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So my father passed last year, and were just getting around to clearing the house out, and we found a number of old family firearms that he was holding on to and this one stuck out to me.
I haven’t fired a weapon in a number of years, and my knowledge is limited, but I think it’s in okay condition,.but I’d like to get a set of experienced eyes on it to see what I should do.
I know collectors want to see a story in its wear rather than steel wooled and refinished, but I’m pretty sure if anything doesnt check out, the collector value kind of goes out the window, so before i go an change anyhing, i owe it to history to ask you fine people.
The bore is remarkably clean. Rifling looks good, it is the 26″ barrel,and the markings seem to look okay. Also, I think this is the first year of this caliber, (although not super desired) as a takedown, and since it doesn’t look to me like it’s been molested, I may have something decent here. .
Anyways, let me know what you think.
Thanks!
Hello Kaya,
Your Model 1894 is a standard Take Down Sporting Rifle. It appears to be factory original with the exception of the Marbles rear sight. The overall graded condition of the rifle is better than average, and it will have interest & value in the collector market. I will encourage you to do nothing to it other than a very light wipe down.
If you provide the serial number, I can tell you when it was manufactured (month & year).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks for the quick reply! I’m glad I asked.
#145166
Any idea of the going rate on this and best place to list them? I know my wife.isnt a huge fan of them being here..
Much appreciated
Does month matter really?
Theres a whole bunch of misinformation out there on these. I originally thought this were antique with a year of 1898. There is like 20 different sites that told me that before.i decided to come here.
Also, would it be wise to pay for this letter people speak of? I assume it would tell me which rear sight it had?
Kaya said
Does month matter really?Theres a whole bunch of misinformation out there on these. I originally thought this were antique with a year of 1898. There is like 20 different sites that told me that before.i decided to come here.
Also, would it be wise to pay for this letter people speak of? I assume it would tell me which rear sight it had?
May 1902, and yes, there is a lot of (too much) misinformation circulating around the internet concerning Winchester dates of manufacture.
The 32 W.S. cartridge was introduced in October 1901.
A Factory letter (from the Cody Firearms Museum records office) is a plus, but it is not necessary for your Model 1894. It will confirm the exact date of manufacture and the as built configuration of the rifle. It most likely will not mention the rear sight type unless it was special ordered with something other than a standard sight.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Online
Kaya; the first place I’d post it would be right here on the swap meet. I would be interested but I am in Canada and it is almost cost prhibitive for Me to purchase in the U.S., with the export fees and taxes involved, and Your gun would be worth more than I could give You for it. If it were My gun I would be looking in the $3000.00-$3500.00 for it , just going by the pictures.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
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