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Would a WP proof stamp on the top rear of the barrel of an early 1890’s-made Model 1885 indicate a replacement barrel had been installed ?
How difficult is it to remove the flat spring from the underside of the barrel to look for covered stamps ?
mustang said
Would a WP proof stamp on the top rear of the barrel of an early 1890’s-made Model 1885 indicate a replacement barrel had been installed ?How difficult is it to remove the flat spring from the underside of the barrel to look for covered stamps ?
Bert can tell you when the proof mark was first added but it was not on antique guns. I wouldn’t remove the spring. I don’t know if anything of value is under it?
Yes, it would indicate either a non-original barrel or possibly that the rifle was returned to Winchester post 1905 for work. When that occurred Winchester would test fire the rifle and apply the proof mark to the barrel and receiver. If your rifle only has the proof on the barrel then it is likely the barrel was swapped.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
The flat-spring is very easy to remove, as it is held in place by a single (robust sized) screw. Make sure that you use a proper fitting hollow ground screw driver to remove it. You will find a number of markings stamped on the barrel under the flat-spring.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks, Bert. I have a good Chapman gunsmithing screwdriver set that should work OK.
The proof stamp is only on the barrel, so I’m hoping for a date stamp on the bottom of the barrel.
Bruce
It is very unlikely that you will find a date stamp. Winchester did not begin dating barrels until 1920, and they were only sporadically marked for the first several years. The Model 1885 production ended before barrel date stamping began.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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