My model 1890 in .22 wrf, serial 257261 has a 4 digit number stamped on the inside of the crescent butt plate. Is this a work number to match the butt and the plate after finishing or some sort of inspection stamp? It is not the last 4 digits of the serial number. Can anyone tell me what it is? I will look at my other 1890s and see if they have a similar number.
Its a assemble number and should match a number on the left side of the lower tang and possibly the stock.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Hello,
I have seen a few of them similar to the attached photo. The differ from the "assembly numbers" in that they are not stamped into the piece after manufacture the way they are in stocks and tangs of special order rifles. This one obviously has the "C" designation for "crucible steel" as noted by Mike Hunter. OK Mike, what is crucible steel?
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Crucible steel was the supplier of the steel; the Crucible Steel Co. For some reason Winchester was very fastidious about marking the steels.
Winchester had four major suppliers of steel: Crucible Steel Co, Illingsworth Steel Co, Midvale Steel Co and Carpenter Steel Co.
Quite often you will find M.N.S under nickel steel barrels, Midvale Nickel Steel.
V R
Mike
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