^Lot 3175 EARLIEST DOCUMENTED WINCHESTER 1894/95 HYBRID SRC

EVER PRODUCED. Cal. 30 WCF. S#1014894. Bbl. 21 1/2" with milled ramp pinned blade front sight. Following rapid expansion due to WWI, Winchester began a fall into financial uncertainty that would eventually lead to voluntary receivership in 1931. In order to operate more efficiently, product lines were experimented with, altered or discontinued all together. Following the discontinuation of the 1895 NRA musket in 1926, leftover barrels were modified & assembled on Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbines. Accompanying copy of "The Model 1894/95 Hybrid Carbines" By Rick Hill Published in the Summer 2012 issue of "The Winchester Collector" list 50 known examples having 3 different barrel variations between the serial number ranges 1,014,894 and 1,033,596 (Jan. 1928 to Nov. 1928). There are two outliers in the list, (578,445 which is listed as non-factory assembled and 1,085,593 assembled in 1932). This rifle is the earliest listed in the article and 1 of 10 listed with a 21 1/2" (22") barrel. Barrel made from original 24" 1895 musket barrel, factory shortened to 21 1/2" & rechambered for 30 WCF. These barrels are rifled 1:10 rather than the typical 1:12 associated with Model 1894s. The 1:10 twist correctly corresponds with Model 1895 production for calibers 30-06, 30-03 & 30-40 Krag. Top of bbl. & receiver display "WP" proofs. Left side of bbl. marked "-MODEL 94-WINCHESTER-NICKEL STEEL-30 WCF-". Dovetail for carbine ladder rear sight milled 2 7/8" forward of receiver which is 1/2" further than normal production. Original 1895 rear sight mounting hole is present behind rear sight with filler screw installed. Standard band fastened carbine forend with additional dovetailed mag. hanger in barrel holding 20" mag. tube. Standard straight grip walnut buttstock with steel carbine butt. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: photocopy of article "The Model 1894/95 Hybrid Carbines" By Rick Hill Published in the Summer 2012 issue of "The Winchester Collector". CONDITION: metal parts retain 70% original blue showing thinning in hand carry area, scattered freckling & light oxidation. Good original wood finish exhibits scattered light handling marks. There is one circular filled repair in bottom of stock 3" from toe. Lightly worn bore shows strong rifling. This quite possibly the first example of a very scarce & unique rifle from the Model 1894 time line that rarely comes to the market. (25-5780/BH). CURIO. $6,000-10,000.