Scarce Factory Experimental Phil Clundt Panel Scene Relief Etched Special Order Winchester Deluxe Model 1894 Lever Action Takedown Rifle

A remarkable 1919 Winchester Model 1894, this deluxe special-order rifle stands out as an extremely scarce factory experimental piece featuring prototype relief acid etching attributed to Phil Clundt—one of the most elusive and intriguing decorative treatments associated with Winchester. With documented parallels across only a small number of known examples, this rifle offers exceptional collector appeal, factory experimentation significance, and rarity beyond standard deluxe Winchester production.

• Manufactured in 1919
• Winchester Model 1894 deluxe special-order rifle
• Extremely scarce factory experimental configuration
• Features rarely seen prototype relief acid etching by Phil Clundt
  • Clundt’s name is sometimes seen spelled as “Klundt”
  • Information on both these etched Winchesters and Clundt himself is very limited
  • Clundt is not believed to have been an official Winchester factory employee
  • He likely worked in a contractor role, providing decorative etching services while Winchester explored the process as a possible factory offering
• Important Winchester experimental context
  • From the early 1900s into the 1920s, Winchester appears to have explored extensively etched firearms
  • This decoration may have been considered as a replacement for traditional engraving or as an alternative option
  • Clundt’s work appears to have been evaluated as a more cost- and time-effective alternative to hand engraving
• Strong documented collector relevance
  • Two other examples of Clundt etching are pictured on pages 318 and 328 of Winchester Engraving by Wilson
    • One is shown on a Model 12 shotgun and labeled “Deep Etching by Phil Clundt”
    • One is shown on a Model 1910 rifle and labeled “Etched by Phil Clundt”
  • The Model 12 images in the book were found in the Winchester Arms Museum Collection when the files were donated to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center by the Olin Corporation
  • The Model 1910 images appear very similar, further supporting that Clundt-etched pieces were produced in conjunction with the Winchester factory
• Known related examples are exceptionally limited
  • Another Clundt-etched example, a deluxe Model 1886 rifle, was sold by Rock Island Auction Company in the May 2022 Premier Firearms Auction
  • A known deluxe Model 1892 with Clundt etching is believed to currently be in a private collection
  • Known examples indicate Winchester had Clundt apply etching to multiple models during the experimental process
  • These factory-associated Clundt-etched firearms are very scarce on today’s collectors market
• Etching style reflects Winchester’s decorative traditions
  • Known Clundt examples often show patterns similar to factory engraving patterns available during the period
  • Some examples feature hunting dogs and game birds
  • Others feature scrollwork
• This rifle displays highly desirable wildlife panel scenes
  • Left side of the receiver: detailed scene of a wolf chasing a whitetail buck
  • Right side of the receiver: detailed scene of a leaping bighorn sheep
  • Both scenes stand out against a matted background, giving the artwork depth and visual contrast
• Barrel and receiver markings
  • Upper left side of the barrel has the standard two-line Winchester address and patent dates
  • Barrel also has the two-line nickel steel marking
  • Caliber marking is located at the breech
  • Upper tang has the three-line model and trademark information
  • Serial number is located on the bottom of the receiver
• Special-order assembly markings
  • Left side of the lower tang is marked with special-order assembly number “682”
  • The same number, “682,” is repeated in the stock inlet
• Sighting equipment
  • Blade front sight
  • Elevation-adjustable notch rear sight
• Deluxe furniture and finish
  • Beautifully figured forearm
  • Beautifully figured pistol grip stock
  • Oil-finished wood
  • Factory H-pattern checkering on both the forearm and pistol grip stock
  • Hard rubber grip cap
  • Checkered shotgun buttplate

This is a highly compelling rifle for advanced Winchester collectors: a deluxe Model 1894 with special-order features, factory-associated experimental decoration, rare Clundt prototype relief acid etching, and strong ties to one of Winchester’s most fascinating and little-known decorative experiments.