P14 MkI * by Winchester…….SOLD

A Good P14 by Winchester with early features

A fine example of a Pattern 1914  Bolt Action Service Rifle by Winchester.  Built on a standard Mauser action by the Winchester company, with an internal 5-shot magazine and an action mounted safety catch.  The rifle is 46.1/2″ in length.  It has a round blued barrel of  25.3/4″ and the trigger pull to center of butt is 13.1/2″.  The rifle is chambered in .303 British and the serial number is “W186995”

The rifle is stocked in Walnut with a semi-pistol grip stock, a two piece handguard and finger grooves in the fore-end.  The butt has steel shaped butt pad and an ID dick which is marked as follows;  “2  W.K.  /  2.  18”  ( “W.K” could be the West Kents)   There are also other markings in the stock itself, adjacent to the ID disk, as follows; “ broad arrow / circled  I W / PATT 14″  then a later “74” – meaning unknown.  Just behind the trigger guard are two other markings both of which the meanings are unknown, see photo.  The stock is very good condition with few serious  dings or dents that mar the pleasing patina.  The timber has adopted a pleasant rich red colour which has mellowed to give this P14 an even aged patina.

The bolt is marked with a matching serial number and clear star marking.  The star also appears on the crown of the receiver, it is thought to indicate that this rifle has been modified by the armourer making it the MkI*.  The modification under taken was a strengthening of the locking lugs on the bolt and elongation of the recess in the receiver.  The finish on the action and barrel are very good with a high quality blue.  Even back in their time of issue the Winchester P14 were thought to be superior to the ERA and Remington made rifles although, there were less Winchesters made.

The P 14 has a simple turn-bolt Mauser type action and an internal 5-shot magazine.  The excellent bore on this P14 has  the standard 5-grove bore with strong rifling and no signs of pitting or misting.  Mounted on the rear of the rear action bridge is the ladder sight, which is graduated from 200 to 1650 yards.  It operates freely and is easy to use, but alas, the P14 offers no windage adjustment.  There is an action mounted safety at the rear RHS of the action.

Mounted on the LHS of this P14 are the long range volley sights which usually have been removed at a later date by the army.  Mounted on the action is the eyepiece which is used in conjunction with the P14’s forward volley dial sight.  The eyepiece is flipped up and the distance dialled into the forward dial, enabling bullets to be practically lobbed into the opposing forces positions, causing “harassment” at least !  The front sight is guarded by “ears”, the barrel unmarked.  Steel butt-plate with flush fitting trap for cleaning equipment.  The brass cleaning bottle inside is wart department marked, as well as being numbered to the rifle !  It is marked with the makers name “GABRIEL “of  “BIRMINGHAM”   The stampings used for numbering the oil bottle appear to be of the correct type.

There are numerous War Department acceptance marks on this P14 suggesting it has seen service.  Despite this this P14 is in very good condition and still will provide a steady reliable shooting platform foe any serious rifle collector or shooter to try his, or her skills at.  One of the tidiest P14 seen here so far.

Stock No’   f 439

£735….SOLD

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