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March 14, 2022
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I have a 30WCF rifle made in 1908 with these numbers stamped on the lower tang in the photo below. There is a little line under the number 17. Any ideas?
Rick C
April 15, 2005
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RickC said
I have a 30WCF rifle made in 1908 with these numbers stamped on the lower tang in the photo below. There is a little line under the number 17. Any ideas?
Inspector stamps. They are found on nearly all Model 1894s from the early 1900s through the 1960s.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 13, 2008
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RickC said
I have a 30WCF rifle made in 1908 with these numbers stamped on the lower tang in the photo below. There is a little line under the number 17. Any ideas?
That is correct what Bert stated. the number with the line is the inspectors number. sometimes a triangle as well. the number with no line is the fitters number. even though these lower tangs were mainly mass produced they still took care and hand fitting resulting in a fitter and inspector.
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
March 14, 2022
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Thank you Bert & Jeremy. I can’t recall seeing these stamps on another of my 94’s so appreciate the info and replies!
Rick C
November 19, 2006
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Bert H. said
86Win said
Hi Bert
Just pulled my 1938 winchester model 1894 carbines magazine and found 38 stamped in front of receiver, 30WCF in front of that and a 3 stamped cross-wise in front. Could this be an assembly no.? Don
Don,
I have not ever found a Model 1894/94 with an assembly number stamped on the underside of the barrel. Typically, the stamped markings that are not self-explanatory are inspector stamps. In general, “assembly” numbers are usually found on the side edge of the upper or lower tang (most frequently on the left side edge of the lower tang), in the butt stock upper tang channel, the end grain of the butt stock (underneath the butt plate), and on the inside surface of the butt plate. Less frequently, an assembly number can be found on the end grain of a forend stock or in the barrel channel.
And the assembly numbers should all match?
March 31, 2009
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Generally assembly numbers are added when you have a gun with a fancy stock. Standard guns don’t usually get the assembly numbers on the tang, wood and buttplate.
April 15, 2005
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steve004 said
Bert H. said
86Win said
Hi Bert
Just pulled my 1938 winchester model 1894 carbines magazine and found 38 stamped in front of receiver, 30WCF in front of that and a 3 stamped cross-wise in front. Could this be an assembly no.? Don
Don,
I have not ever found a Model 1894/94 with an assembly number stamped on the underside of the barrel. Typically, the stamped markings that are not self-explanatory are inspector stamps. In general, “assembly” numbers are usually found on the side edge of the upper or lower tang (most frequently on the left side edge of the lower tang), in the butt stock upper tang channel, the end grain of the butt stock (underneath the butt plate), and on the inside surface of the butt plate. Less frequently, an assembly number can be found on the end grain of a forend stock or in the barrel channel.
And the assembly numbers should all match?
Ordinarily yes, they should.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 14, 2022
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This one is 26” half octagon and button mag rifle with crescent butt stock. Not sure if that would warrant the stamps from the fitter and inspector. The gun looks 100% original.
Rick C
April 15, 2005
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RickC said
This one is 26” half octagon and button mag rifle with crescent butt stock. Not sure if that would warrant the stamps from the fitter and inspector. The gun looks 100% original.
I would not expect to find assembly numbers on that rifle. The half-octagon barrel and button mag were “optional” (no cost) orders.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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