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I’m a gunsmith who received in a Model 53 .44WCF (according to the barrel)- not a takedown. The serial number is 970xxx… I can’t find anything about one with a serial number that high. I’m not a collector but this has got me racking my brain so I came to this forum to see if any of you could enlighten me. Rebarreled with a 53 barrel? The info on the tang does not advertise a model. Thanks for any help! Dennis
The first 10,874 Model 53 rifles manufactured were serial numbered 1 – 10874. In late September of 1927, Winchester merged the Model 53 serial numbers with the Model 92, beginning somewhere near 962000. Model 53 serial numbers are found as high as 999815.
One of our WACA members is conducting a research survey of the Model 53 in preparation of publishing an article on them. Accordingly, it would be helpful if you could tell us what the complete serial number is. Based on the partial serial number you mention, the rifle you have was manufactured in 1928. If you remove the forend stock and magazine tube, you should find “28” stamped on the bottom of the barrel near where is screws into the receiver frame.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
The complete serial number is 970914. Thanks for the info! That was very helpful. It will be nice to give my client some background on his rifle when he picks up the gun. I can see where this can be very addicting and it’s exactly why I’ve tried to keep collecting at arm’s length!
I’ve responded with some info. The highest serial number for a Model 53 I have, that is numbered in the Model 92 serial range, is 999815, produced in March of 1932. It appears from my database barrel dates that Winchester did runs of particular caliber barrels for the Model 53. Bert is right about the rifle being serialed in 1928 but I would be very curious to see if the barrel date also is ’28’. There were so few Model 53’s chambered in 44 W.C.F. that it might be the case that a run of 44 W.C.F. barrels might last for more than a year. I’ve no 44 W.C.F. barrel dates for serial numbers in the 962xxx – 986xxx range so this one could be very helpful.
Well, looks like there is a “28” on the underside of the barrel. I wish this rifle belonged to me! (belongs to a client). I’d be happy to post some pics but haven’t figured out how to do it yet…
January 26, 2011
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Kirk,
With only 15,000 or so of the 53’s produced, do you have any indications yet as to how many were 44 cal.? I sure don’t see many of them offered for sale. Mostly 32-20 and 25-20’s out there.
I think you have my 3 digit 53 TD in your survey right? SN 550
~Gary~
I have your rifle in my database. Thank you again. Out of the 428 Model 53’s I now have data for, 12.6% are chambered in 44 W.C.F., 38.3 % are chambered in 32 W.C.F., and 48.1% are chambered in 25-20. For the 44 W.C.F., this extrapolates to .126 x 15,118 = about 1,904 Model 53’s chambered in 44 W.C.F. That is not very many and they are hard to come by. My sampling covers an estimated 99.7% of the entire serial range for Model 53’s and 2.83% of total production. The percentage points of the calibers are not likely to change much more than a percentage point from now on.
38-55 I have a couple of model 53’s for you to add to your survey. They have been in my safe for 30 years so you won’t already have them in your database – one is a take-down 44. Let me know your e-mail address and I will send you thr information. Burt
just read your thread & I know of a model 53 / 92 that has a serial number of 788928 it has ” -MODEL 53 – WINCHESTER- NICKEL STEEL-32 W.C.F- inscription on the barrel with ” MODEL 1892 -WINCHESTER- “TRADE MARK REG.IN US.PAT.OFF. on the tang ?
The serial puts this the date of this one at 1914 if Im correct it also has a steel half moon cresent but plate if thats the rigth term with a short button magazine
Im not sure if its a rebarrelled 1892 or a 53 with a 92 reciever?
It is most likely a rebarreled Model 1892. The serial number and upper tang marking are the key clues.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
It is most likely a rebarreled Model 1892. The serial number and upper tang marking are the key clues.
Bert
I agree. Any rifle that says ‘Model 53’ on the barrel and ‘Model 1892’ on the upper tang is a rebarrelled Model 1892.
Something much rarer, but I know of two now, is a Model 92 with what at first appears to be an early a serial number, below 10,874 but the upper tang has no Model number on it, just ‘–WINCHESTER– TRADE MARK– Made in USA–. If you come across one of those, it is a Model 92 built on an early Model 53 receiver, if the barrel date is in the 20’s. If anyone ever comes across one of these, use the contact email for the Model 53 database and get in touch with me.
Thanks for clearing that up I know the rebarrel was done some time ago so is it considered a parts gun? and affect collectability or does it just add to its history as a legitimate repair ?
Forgot to add its has SNW 32 WCF I> . 30 under the barrel if that has any relevance ?
The marking is actually MNS (Midvale Nickel Steel), and the “30” is the year the barrel was manufactured.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Blue dog said
Thanks for clearing that up I know the rebarrel was done some time ago so is it considered a parts gun? and affect collectability or does it just add to its history as a legitimate repair ?
I would say it strongly reduces the collectability and potential value of the rifle. Major replace parts is a BIG NO – NO.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Take note of transitional rifles with both model 53 & 92 inscriptions and serial numbers it would let put the link but google winchester model 53 with 92 markings or winchester 53 – 92 transitional rifles
win38-55 said
Super!! My addy is: [email protected]
Thanks and much appreciated.
win38-55
New to WACA. I have 5 model 53’s
1.standard 44-40 sn-10,749
2standard 32-20 sn-1669
3.standard 44-40 sn-491
4.standard 25-20 sn-5454
5.standard 44-40 takedown sn-1465
Doug
Greetings,
I have acquired a 53 in an estate sale. This one is chambered in 32 WCF, not a take down # 966636.
I had purchased a number of long guns and this one was included, no charge. Condition was pretty rough. Got it in the shop, cleaned it all up, and it appears to be in working order. Plan to get it out to the range to get some rounds through it. My only problem is it is missing the rear sight elevator. Would anyone know where I may possibly purchase this part or distant second choice, if an elevator from a different model would work? Any help in this matter would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Don
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