* Engraved Winchester Model 1894 with WRACO Serial Number

.38-55 WCF. 26" octagonal barrel length. SN: WRACO. Blued metal finish. Two piece walnut stock has style "D" oak leaf checkering to straight grip and forearm. Lever action rifle with full tube magazine, and adjustable notch rear sight and blade front sight. Item features stag game scenes engraved to both sides of frame, surrounded by scroll, punch dot fill, and zig zag borders. Tangs are engraved with floral scroll. Barrel is engraved with simple scroll. Engravings and stock checkering done at a later date. Original date of manufacture is unable to be determined due to re-serialization, but is most likely sometime between 1900 and 1903.

According to Madis, the WRACO serial number was applied by Winchester from just before 1900 until about 1903. The old serial numbers would be removed and have the WRACO serial number applied when models were sent back to the factory to be repaired, refinished, or engraved. This was reportedly to prevent dishonest dealers from selling the models as brand new to unsuspecting customers. However, the WRACO serial number was discontinued due to retailers like the Sears Company intentionally removing serial numbers in order to conceal where and when their Winchester models were purchased. This was because Winchester refused to do business with so-called "price pirates," who would sell models at a price other than what was dictated by Winchester. To get around this, the banned dealers began making "straw" purchases through non-banned dealers. They would then remove the serial numbers to conceal where the guns were originally shipped by Winchester.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.