a small single Eagle head proof ahead of the trigger housing and the front end of the stock marked with a large "W" indicating Winchester manufacture as well as "35". Several years ago, the Winchester factory sold off a large number of its duplicate rifles from their private collection. Even though this rifle does not have any accompanying documentation, based on its high state of condition it is very likely that this rifle came from that group. It would certainly be worth doing some further research on this very scarce and high end condition rifle to document it's history. Rock Island Auction Company previously sold another example of a Winchester Model 1917 "Production Sample" with serial number 548250, only six numbers off of this example bearing serial number 548244.

Excellent plus and unissued, retains 98% plus original blue finish, with only a few small spots of light flaking and light cycling wear on the bolt. Stock is also excellent plus, with attractive original raised grain, minimal handling marks, and distinct finger grasping grooves and edges. This outstanding Winchester Model 1917 "Production Sample" rifle would make a fine addition to any Winchester or U.S. military firearms collection.