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Strange Serial number

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mikec

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July 30, 2013 - 9:26 am

my buddy just bought an old model 94. Serial number on it is L298457. He said Its a standard turn of the century carbine. Also, the serial number is very clear so there’s no mistake about it. Any ideas? Maybe a half struck no 1?

Bert H.

Kingston, WA

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July 30, 2013 - 9:52 am

Mike,

First, it is not a "turn of the century" Model 94 Carbine. Instead, it is a 1941 vintage pre-war Carbine.

In the 1290000 – 1325000 serial number range, the leading "1" digit in most cases does look like an "L". I have documented a large number of them in my research survey. It was not a case of a half struck "1", but was simply the way that the tool & die maker cut the die.

What caliber is it?

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L