Desirable, Well-Documented, Antique Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Rifle with Scarce Matted Barrel, Casehardened Frame, and Factory Letter
This extraordinary deluxe Winchester Model 1894 rifle, manufactured in 1897, embodies some of the rarest and most desirable features ever offered on this legendary platform, making it an absolute treasure for the serious collector. Special-ordered in an extremely scarce configuration, it boasts both a factory matted round barrel and a vividly casehardened frame, the latter an elusive finish offered only from the model’s inception through 1901 and seldom encouraged by Winchester due to the technical challenges posed by their advanced steel alloy. According to renowned authorities Rob Kassab, Oswalt, and Hawk, only 157 Model 1894s were ever special ordered with casehardened frames (just 16 in deluxe configuration), and a mere 200 received the deluxe matted barrel treatment, underscoring the extraordinary rarity of this rifle. Its significance is further elevated by its cover appearances on “Winchester Model 94: A Century of Craftsmanship” (2nd Edition) and the Spring 2008 issue of “The Winchester Collector,” where it is celebrated as a true standout for its configuration and provenance, likely serving as an exhibition piece at a major New York trade fair. Accompanied by a factory letter and original ledger scans, the rifle is documented in .30 caliber with a half-length (four-cartridge) magazine, plain trigger, exceptional oil-finished checkered pistol grip stock, and checkered hard rubber shotgun buttplate. Additional special features include the distinctive wavy-line matting on the barrel, Lyman beaded blade Jack front sight, No. 34 three-leaf “Express” rear sight with platinum inlays, and correct address and caliber markings thoughtfully offset by factory matting. The finely-figured, H-pattern checkered deluxe walnut woodwork and hard rubber grip cap complete a piece that is as artful as it is functional. With its confirmed rarity, exhibition pedigree, and top-tier craftsmanship, far beyond most showpiece rifles, this Winchester Model 1894 stands as an unmatched collector’s centerpiece, exemplifying both the peak of American arms artistry and a truly unique investment opportunity certain to enhance any world-class collection.
Very fine, the barrel retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with some areas of touch up near the muzzle and front sight, 80% plus of the vibrant original case colors, and 60% of the original nitre blue on the loading gate with some light muzzle wear, scattered light scratches, and some scattered brown and grey freckling on the receiver. The wood is also very fine with scattered light scratches and dings, typical of some careful, limited use, and a few minor blemishes in the mostly crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. One would search a very long time to find another casehardened deluxe Winchester Model 1894 in this extremely scarce special ordered configuration with both a casehardened receiver and matted barrel, as it very well may be one-of-a-kind!
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