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June 26, 2013
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Hi Bert,
It ain’t pretty, but it is a bonified spruce gun. Do you have this one in your survey?
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/899730452
Don
April 15, 2005
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Don,
I did indeed already have it in the survey… currently I have (253) verified Spruce Guns in the survey.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 26, 2013
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April 15, 2005
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Don,
I have seen this Carbine in the past, and Yes, the martial markings are definitely illicit.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 7, 2017
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At least they’re honest in their Assessment. Nice to see
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
June 26, 2013
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November 26, 2014
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Spruce carbines are often in poor shape, but that one has got to be one of the worst.
April 15, 2005
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deerhunter said
Hi Bert,Did you get this one in your survey?
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/904436896
Don
I just added it now… Thanks! This Spruce Gun brings the total to (254) verified & documented.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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Tom D said
Spruce carbines are often in poor shape, but that one has got to be one of the worst.
Yes indeed… it looks like it spent a lot of time on the Oregon coast in the Spruce forests!
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 15, 2020
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Hi Bert
regarding spruce rifle the title says “spruce rifle” but the text says “gumwood”. Which is correct? Don
April 15, 2005
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86Win said
Hi Bertregarding spruce rifle the title says “spruce rifle” but the text says “gumwood”. Which is correct? Don
Don,
The term “rifle” while not being completely inaccurate, is not what most knowledgeable collectors & dealers would call it. It is more correctly a “Carbine”, and it does have Gumwood stocks. Within the collector circle, it is colloquially referred to as a “Spruce Gun”.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
June 26, 2013
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86Win said
Hi Bertregarding spruce rifle the title says “spruce rifle” but the text says “gumwood”. Which is correct? Don
Hi Don,
I get the impression you are not familiar with the “spruce guns.” It does not refer to the type of wood used for the stocks but refers to the 1,800 martially marked 1894 carbines issued to the Army during WW1 to guard the spruce forests in the Pacific northwest. Spruce lumber was a vital material to the war effort for aircraft manufacture. Rick Hill’s article below is a great read:
https://winchestercollector.org/magazines/200506/17/index.html
Don
August 12, 2021
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I was recently looking up information on a 30-30 that I inherited from my grandfather who was in the lumber industry in Northern Idaho. The S/N of the rifle is 848636. I can provide a picture of the stamps on the receiver, but it has a US and an ordnance shell and flame. My question is if it is a spruce gun? If so I am going to feel bad since I have used it deer hunting (in cold and snow) and have not treated it kindly.
April 15, 2005
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Brian Wilson said
I was recently looking up information on a 30-30 that I inherited from my grandfather who was in the lumber industry in Northern Idaho. The S/N of the rifle is 848636. I can provide a picture of the stamps on the receiver, but it has a US and an ordnance shell and flame. My question is if it is a spruce gun? If so I am going to feel bad since I have used it deer hunting (in cold and snow) and have not treated it kindly.
The odds are very good that you do indeed have one of the 1,800 Spruce Guns. That stated, please send some pictures of it (to include the ordnance markings on the top of the receiver frame ring) to me so that I can confirm/authenticate it for you.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 30, 2021
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I recently came into possession of a Spruce Gun. Ser. #852149. Referring to the article from this site “The WWI Spruce Guns” written by Rick Hill. This particular rifle is the one with the “U” in the US stamped sideways. I have sent photos and information to Rick and he confirms that this guns is indeed authentic, accurate and complete. I own a sporting goods store in St. Maries, Idaho, and have taken in a collection of firearms to liquidate for a private party. There were 43 Winchester lever firearms in this impressive collection. This Spruce Gun being one of them. I would include pictures, but not familiar with how to… feel free to respond, call or email if you would like more information. We are in the process of selling the above referenced collection. Thanks for your time and input,
Craig Wicks
[email protected]
208-245-4015
April 15, 2005
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Hello Craig,
I am the person with the Spruce Gun research survey, and would appreciate a copy of the pictures that you sent to Rick. S/N 852149 is documented in the survey as an authentic Spruce Gun.
I would also like to get a list of the Winchesters in the collection you are liquidating.
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 14, 2022
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Any interest in seeing a US marked 1894 Winchester tht may be a spruce rifle??? May need help to add pics.
April 15, 2005
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Yes I am interested… please send the pictures to me @ [email protected]
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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