tionesta1 said
Here is a model 1886 where you can see the grain color and pattern through the checkering. Is it restored?
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/801832433
Al
I see one very glaring (non factory original) issue with that rifle… and I am surprised that none of you caught it yet!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
I see one very glaring (non factory original) issue with that rifle… and I am surprised that none of you caught it yet!
Bert
Bert,
At first I thought it might be that the rubber recoil pad was added aftermarket, but the letter states “rubber pad”. Is it the rubber pad?
Thanks,
Al
tionesta1 said
Bert,
At first I thought it might be that the rubber recoil pad was added aftermarket, but the letter states “rubber pad”. Is it the rubber pad?
Thanks,
Al
Usually a letter from this time period would state “Rubber Butt Plate” not pad based on my experience. One thing you know for sure is that the rifle did not stand in a case on the red pad for the last 115 years without a flat spot on it!!!
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
TR said
Al, The description on the gun says “light finish added”. I like the gun and the wood would not bother me. Most of my guns are antique made in the 1870’s & 80’s, I asked the question because I don’t know the answer. All my life I have asked questions in a attempt to gain knowledge. I am trying to determine if when I plainly see the grain in the checkering on a nice gun is it just well cared for or has it been cleaned and freshen. Maybe there is no simple answer. T/R
I don’t know the answer either. I have a couple more checkered guns in the very back of the safe. I will check these out.
TR said
Al, The description on the gun says “light finish added”. I like the gun and the wood would not bother me. Most of my guns are antique made in the 1870’s & 80’s, I asked the question because I don’t know the answer. All my life I have asked questions in a attempt to gain knowledge. I am trying to determine if when I plainly see the grain in the checkering on a nice gun is it just well cared for or has it been cleaned and freshen. Maybe there is no simple answer. T/R
I have an 1894 deluxe that has seen very little use and you can see the grain through the checkering. All original oil finish and checkering with no finish added. It seems the checkering may darken over time with handling and use? Here are photos of it from a previous forum thread:
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/favorite-1894/
Don
tionesta1 said
Bert,
At first I thought it might be that the rubber recoil pad was added aftermarket, but the letter states “rubber pad”. Is it the rubber pad?
Thanks,
Al
Yes, it is the rubber recoil pad that is the problem… Specifically, that rifle was manufactured in 1904, which was 18-years before Winchester patented their own solid rubber recoil pad (June 1922). The recoil pad currently on that rifle is a “Winchester” pad, and it is not original! Prior to Winchester making their own solid red rubber recoil pads, they used Silver’s recoil pads (as listed in their catalogs).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Yes, it is the rubber recoil pad that is the problem… Specifically, that rifle was manufactured in 1904, which was 18-years before Winchester patented their own solid rubber recoil pad (June 1922). The recoil pad currently on that rifle is a “Winchester” pad, and it is not original! Prior to Winchester making their own solid red rubber recoil pads, they used Silver’s recoil pads (as listed in their catalogs).
Bert
Bert,
I’ve never seen a vintage 1900’s Silver’s recoil pad. What do they look like? Can you post a photo? Just wanting to learn and know what to look for to determine originality.
Thanks,
Don
deerhunter said
Bert,
I’ve never seen a vintage 1900’s Silver’s recoil pad. What do they look like? Can you post a photo? Just wanting to learn and know what to look for to determine originality.
Thanks,
Don
Found one on eBay. I’m assuming they all look similar to this one?
Don
Bert H. said
Yes, it is the rubber recoil pad that is the problem… Specifically, that rifle was manufactured in 1904, which was 18-years before Winchester patented their own solid rubber recoil pad (June 1922). The recoil pad currently on that rifle is a “Winchester” pad, and it is not original! Prior to Winchester making their own solid red rubber recoil pads, they used Silver’s recoil pads (as listed in their catalogs).
Bert
So that being said, does that crash the whole value of the gun??? I understand originality, but would that rubber pad diminish the value that much that it must be noted? How much in your opinion does that bring the value down?
Manuel said
So that being said, does that crash the whole value of the gun??? I understand originality, but would that rubber pad diminish the value that much that it must be noted? How much in your opinion does that bring the value down?
It does not “crash the whole value”, but it certainly should be noted in the auction listing. My personal opinion is that it reduces the value by 10-15%, and it casts a shadow on the rest of the rifle. Somebody purposely removed the original (most likely poor condition) recoil pad, and then went to the trouble of putting a Winchester pad back on it… and then did not reveal that fact.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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