Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894

Serial Number: 10825

Year of Manufacture: 1895, Antique

Caliber: .38-55 Winchester

Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a Full-Length tubular magazine and set trigger

Barrel Length: 28" Octagon

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed and screw set to the barrel. The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight. The notch is fine adjustable for elevation. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2-piece smooth wood with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and steel crescent buttplate. The stocks have scattered nicks and compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/4" from the front of the trigger and 12 7/8" from the front of the set trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some thinning and light patina. Overall, the stocks are in Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored Hammer, Lever, and Trigger

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is scattered erosion down the length of the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 6.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There are scattered scratches, nicks and scuffs. There is scattered surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. There is finish loss and thinning on the leading edges and muzzle. There is faint case color present, but most has gone mute. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety and there is a lever safety. The trigger is crisp. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1894 dates to 1895 and represents an early production example of John M. Browning’s landmark lever action design, produced during the black powder to smokeless transitional era. Chambered in .38-55 Win. and fitted with a long 28" octagon barrel, this rifle reflects the target and sporting configurations favored by serious riflemen of the late 19th century. Features such as the full length magazine, set trigger, and tang drilled for a sight underscore its period intent as a precision oriented sporting rifle rather than a utilitarian carbine.

The .38-55 Winchester cartridge was one of the foundational chamberings for the Model 1894, valued for its accuracy, mild recoil, and effectiveness on game and targets alike. This example shows honest antique wear with thinning original finish, scattered oxidation, and a bore that remains serviceable with defined rifling. Clear markings, correct early features, and sound mechanical function support its appeal as a genuine 19th century Winchester that retains strong historical presence and period character.