The up coming Amoskeag auction lot #20; 1886 deluxe rifle I’m pretty sure has been re-stocked, They say the numbers, 445 on the tang and 405 on the stock and butt plate march. According to My math that’s 40 #’s apart , plus the stock has a sling mount , the forend does not. Also what thoughts on lot#50, the ’94 eng. deluxe?
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
Maybe I’m just jaded or cynical but both the ’86 and the engraved ’94 left me a bit queasy. The 86 doesn’t really add up (different stock numbers and the lack of a front swivel). The condition gave me pause as well. Some of the best case colors other combined with finish issues with the bluing. Could of course just been due to bad storage (although that would mean only a portion of the rifle was stored poorly, not the entire rifle).
On the ’94, the caliber markings looked off to me.
I don’t care for the ’86 for the reasons stated by Steve, although, I do no believe that Winchester is above mismatching numbers…it’s a downer for potential buyers.
The caliber markings do look a bit off to me, too. What a great rifle, though, and I really like the King front sight.
James
Once, again, we are reminded to never say never with what Winchester would or would not do, and likewise with the saying about having to make excuses and/or explanations as to the why of the matter. Like Steve, I’m aware of Winchester installing a sling base in the stock of a very rare and expensive rifle with factory provenance, and not one in the front as well, although the stock screw for the front band could easily be replaced with a sling swivel.
James
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