Mis dated 1894 barrels|General Discussions & Questions|Forum|Winchester Collector

Mike,

Based on current results of my research survey, the mismarked patent date barrels began showing up in late 1906 (November) and run through November of 1907 with a few later exceptions.  To this point, I have documented (45) Model 1894 Carbines and Extra Lightweight Rifles with the patent date error marking on them.  The majority of them are SRCs.  The serial number range in which they are commonly found (with a very small number of exceptions) is 325479 – 381435.

In regards to the number of them that were mismarked, the first thing to keep in mind, is that a large majority of all Model 1894s manufactured in the November 1906 to November 1907 timeframe were Rifles versus Carbines.  Of the roughly 56,000 Model 1894 manufactured from November 1906 to November 1907, approximately 13,500 were Carbines.

In my survey, from serial number 354000 – 381524 (early May 1907 – late December 1907) I have thus far recorded (253) Model 1894s, and of that number, just (61) of them are Carbines.  Of the (61) carbines surveyed thus far, I have confirmed that (38) of them have the mismarked patent date on them.  The other (23) are unknown, but I highly suspect that they also have mismarked barrels.  The odds are very high that most of the 13,500 Carbines manufactured in the specified serial range have the August 14, 1894 patent date marked on them.

In conclusion, while they are an oddity, they are not rare.  What is the serial number on your mismarked SRC?

Bert

Mike,

Serial number 367341 is a new entry for the survey, bringing the total to (46) confirmed Model 1894s with the mismarked patent date.  Based on the original factory records, it was manufactured in September of 1907.

Is the Winchester proof mark stamped on the barrel between the rear sight and the caliber stamp, or is it stamped just forward of the rear sight?

Bert

Manuel said
Hi Bert,

I have a friend who has one of these carbines.  I’ll get the serial number from him and post it.  Funny thing, is the august 14th error date is my friend birthday.  

Please be sure to include the caliber, any non-standard features, and the location of the “WP” proof mark stamp on the barrel.

Thanks,

Bert