^Lot 156 Early Savage Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle

Early Savage Model 1895 Lever Action Rifle, #5091, .303 Savage cal., 26'' octagon barrel, blue finish. Smooth walnut straight grip stock with Schnabel forend, ending with a smooth steel crescent buttplate, providing a 13'' LOP. Rifle also features dovetailed German silver blade front and buckhorn rear sight, internal rotary magazine with brass cartridge counter, early hole on top of the bolt, and color case hardened lever and assembly. Rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped. Barrel is marked ''JM'', indicating early manufacture by Marlin. Mfg'd circa 1896-1897. Rifle is in near fine overall condition, barrel retains approx 90%-92% thinning finish, with fine spots of surface erosion, and sharp edges. Receiver has gone to gray patina with scattered spots of light erosion. Lever and assembly show muted color case hardened finish, brighter in the protected areas. Wood with scattered indentations, scratches, and an old coat of added varnish. Action functions smoothly and locks up securely. Bore is good with areas of moderate erosion and defined rifling. Est.: $1,000-$1,500. (Antique)

Addendum:  Approximate 1 inch hairline crack at the upper tang.