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I dont have the early catalogs but Waltrus indicates takedowns were first listed in October 1893.  The td rifles first show up in my data at around SN 13,000.  There are a few others that are earlier but have issues regarding originality.  The takedown patent originated with William Mason, Patented 6/6/1893 (No. 498983).  While the patent does not list a Model, from the drawings it was clearly intended for the 1886 and 1892.  TD rifles in 1886 and 1892 came out about the same time from what I gather.  However, I cant tie it to a particular catalog introduction due to limited resources.

1892takedown said
cwachter, I got the name wrong, its George R. Watrous.  His book is The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1966. 

 

Bert,  The earliest TD serial I have is 13448, followed by those in the 13900 SN range.  That said, there is 13453 that is a TD, but was obvious other features about the gun were embellished or altered.  There are three other earlier TD rifles but each of them have problems regarding originality.  The first I have in the 13900 SN range is 13939 which left the warehouse on 6/5/1894 and was shipped on 6/15/1894.  Maybe there are a couple that precede I havent seen yet. Based on what you indicate above, the April 1894 issue (#52) may be the first mention of its availability.   

I do not have this book in my library.  Is it worth buying?  I like reference books.

1892takedown said
The book is ok, starts out with the evolution of repeating rifles and then goes through all the models.  Really just a brief and condensed overview of each of the models, features, calibers, etc.  There is some good information there.  If you can find a good deal on a copy its always nice to add another book to the collection.      

Bought my copy in 1966 when I was first collecting Winchesters. I still have it and the outside cover, although the book is getting a little ratty and falling apart. I am sure some of the info in that old book is incorrect, but it is a great starter book. Although in black and white, the pictures are really great. Big Larry

Big Larry.

The old boy who owned my copy and sleeve  was W. Dean Cummings.  Not that I know anything about him, but he must have been a particular kind of a fellow.  He signed his name on the inside cover, and then on the Contents page had a round seal impressed into the paper reading around the lip of the seal “Liibrary of W. Dean Cummings” with the “WDC” initials at the center panel.  Then rubber stamped with his name on the top and bottom margins of the book across the closed pages.  Old school way of keeping track of you books–and maybe a bit obsessive compulsive by today’s norms.  The book looks like it was purchased, signed, stamped, and then filed away never to be opened again. 

Would agree too, the book would be a starter book, and does have a lot of general information you can find elsewhere, and probably has some errors like they all do as time passes.  I like the way the information is organized in the bullet point type style when it comes to the general specifications sections for each model.