2 Proof Marks On Barrel 1 On Receiver|Page 2|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Hi John and welcome to the group. In regards to the two proof marks on the barrel of your rifle, are they both the same, the circle W/P, or is that hard to tell because of the hole drilled through one of them? Could be the one with the hole drilled through it was a Circle P proof. Peter

Good idea John!! Lots of good things go on here…two great magazines per year with lots of pictures and well written articles, plus a calendar with excellent photos of old Winchesters, plus this forum, and yes you can post pictures easily. We’re waiting to welcome you as a member! Peter

O my gosh John!! All the more reason to join us. Why did I think there were only two anyway? I’m looking forward to seeing pictures of your proof marks. Peter

I will attempt that photo of 2 proof marks barrel on my 1886 .50 EX.

So what does the group think about my speculation that the drilling and tapping of this rifle was done at Winchester? This work may not be a rare instance, but it is interesting in the context of a scoped 1886 .50 Express. I think I would want to keep my eye well back from the scope!

BTW, I believe one of this group is putting together a database on rifles, serial numbers, etc. This rifle is numbered 152715A, which puts the date around 1912. Not sure of the significance of the “A” at the end of the serial number? Barrel length is 26″.

I thought about getting a letter at one time in an attempt at filling in some of the history on this rifle but as I recall the Cody museum people had a message on there site indicating they were not taking new requests due to a back log of requests. At least that is what I remember, right or wrong. Still would like that letter though.

John

John McMillan said

Bert, Peter, and All
I have an interesting developement concerning my double proofed rifle. In my last posting Bert suggested that a “Factory Letter” be obtained. I ordered the letter and received it today. I have attached the letter (photo) to this posting.

Admittedly, I have only seen one other Factory Letter and that letter basically said when it was “Recieved in Warehouse” and little else. I was amazed at the other information included in my letter. I fully admit I don’t understand much of the balance of the information or if most letters have this same type of information.

The line where it says “Charged to W.R.A. Company of New York City”, does this mean that Winchester had a store in New York and the rifle was sent to them to be sold?

I was wondering if “Robert Van Iderstine” had a connection with “Morse Drydock and Repair Company of New York City”. Maybe he owned the Company? I may try to track down the person and the company. Could be interesting.

My guess is the rifle was returned to have a scope mounted on it, which is what prompted me to post my first comments a few week ago. Too bad the Order numbers can’t be tracked down to see a bit more history. Anyway I thought I would share this with you. I will be courious about your more experienced comments. Thanks.
John  

John,
Winchester had a store in New York City from almost the beginning of the New Haven factory. You are very lucky. Cody letters “never” contain sold to information. Some people would die for that info. As I read the letter, and let me say I am not the person to be interpreting it, you rifle was returned for unknown reason to the factory by the NY Store. The reason was not a warranty type issue because the R&R was charged to them. It was sold before it was returned. It was to be paid for by the firm mentioned in the last line. Why these entries were on the record is beyond me. I have never seen or heard of this happening. But then we do say “never say never with Winchester”. Go by a Loto ticket you lucky dog.

Vince

Hi John and thanks for the post/update. Never seen a letter like that before. Very interesting, and you’re lucky to have it. Peter