Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this limited-edition lever-action rifle today for auction, this is the Winchester Model 94 “Cheyenne Commemorative Carbine."
The Winchester Model 94 “Cheyenne Commemorative Carbine” is a limited-edition lever-action rifle produced in 1977, in memory of the Cheyenne Indian Nation and the heritage of the American West, recognizing the cultural and historical legacy of the Cheyenne people. Manufactured in a limited run of 11,225 examples, these rifles were issued with commemorative serial numbers bearing the “CH” prefix. This particular example bears the serial number CH12518.
According to the owner, this particular example was purchased at Mel’s Sporting Goods store in Inglewood, California, a well-known local firearms and sporting shop of the era that had become a recognizable name in the area during the mid-1970s, serving the everyday needs of hunters, sportsmen, and residents in the surrounding community. The store gained national attention for its unexpected connection to the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) and the widely publicized saga of Patty Hearst. On May 16, 1974, members of the SLA entered the shop, and what began as a suspected shoplifting incident quickly escalated into a chaotic and violent confrontation. Armed associates positioned outside the store became involved, turning the situation into a dramatic and highly publicized incident that drew widespread media coverage and thrust the otherwise ordinary neighborhood business into the national spotlight.
During the incident, Hearst—who had been abducted just months earlier and was then associated with the group—was reportedly present and took part in the group’s escape, further cementing the store’s place in one of the most infamous crime stories of the decade. In the years that followed, Mel’s Sporting Goods remained a functioning retail shop, but its name was indelibly linked to that single moment in 1970s history. The continued attention from journalists, historians, and curious onlookers gradually overshadowed its day-to-day business, and the store ultimately closed its doors in 1979. Today, it stands as a striking example of how an otherwise typical local storefront became unexpectedly intertwined with a nationally significant and highly controversial chapter of American history.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester
Model: 94 “Cheyenne Commemorative Carbine”
Serial: CH12518
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Finish: Gold Plated Receiver and Components with Blued Barrel
Barrel Length: 20"
Optics/Sights: Hooded Blade Front with Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Mid and Flip-Up Adjustable Aperture Tang Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Straight Grip Buttstock with Smooth Walnut Forend
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard / The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER - MODEL 94 44-40 WIN. / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL." The right side of the barrel is marked “Cheyenne Carbine." The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “CH12518.” The right side of the receiver is engraved with a border that surrounds a scene of two Indians on horseback and the word “Cheyenne” to the right of the loading gate. The left side of the receiver is engraved with a border that surrounds a scene of an Indian hunting buffalo on horseback. The right side of the buttstock has an inlaid gold-colored round coin depicting an Indian bust and marked “Cheyenne.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 1894, also known as the Winchester 94 or Model 94, is a legendary lever-action repeating rifle that became one of the most iconic and widely used hunting rifles in history. Designed by John Browning in 1894, it was originally chambered for two metallic black powder cartridges: the .32-40 Winchester and the .38-55 Winchester. In 1895, it became the first commercially successful sporting rifle widely chambered for a smokeless powder cartridge, the .30 WCF, later known as the .30-30 Winchester. Winchester introduced the .32 Winchester Special in 1901, with this caliber beginning in 1902. Production of the Model 1894 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company continued from 1894 until 1980, after which U.S. Repeating Arms Company manufactured them under the Winchester name until 2006. During this later production period, Winchester introduced important updates such as the Angle Eject Model 94AE, which allowed for modern optic mounting and broadened the rifle’s appeal to contemporary hunters. Over its long production life, the Model 94 was offered in numerous models and variants, including carbines, rifles, and compact models such as the Trapper, known for its short barrel and quick handling characteristics.
Model: 94 “Cheyenne Commemorative Carbine”
Serial: CH12518
Date of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .44-40 Winchester
Finish: Gold Plated Receiver and Components with Blued Barrel
Barrel Length: 20"
Optics/Sights: Hooded Blade Front with Adjustable Semi-Buckhorn Mid and Flip-Up Adjustable Aperture Tang Rear
Stock/Grips: Smooth Straight Grip Buttstock with Smooth Walnut Forend
Action: Lever-Action
Markings: Standard / The left of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER - MODEL 94 44-40 WIN. / MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL." The right side of the barrel is marked “Cheyenne Carbine." The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number “CH12518.” The right side of the receiver is engraved with a border that surrounds a scene of two Indians on horseback and the word “Cheyenne” to the right of the loading gate. The left side of the receiver is engraved with a border that surrounds a scene of an Indian hunting buffalo on horseback. The right side of the buttstock has an inlaid gold-colored round coin depicting an Indian bust and marked “Cheyenne.”
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 1894, also known as the Winchester 94 or Model 94, is a legendary lever-action repeating rifle that became one of the most iconic and widely used hunting rifles in history. Designed by John Browning in 1894, it was originally chambered for two metallic black powder cartridges: the .32-40 Winchester and the .38-55 Winchester. In 1895, it became the first commercially successful sporting rifle widely chambered for a smokeless powder cartridge, the .30 WCF, later known as the .30-30 Winchester. Winchester introduced the .32 Winchester Special in 1901, with this caliber beginning in 1902. Production of the Model 1894 by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company continued from 1894 until 1980, after which U.S. Repeating Arms Company manufactured them under the Winchester name until 2006. During this later production period, Winchester introduced important updates such as the Angle Eject Model 94AE, which allowed for modern optic mounting and broadened the rifle’s appeal to contemporary hunters. Over its long production life, the Model 94 was offered in numerous models and variants, including carbines, rifles, and compact models such as the Trapper, known for its short barrel and quick handling characteristics.
Firearms historians such as R. L. Wilson and Hal Herring have hailed the Model 1894 as the “ultimate lever-action design,” and it is widely credited with making “Winchester” a household name synonymous with lever-action rifles. Its enduring popularity has earned it the distinction of being the first commercial sporting rifle to surpass seven million units sold, securing its place as one of the most influential lever-action rifles ever produced.
Contents:
Contents:
This example will ship with the original factory styrofoam box, the commemorative box sleeve, and all the contents pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1168512938 |
BidPrice: |
999.99 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-04-26 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
1100 |
SoldOutTime: |
2026-04-26 17:41:28 |
