^Lot 3214 SPECIAL ORDER WINCHESTER 1895 LEVER ACTION RIFLE

IN SCARCE 38-72 WCF WITH GEORGE MADIS LETTER. Cal. 38-72 WCF. S# 27452. Mfg. 1900. Bbl. 26" Nickel Steel 1/2 Oct. with Lyman bead front sight, factory filled rear dovetail. Factory mounted Lyman receiver sight. Straight grip walnut stock set with crescent buttplate, factory mounted sling eyelets, and ebony tipped schnabel forearm. According to George Madis of the first 59,999 producion 1895 rifles only 72 were produced in 38-72 with part round - part oct bbls. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: Cody Firearms Museum factory letter confirming configuration & George Madis letter reviewing this rifle and summarizing it as a "rare and fine collectors Winchester, with the age of about one hundred years, rare variations and fine condition it merits a place in any collection of rare arms" CONDITION: overall fine with thinning bluing on the bbl retaining approx. 60-70% coverage showing a fair amount of freckled old spotty oxidation with some shallow pitting, light muzzle/high edge wear and scattered handling marks. Receiver and receiver sight have thinning finish in the carry areas that have faded to a greyish/brown patina. The balance of the metal surfaces have vibrant original bluing that is mildly fading and showing scattered handling marks and light scratches with about a 60% coverage. Stock set has been lightly sanded and refinished with some bubbling to the finish and scattered handling marks and scratches. Buttplate has freckled oxidation present over a grey patina. Bore has light frosting with sharp rifling. (25-1279/ZAL). CURIO. $2,500-4,000.