Krag Collectors Association Forum

The next time you are at a local gun show, flea marker, or garage sale keep an eye out for one of these. They were salvaged from the U.S.S. Maine in 1900 and sold around 1927. They were sold by Francis Bannerman. Probably in relic condition but a interesting piece of U.S. history non the less. P.S. I have been looking for 50 years and the hunt goes on.

Over the years, I have seen at least four model 1895 Winchester-Lee straight-pull rifles that were salvaged from the U.S.S. Maine.

Two were in original military configuration and part of Winchester-Lee (gun show) displays.

Two had been made into cut-down hunting rifles by Bannerman's.

These four examples had a certificate of authenticity from Bannerman.

I never wanted one, but I did eye the relics with some reverence.

At the February-2014 Michigan Antique Arms Show, Jim Curlovic, a fine Gentleman and noted Winchester collector allowed me to take pictures of his "Award Winning" 1895 Winchester display, with permission to post them on the KCA Forum.

Jim had a nice example (#5994) of one of the U.S.S. Maine's salvaged Winchester rifles.

Ha! I've been doing that for eighteen years. Welcome to the party. I troll a few of the major gun auctions for serial numbers to put in my census spreadsheet. The saddest thing I have recorded was a complete Win-Lee and then a couple of years later I saw it again but only as a stripped receiver. I was so angry I could have spit fire.

From your picture No. 5994 does not seem to be in that bad of condition. Too bad some were sporterized.