The Winchester Hotchkiss bolt actions are an interesting mix of old and new, and were designed by Benjamin B. Hotchkiss who sold the rights to the design to Winchester in 1877. They utilize a newer bolt action design, but feed through a fixed internal tubular magazine within the buttstock. This Third Model or Model 1883 was manufactured in 1895 and features a pinned blade front sight, the two-line Winchester address on top of the barrel, notch and ladder rear sight graduated from 1 to 4 on the base and 5 to 10 on the ladder, long forend secured by two barrel bands and fitted with a steel cap and cleaning rod, "{MODEL OF 1883}" on the upper tang, the serial number "82603" on bottom ahead of the trigger guard bow, the three-line patent marking on the lower tang, and "280" marked on the buttplate tang, which may be a rack number for a police department or national guard unit. There are no U.S. proof or inspection markings. Absent upper receiver tang screw.

Very fine, retains 85% original blue finish with some light scratches and edge wear, and 70% plus vivid original case colors with smooth gray and brown patinas on the balance. The wood is fine with defined edges, scattered mild scratches and dents on the buttstock, a 1 1/2 inch crack behind the left of the upper receiver tang, a small chipped section to the right rear of the trigger guard. Mechanically excellent.