Make: Winchester Repeating Arms

Model: 1894

Serial Number: 160453

Year of Manufacture: 1902

Caliber: 38-55 Winchester

Action Type: This rifle has a lever action with a half-length tubular “Button” magazine.

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 31. 1894.-” and “38-55”. The front underside of the receiver is marked “160453”. The upper tang markings can't be ascertained (see sights / optics).

Barrel Length: 23 1/4” Measured, 23” Nominal, Half-Octagon, Half-Round.

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman beaded blade dovetailed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a v-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped, and installed with a Marbles tang peep sight. The rear tang sight screw is heavily marred and the base has been cut into likely in an attempt to re-slot the screw head. The condition of the screw does not allow us to turn it and remove the sight. The sights have been replaced.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a 2-piece plain checkered walnut pistol grip stock with a capped forend, straight comb, rubber shotgun butt. The checkering is shallow but defined. There are compressions, scratches, and nicks along with scattered finish loss. There are cracks on both sides of the buttstock along the belly from the grip to the butt. The belly was separated from the stock but has been repaired and mended. There is a brass stock pin in the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt. The stocks rate in about Fair-Good condition as refinished.

Type of Finish: Blue & Case Color Lever

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright with defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates about 6 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about none of its metal finish. Most of the finish has worn to white and taken to a mottled light to dark patina. There are handling and operational marks throughout. The case color has muted with trace amounts reserved in the protected areas. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to marred. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The hammer has a half-cock safety. The rifle is equipped with a lever safety, which is operational. The lever lock-ups properly and 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: This rifle comes with a Cody Firearms Records Office record search confirming ½ Octagon Barrel, Plain Trigger, Plain Checkered Pistol Grip Stock, and Rubber Shotgun Butt. Serial Number Applied October 25, 1902.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1894, manufactured in 1902, is a rare and desirable special-order configuration that embodies the craftsmanship and customization options that made the 1894 a cornerstone of American lever-action rifle history. Chambered in the potent and versatile .38-55 Winchester, this rifle sports a special-order 23" half-octagon, half-round barrel, button magazine, and checkered pistol grip stock with a rubber shotgun buttplate—all features confirmed by its Cody Firearms Records Office record. These factory upgrades were uncommon and indicate this was a rifle tailored to the buyer's preferences, perhaps for target shooting, medium game hunting, or simply for its aesthetic appeal.

Though this rifle shows signs of honest age and use—including a worn finish, repaired cracks in the stock, and a bore that rates about 6/10—it retains clear markings, functional mechanics, and rare original character. The Marbles tang sight adds to its utility and vintage appeal, even with the noted installation issues. For collectors of early Winchester lever guns, especially those interested in factory-documented special-order arms, this Model 1894 represents a valuable and increasingly scarce opportunity to own a personalized piece of pre-WWI Winchester history that’s both mechanically sound and visually rich with character.