Win. 69A "DUFFYS INC. Sparks, MD|Winchester .22 Rim Fire|Forum|Winchester Collector

Your 69A rifle was imported from outside the U.S. by Duffy’s.  When a rifle is imported into the U.S. (regardless of whether it originated here or not) the importer is required by law to mark the rifle with the importer’s name.  To comply with this requirement Duffy’s uses a stamp and places the marking in an unobtrusive location on the underside of the barrel in front of the forearm.

The 4 digit number indicates it was probably one of the rifles purchased by Britain during WWII.  If so, you are likely to find additional English proof markings on the barrel and an English proof stamp on the bolt.  Duffy’s imported a batch of these .22 Winchester rifles from the U.K. awhile back. 

Britain purchased Model 1903, 74, 67, 68, 69, 69A and 60A Target rifles (and probably a few other models) directly from Winchester during 1939-1941 as part of their war effort.  As these were direct purchases by Britain they were not part of the “lend/lease” program and remained in the U.K after the war.  The rifles were used during WWII by the British Home Guard and for training purposes.

I would be interested to find out if Duffy’s gives you any additional information.

Regards,

Actually, your rifle was not part of the “Send a gun to Britain” program, the British government approached Winchester, Remington and a few other manufacturers and simply bought guns from them directly.  Your rifle was not given, loaned, leased, etc. it was a direct purchase and that is indicated by the 4 digit serial number.  The loaned and leased rifles were not additionally serial numbered during export.

I doubt Duffy’s will be able to give you much more information other than where they purchased the rifle from but you can certainly ask.  Again, I would be interested in their response.

Regards,