^Lot 3181 SCARCE EARLY WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION

RIFLE IN DESIRABLE 32-40 CALIBER. Cal. 32-40 WCF. S# 168256. Bbl. 26" octagon. The 32-40 chambering in the Model 1894 Winchester is one of the scarcest and difficult to find calibers. Of available factory records, this cartridge makes up only 11.3% of total production (ARMAX book survey of S#s 1-353,999). A separate private survey sampling 8,719 serial numbers shows post S# 353,999 production of the 32-40 cartridge to be the most uncommon chambering of the 5 standard cartridges at 7.52% placing it on par with the equally scarce & desirable 25-35 cartridge in terms of rarity. Original sporting sights. Full length mag. Blue finish with case colored hammer and lever. Walnut forearm and straight grip stock with crescent steel buttplate. Mfg. in 1899. CONDITION: over 85% bright original blue showing light carry and edge wear with scattered spots of light surface oxidation. Original wood finish shows light wear with scratches and marks. Good bright bore with strong rifling. (25-1724/BH). CURIO. $4,000-5,000.