                
The fabulous example of a special order Model 1894 that is featured on the cover is one of only 157 recorded examples with a color-casehardened, sometimes referred to as color-finished, receiver. It also has eleven additional special features as follows:
Oil finished stocks of ''XXX" rated walnut (marked XXX on the lower left tang) in the shotgun style with a pistol grip, "H" style checkering and a hard rubber buttplate (actually six options). A Winchester Model 34, 3-leaf express rear sight, a Lyman ivory bead front sight and a Lyman tang sight. A matted round barrel (matted barrels are another of the rarest Model 1894 options with only 203 listed in the available records). To complete the package, it was thoughtfully and aesthetically designed with a four cartridge (sometimes referred to as a half) magazine.
Serial number 22905 in caliber 30WCF was completed, sent to the warehouse and sent on the way to its original owner on June 5, 1897 - obviously it was a very special order item as it went from completion to delivery in a matter of hours. This specimen is the epitome of a well thought out and superbly executed example of an "upgraded" Model 1894. One can only contemplate why it was decided not to order it as a takedown model as well.
Another rare and fine piece of Americana that will likely be forever preserved in its present 112 year old, remarkably cared for, unmolested and unaltered condition. (Rob Kassab collection).
Winchester 1894 Deluxe Antique Rifle .30 WCF s/n 22905 mfg 1895 – 26” round matted barrel; 4-Cartridge magazine; color case hardened receiver; three leaf platinum lined rear sight; Lyman ivory bead sporting front sight; fancy pistol grip checkered oil finished walnut stocks with rubber shotgun buttplate. Factory records indicate 155 model 1894 rifles were made with a case hardened receiver, with only 16 deluxe case hardened rifles. The round matted barrel could make this a unique configuration. |
