1894 lower tang markings|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Hello Fellows,

I wandered into a local shop to kill some time and came home with another rifle.  It is an 1894 sporting rifle in .32-40.  The owner of the store was very motivated to sell and said he wished he had not taken it on trade as it had been there a long time.  As a bullet caster with other sticks in the same caliber, I had to ask how motivated he was and we struck a deal.

I know it has been refinished but he seemed unsure.  Following what I learned HERE about proud wood near the tang, wood colors, muzzle in the white, etc. It has been refinished.  But the sights are correct for a 1907 sporting rifle with round barrel.  I think it is 100% legit.  And I purchased it as a nice looking shooter and I could live with the price, and if it has a few things out of order I feel okay.  

Upon closer inspection, I found stampings on the very end of the lower tang, just forward of the trigger.  With the barrel pointing straight away from me, the left hand corner has an 8 and towards right of center is 65.  I don’t think I have seen these markings before…I have seen some letters but no numbers and was curious as to what they might be.  I don’t have a good book on 1894’s yet as I am really a model 71,70, and 52 guy.  I will take a pic to the best of my ability when I get a minute.  Thanks for any insight provided, I learn a lot here and I am still a noob.  Can’t wait to shoot it!