Make: Winchester
Model: 1901
Serial Number: 72646
Year of Manufacture: 1905
Gauge: 10 Gauge
Action Type: Lever Action Shotgun
Barrel Length: 32"
Choke: Fixed Full
Sights / Optics: There is a brass bead at the muzzle. The rear sight is a shallow groove on the top-front of the receiver. The breech-block has been equipped with an aftermarket ghost-ring rear sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are fancy checkered walnut with two-piece forend panels, semi-pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stocks show even handling wear with several scattered light nicks and scratches, most in the buttstock. There are a couple of tiny losses around the top tang. There are no cracks. The checkering is generally well defined, appearing to have been chased at some point. The LOP measures 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly gone to a light patina with well defined checkering. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright. There is some minor erosion in the bore, mostly at the muzzle-end. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This shotgun retains about 50% of its metal finish. Strongest finish is in protected areas and around raised features, with good strong finish on the bottom of the barrel and on the breechblock. There is handling wear on the top tang, lever, and bottom of the magazine tube. Other areas have scattered finish with most gone to an even patina. There are a few spots of residue from the stocks' new finish. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this shotgun is in Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions properly. We have not fired this shotgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a Cody Firearms Museum Records Office Show Search From indicating that this shotgun's serial was applied October 2, 1905, received in warehouse September 25, 1906, produced as a 10 GA, 32" barrel, Full choke with fancy checkered stock, shipped October 6, 1906.
Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1901 is a desirable 10 gauge lever-action shotgun manufactured in 1905 and shipped in 1906. As the later, strengthened successor to the Winchester Model 1887, the Model 1901 has strong collector interest due to its unusual lever-action design and large 10 gauge chambering. This example was produced with fancy checkered walnut stocks, not commonly found.
Condition is nice for a Model 1901, showing signs of use, but retaining about 50% of its original blue finish. The stocks have seen a good quality refinish, with the factory checkering showing signs of being chased when the new finish was applied. Intriguingly, the breechblock has been equipped with an aperture sight, giving a very nice sight picture. It retains a good bore and strong mechanics. Overall, this is a strong Winchester Model 1901 example with good remaining original finish, clear markings, proper function, and with desirable factory fancy stocks. Please see our photos and good luck on your bids!
