Though it was patented in ’95, the Lyman Centennial Handbook description is taken from the ’99 catalog–maybe because earlier catalogs weren’t available at the time it was being compiled. Have to examine catalogs between ’96 & ’99 to settle the date for sure–and they ain’t exactly easy to come by.
A more definite date is given for the #38 (the 21 with windage)–1910.
Folks,
I suspect that Brad will be on here about this later, and have more definitive info. I can say, though, numbers of early flatside model 1895’s were factory equipped with the Lyman model 21 receiver sight in 1896 when most of the early flat sides first came to market. Being at least sometimes a practical person, that would tell me the receiver sight had been “out there” for a while for folks to know about it and have it fitted to the 1895 rifles in 1896. As result I would conclude they were generally introduced for use/purchase in the 1895 time frame. I suspect some on the forum here, may have a model 1894 from 1895 (or maybe even slightly earlier?) that was factory equipped with the model 21 receiver sight? Or someone with a similarly equipped 1886?
Tim
tim tomlinson said
I can say, though, numbers of early flatside model 1895’s were factory equipped with the Lyman model 21 receiver sight in 1896 when most of the early flat sides first came to market…
Suggests coordination between the two companies, if Lyman already had the sight “ready to go” just as the rifles were coming off the production line.
I believe the Lyman 21 was patented June 25, 1895 and the Lyman 38 on June 25, 1899. I have seen ads for the Lyman 21 as early as 1896, and I would imagine there would be earlier advertising.

clarence said
Still in the 1940 catalog, but suspect it did not survive WW II, when many pre-war products were discontinued.
Thanks Clarence. I’ve got one on a 1931 carbine marked DA on the back but it doesn’t say Lyman on the front & it’s not a buffalo Arms reproduction.
RickC
You’re welcome, Rick. The patent date that Brad posted is what I have, too. According to this reference, the Lyman 21 “. . . was furnished in 1899 for the Winchester Models 1886, 1895; Marlin Models 1893, 1895 and Savage 303 . . . Lyman developed this sight specifically for the Winchester ’95 repeater.” So, Clarence’s comment about coordination between the two companies makes sense.
James

clarence said
Though it was patented in ’95, the Lyman Centennial Handbook description is taken from the ’99 catalog–maybe because earlier catalogs weren’t available at the time it was being compiled. Have to examine catalogs between ’96 & ’99 to settle the date for sure–and they ain’t exactly easy to come by.A more definite date is given for the #38 (the 21 with windage)–1910.
I have the 1896 catalog(Dec 1896) & no Lyman receiver sight in it. My 1899 catalog(Feb 1899) does have the Lyman receiver sight. So This narrows it down to 1897 or 1898 when first advertised in the Winchester catalogs.
RickC
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