In excellent condition, we have a very rare very early and important Winchester pre-production or trials production, July, 1917 very early initial production 4 digit (#2506) serial number “W” marked Winchester US M-1917 30-06 service rifle. The barrel is dated 7-17 which was one month before the first months regular wartime production began which was August, 1917. Rifles in this serial range were known to have been used in parts interchange tests and in troop trials. This is considered to be a pre-production or test piece and this may account for the exceptional state of preservation. The condition of this rifle is absolutely stunning, the blue finish is of a very high quality and the stock is stunning as well.
This is certainly one of the finest known original examples of a Pre-production Winchester M1917 rifle, especially one this early. For the serious and advanced collector of Martial Winchesters this would be an ultimate example. A serious collector once told me, “You can find money, but you will never find this gun”
