A little while back a genuine 1 of 1000 was sold at a Little John’s Auction with the model 94 that was awarded to it during the movie search. Its serial number was in the 167,600 range.

I would imagine the other 19 rifles would have serials close to that or at the very least would have a serial in the year 1950, but I imagine they would’ve of been number close to each other. I would assume it wouldn’t be to much to assume that they all have survived but then again you never know.

One would think that a 1 of 1000 that was awarded a 94, that the 94 would still be paired with it. But this is not the case, I know of at least a couple of cases as such. The 94s will have a little decorative swirl on the forearm next to the receiver. Ed Lewis’s book has a couple of pictures of one. You might try contacting him as he may know more about the actual serials of the awarded 94s.

All that aside, I’d be weary of anyone trying to sell just merely an awarded 94. Why would you? Especially if you have the 1 of 1000 to go with it. Then of course I wouldn’t see the point of not selling the 94 when selling the 1 of 1000 as well. I can also theorize that someone (original owner) back in the 1950s could of easily just as of sold, pawned or traded their new awarded 94 if they so pleased and never thought twice about it.

Sincerely,
Maverick

You sure about the serial number 167600. That is a 1902 gun.

Bob

A type-o gentlemen as it was supposed to be 1,674,600.

Model 1873 1 of 1000 serial #6594 was auctioned in November 2013 by Little John’s Auction Service and in the same lot was the factory awarded Model 94 serial #1,674,643.

The picture on page 249 is the same picture is in Wilson’s 1 of 1000 book on page 129, but has a different description.

"Model 94 Winchester rifle that was presented to Charles A. Alden as part of the Winchester 73 movie promotion. Alden owned Model 1873 rifle number 18070 1 of 1000. Features of the 94 are deluxe sporting carbine, 32 Winchester Special caliber, 20" barrel, deluxe checkering with Winchester capped pistol grip, serial number 1,598,491. The original shipping carton, still with 1,598,491 has "Special Order" stamped on the end label. Joe W. Palmer Collection.

Interesting that pages earlier in the book on page 72 the 1 of 1000 once owned by Charles A. Alden is noted as in the John R. Woods Collection. So its evident the 1 of 1000 was separated from the 94, I suppose, according to Wilson’s book. That said I’m not sure what to make of the awarded 94 #1,598,491 in Wilson’s book. That is a 1949 serial number, which may make sense if there were talks between Universal and Winchester long before the announced start of the campaign search in May of 1950, but seems unlikely. The announcement was in May, the Movie premiered in July and the advertising campaign ended in September 30, 1950. The awarded 94 pictured on the last page of Ed Lewis’s book seems to be a rather plain jane rifle except for the little swirly carving on the forearm next to the receiver.

The Bill Depperman notice of Spring 1950 states

"Brand new 30-30 sporting rifles suitable for deer, black bear, coyotes and the like are awaiting twenty persons who are the unsuspecting owners of one of America’s rearest and least known variety of what has been described as the most famous rifle of the early West. "

So seems to be a conflict if the rifles were in 30-30 caliber and the one in Wilson’s book is in 32W.S. I’d lean towards their being some sort of error on Wilson’s part, but I could be wrong.

tionesta1 You aught to shell out the $50 for Lewis’s book. Its well worth the money and a great read.

Sincerely,
Maverick