#146 • Winchester Model 94 Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative Lever-Action Rifle - .38-55 WIN

Part of WINTER SPORTSMAN CONSIGNMENT AUCTION MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 6:30PM (live auction by Edinburg Auction Sales. Inc. )

Status: Available

Category: FIREARMS

Winchester | Model 94 Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative | .38-55 Winchester | 1980 Lever-Action Rifle The Winchester Model 94 Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative is a special-edition lever-action rifle produced in 1980 to honor Oliver Fisher Winchester (1810–1880), the businessman whose name became synonymous with American repeating firearms. Issued on the 100th anniversary of his death, this commemorative celebrates Winchester's role in the development of repeating rifles and the company's lasting influence on American firearms history. Oliver Winchester entered the firearms industry through his involvement with the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company during the 1850s. He later established the New Haven Arms Company, which manufactured the famous Henry rifle, before reorganizing the business as the Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1866. Under his leadership, the company introduced the Model 1866 and Model 1873, two rifles that helped establish Winchester's reputation throughout the American frontier. For this commemorative, Winchester selected its legendary Model 94 lever-action rifle, originally introduced in 1894 and designed by John Moses Browning. The choice of .38-55 Winchester is historically significant, as it was one of the original chamberings offered when the Model 1894 debuted. The commemorative features a traditional 24" octagonal barrel, recalling the styling of earlier Winchester sporting rifles. One of the most striking characteristics of the Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative is its elaborate gold-plated receiver, which contrasts with the deep blued finish of the octagonal barrel and magazine tube. The receiver features decorative commemorative engraving honoring Oliver F. Winchester, incorporating ornamental scrollwork and historical styling appropriate to the rifle's commemorative theme. The gold-colored lever and forearm cap complement the receiver, giving the rifle a distinctive appearance reminiscent of highly embellished presentation firearms. The walnut furniture provides another important element of the commemorative design. The buttstock features an inset circular gold-colored commemorative medallion, a decorative emblem honoring Oliver F. Winchester. These medallions were incorporated into the original commemorative configuration and are an important identifying feature for collectors. Winchester manufactured 19,999 examples of the Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative in 1980. Its limited production, distinctive gold-plated appointments, historical .38-55 chambering, and elaborate decorative features distinguish it from standard-production Model 94 rifles. Firearm Specs Manufacturer: Winchester Repeating Arms Model: 94 Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative Caliber: .38-55 Winchester Action: Lever-Action Repeating Rifle Barrel Length: 24" Finish: Gold-Plated Engraved Receiver / Blued Octagonal Barrel and Magazine Tube Stock/Grip: American Walnut Stock and Forearm Sights: Front Blade Sight / Adjustable Rear Iron Sight Year of Manufacture: 1980 Barrel Configuration: Full Octagonal Receiver: Gold-Plated with Decorative Commemorative Engraving Lever: Gold-Colored Finish Forearm Cap: Gold-Plated Buttstock: Inset Circular Gold-Colored Commemorative Medallion Magazine: Tubular Magazine Production Quantity: 19,999 Rifles Country of Manufacture: USA Serial Number OFW1361 Condition Excellent condition. The rifle presents exceptionally well overall, with only a few minor cosmetic imperfections. The walnut buttstock exhibits a small nick on its underside, while the forearm has a light scratch along the bottom. The wood furniture otherwise retains an attractive appearance. The gold-plated receiver is in excellent condition, with no notable defects reported. A light scratch is present on the left side of the barrel, just above the forearm. The bore is bright and shiny. The original factory packaging accompanies the rifle. The interior Styrofoam remains intact, while the outer cardboard sleeve is in good condition, showing some edge wear and tears at both ends. Extras & Features Original Winchester factory box Original interior Styrofoam packaging, intact Original outer cardboard sleeve Some original factory paperwork A well-preserved example of the 1980 Winchester Oliver F. Winchester Commemorative, combining historical significance with distinctive decorative craftsmanship. Its excellent overall condition, original factory packaging, and documented production of 19,999 rifles make it an appealing addition to a Winchester commemorative collection.