Winchester Model 1901 Lever Action Shotgun.

I like these shotguns and go out of my way to find them.
This particular example is untouched and in excellent condition with most of the original finish, good bore and nice woodwork.
Full 32" in barrel in 10 gauge with a Hawkins recoil pad. This shotgun is untouched and not messed with. The Hawkins pad was a factory option and from the aged condition it is probably contemporary with the gun. The only cosmetic fault I can find is a stain on the left hand side of the receiver which could possibly be dealt with by some cleverer than myself but this gun is "as is" and I don't propose to "enhance" it.
Many of these Winchesters are found with pitted barrels and breaches because the early models fired black powder cartridges and were a ranch tool and often simply stood in a corner after shooting supper or a Coyote. The 10 gauges seem to be more prevalent to corrosion because the usual 12 gauge cleaning brush wouldn't touch the walls of these big boys.

The model 1901 was basically a redesign on the earlier 1887 model. Both 10 and 12-gauge models were offered in the Model 1887. It was soon realized that the action on the M1887 was not strong enough to handle early smokeless powder shot shells, and so a redesign resulted in the stronger Winchester Model 1901, 10-gauge only, to handle the advent of the more powerful smokeless powder. No 12-gauge chambering was offered, as Winchester did not want the Model 1901 to compete with their successful 12-gauge Model 1897 pump-action shotgun. Other distinguishing characteristics of the Model 1901 are:
a two piece lever
the Winchester trademark stamp was moved to the upper tang, behind the hammer
serial numbers between 64,856 and 79,455
This particular shotgun can be dated to 1902 and would have been one of the first ones manufactured.

As with my previous 1901 this is about as good a 1901 I have seen and would be considered scarce in the USA but rare in the UK. A fine looking weapon which would enhance any collection.

Code: 50148