Make: Winchester

Model: 1894 (Model 55 Barrel)

Serial Number: 400966

Year of Manufacture: 1908 / C&R

Caliber: .25-35 W.C.F. 

Action Type: Lever Action, Full-Length Tube Magazine Fed Takedown Rifle

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked "-MODEL 55-", "WINCHESTER / -TRADE MARK-", "-NICKEL STEEL-25-35W.C.F.-". The right side of the barrel is marked "MADE IN U.S.A. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. / -NEW HAVEN.CONN.-". The top of the barrel is marked with a Winchester WP proof and a circle P mark. The top of the receiver is marked with a WP proof. The top tang is marked "MODEL 1894 / -WINCHESTER- / TRADE MARK". The bottom of the receiver is marked "400966". 

Barrel Length: 24". The barrel has been installed outside of the factory (Circle P mark). 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a raised base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flat-top u-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The top tang is drilled, tapped and filled for a tang sight (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth beautifully grained walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb and crescent steel buttplate. There are scattered compressions, nicks, and scratches. There is intermittent finish loss. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has mostly worn to white with some scattered light oxidation. Overall, the stocks rate in Good condition. 

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition:The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very faint erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 8/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 50% of its current metal finish. Much of the finish has thinned. There are intermittent areas of pinprick erosion scattered about the metal. There are some light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions properly. It takes down properly, there is no play between the barrel and receiver when assembled. This rifle has a half-cock safety and its lever safety functions properly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment: This Winchester Model 1894 takedown was manufactured in 1908, during the early smokeless era when the Model 94 was becoming America’s definitive sporting lever action. Chambered in .25-35 W.C.F., it reflects Winchester’s push toward flatter shooting, lighter recoiling cartridges suited to deer sized game. The 24 inch Model 55 barrel adds notable period character, and the takedown configuration highlights Winchester’s emphasis on portability without sacrificing a solid assembled fit.

The .25-35 W.C.F. was one of Winchester’s first successful smokeless sporting cartridges and remains closely associated with early 20th century hunting rifles. This example retains a bright bore with sharp rifling, while the refinished metal and honest wear speak to long use rather than neglect. Clear markings and well figured walnut stocks reinforce its appeal as a representative early smokeless Winchester with strong historical presence. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid!