There are no ledger records for any of the Single Shot Winder Muskets after serial number 109999. I recorded it as I observed it (external source), most likely as it was pictures in an auction catalog.
Because it has the U.S. ordnance markings, it positively was originally shipped to the U.S. Army with a full length stock, and was then later shortened. The NRA Junior Rifle Corps acquired a fair number of the 3rd variation Winder Muskets from the U.S. Government, and then shortened the forend stocks on them.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
freebird1968 said
Aye, that was a silly question as I already had the information about the ledger, because you wrote it here several time overThen it was a good thing that someone got it back to its original state.
I traded it for an earlier .22LR sporting rifle LW with shotgun butt.
At one time, there were undoubtedly a fair number of Winder Musket stocks floating around in the “used parts” market. The Winder Muskets were favored acquisitions for those wanting to build a nice custom varmint rifle, and the first thing that was removed were the stocks. Today, it is very difficult to find any original Single Shot parts, and when you do, the seller wants a small fortune for them.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Here is a Winchester Letter on one of the second variations. You will notice the 9 years between when the receiver was made and when it was assembled and sent to the warehouse. It is a High Wall receiver. Non-lettered features: Win. A-5 Scope (with Post Aperture), Lyman 103 “WM” Tang, Lyman 17 W/Pin & Aperture. The original rear Musket Sight was included with the two screws. Not “Original” But who could ask for more? RDB
Bert, do you know of any Winder muskets without a serial no.? My friend has one that was a wreck when he got it for $20. The 22 barrel was shot out and a broken stock. It was rusty but he has cleaned the rust away. Knowing him he probably used Kroil on it. It has a coil spring with the letter A on the tang. He has shortened the broken stock to just in front of the barrel band and rebarreled with a Stevens barrel. But no serial no. Any thoughts? Don
86Win said
Bert, do you know of any Winder muskets without a serial no.? My friend has one that was a wreck when he got it for $20. The 22 barrel was shot out and a broken stock. It was rusty but he has cleaned the rust away. Knowing him he probably used Kroil on it. It has a coil spring with the letter A on the tang. He has shortened the broken stock to just in front of the barrel band and rebarreled with a Stevens barrel. But no serial no. Any thoughts? Don
Don,
The only explanation is that the lower tang was replaced. All original Winder Muskets were serialized, and the stamped numerals were quite deep, making it nearly impossible to remove the S/N without seeing very noticeable damage to the tang.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
JEFF SLOCUM said
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY KNOWLEDGE OF ANY ACCOUNT OR DESCRPTION OF HOW TO REMOVE AND RELACE THE COIL MAINSPRING IN THE WINDER MUSKETS?? THAT THING IS LIKE A BEARTRAP.
Jeff,
My advice to people such as yourself is this… unless it is absolutely necessary, do not remove it!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
William Gilson said
Have 2 of the low walls serial # 1232424 @118457. Love plinking with them
Hello William,
Please provide the details for each of your Winder Muskets.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert, links to a couple single shots that auction this Sunday:
The 25-20 WCF is of interest to me, but is a low wall, so not sure what the correct description is or if it original.
I hope these are of interest and new entries.
Kevin
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