^Lot 3188 WINCHESTER MODEL 1894 LEVER ACTION SADDLE RING

CARBINE in SCARCE 32-40 CAL. Cal. 32-40 WCF. S#. 842494. 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. Bbl. 20" round. Model 1894 mfg. 1918. Pinned blade front sight w/ carbine pattern U notch ladder rear sight. Blue finish. Original forearm has been lightly sanded & refinished. Buttstock has small gaps at tang & action, consistent with quality of late ward production. Left side of receiver is fitted w/ saddle ring. CONDITION: bbl. & mag tube retain 70% original blue, turning brown, showing some areas of light wear & pitting, light surface oxidation, and superficial handling marks. Action & bbl bands show a mottled gray/brown patina w/ small areas of light to mild surface oxidation, as well as some light pitting & superficial handling marks. Frame screws show some marring. Very bright bore, exhibiting well defined rifling throughout. Forearm shows numerous handling marks & minor impression, w/ the butt stock showing few minor impressions. Buttplate has been cleaned showing striations from cleaning. (25-1752/BH). CURIO. $2,750-3,750.