Make: Winchester
Model: 1895
Serial Number: 6306
Year of Manufacture: 1898 Antique
Caliber: .30-40 Krag, 30 US
Action Type: Lever Action with Internal Box Magazine
Barrel Length: 28"
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a silver blade pinned in a slotted base fixed at the muzzle.The rear sight is a u-notch elevator sight, dovetailed to the barrel; the notch is fine adjustable for elevation.
Stock Configuration and Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with schnabel forend with triangular ebony inlay at the tip, straight grip, straight comb, and a steel crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 12 5/8" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks have been refinished. There are no chips or cracks. There is very little handling wear. Overall this stock is in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current finish. There are British Proofs on the left side of the barrel, receiver, and bolt. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is minor erosion and pitting under the new finish, mostly on the magazine and lever. There is very light operational wear post refinish. The remaining case colors appear original and retain some good figuring with muting on the edges. The markings are a bit soft but remain clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. Overall this rifle rates in Very Good condition as refinished and antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This rifle comes with a Winchester Rifle Shipping Crate with Railway Express Agency Label. The inside of the crate has a metal plaque stamped "WINCHESTER 42 LONDON". The sides of the crate is stamped "WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / NEW HAVEN CONN., U.S.A.". The crate itself appears to be a reproduction but the Express Agency label and metal plate appear to be original vintage pieces.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 1895 was John Browning’s first successful lever action design for Winchester and represented a major departure from earlier Winchester lever rifles with its rugged internal box magazine and ability to handle modern high-pressure cartridges. Introduced in 1895, the Model 1895 was offered in several military and sporting calibers, including the .30-40 Krag, making it one of the earliest Winchester lever guns chambered for a smokeless powder cartridge. This early 1898 production rifle is especially interesting with its British commercial proofs and accompanying Winchester-marked shipping crate components, suggesting an association with Winchester’s export trade to the British market during the rifle’s formative years.
This rifle presents very well, retaining a strong appearance with approximately 99% of its current finish, a sharp and bright 9/10 bore, clear markings, and correctly functioning action. While the rifle has been refinished, it remains an attractive and desirable early Model 1895 with notable British proof markings, antique status, and an interesting export history. The included Winchester Rifle Shipping Crate, while appearing to be a reproduction, is accompanied by vintage Winchester and Railway Express Agency components that add additional display appeal. Early .30-40 Krag Model 1895 rifles with documented or attributed British connections are seldom encountered and should appeal to collectors of early Winchester lever actions and historic American sporting arms.
