twobit said

mark minnillo said
This is on an 1892 special order rifle. Half round half octagon, half mag, and shotgun butt. Gun made in 1907. Am I correct that "technically" there were only 3 years of production when both caliber markings and WP proof marks were on top of the barrel?
  

Hello Mark,
The proof marks began to appear on the top of the barrel along with the caliber stamp during mid 1905 (approximately SN 300000) on the Model 1892 and persisted until the SN 420000 range which corresponds to Feb 1908.  Sporadic occurrences continue well into 1909.  On many SRC's the barrel proof was located in front of the rear sight as opposed to adjacent to the caliber stamp.
Michael
  

It was the same thing for the Model 1894 SRCs... the barrel proof mark was stamped in front of the rear sight instead of the caliber stamp.

Bert

mark minnillo said
This is on an 1892 special order rifle. Half round half octagon, half mag, and shotgun butt. Gun made in 1907. Am I correct that "technically" there were only 3 years of production when both caliber markings and WP proof marks were on top of the barrel?
  

Hello Mark,

The proof marks began to appear on the top of the barrel along with the caliber stamp during mid 1905 (approximately SN 300000) on the Model 1892 and persisted until the SN 420000 range which corresponds to Feb 1908.  Sporadic occurrences continue well into 1909.  On many SRC's the barrel proof was located in front of the rear sight as opposed to adjacent to the caliber stamp.

Michael

Thanks to Bert for educating us, and thanks to Mark for posting this thread.

Tony

I am learning some interesting facts about this rifle. I should also be receiving copies of some letters/notes from Dr Pardee's "shooting diary", for lack of a better discription.

For the Model 1894, it wasn't even quite 3-years.  Winchester began Proof marking the barrels and receiver frame ring in July 1905 and in late 1907, the caliber marking began transitioning to the left side of the barrel.  I suspect that the Model 1892 was the same.

Bert

BPJACK said
Here are the under forearm markings. Can anyone share some of your expert knowledge on interpreting these markings?  I know the 285 is the Pope barrel number. 
 
Thanks
 
Jack
  

I have no idea what they markings are.  They were most likely something that Pope stamped on thee barrel.

Bert

Thanks

Jack

BPJACK said
That tang sight turns out to be an Axtell with their A inside a shield mark on the underside of the base.  
I took the Pope out for its first outing yesterday.  Managed this 200 yd 5 shot group with the Lyman receiver iron sights.  I think its a keeper.
 
Jack
  

The Axtell tang sights are top notch.

I took the Pope out for its first outing yesterday.  Managed this 200 yd 5 shot group with the Lyman receiver iron sights.  I think its a keeper.

Jack

I echo Tony's sentiments. Great stories about a true gentleman collector.  Thank you for sharing the great guns and items you've acquired from him. I too will be at the OGCA/WACA show table M-12 so stop by and say hello. 

Al

It's stories like these that are shared that the few can realize, yet greatly appreciate. Not only a great story, but being able to realize how fortunate you are to live it and tell it, is something we fellow collectors, who have similar experiences can appreciate it. You relate you're experiences very well.

To be able to acquire those three "Bear Boxes", as many like to call them,  in the .348 caliber to go with the 71's, is very nice. Not only are the M-1873 Books, by James Gordon, in extremely nice condition, but hard to find, and very desirable. These are definitely the best reference books to date on the M-1873.

This gentleman is not only a Winchester collector that enjoyed the finer things, but valued them enough to take care of them and their accoutrements also.

This is a great story that you have added to, from you're other ongoing posts, from what many other collectors term, "more good gun guy stories", as so many will attest to the best people, to befriend, have been found to be "Winchester Collectors"!

We're all just care takers! Some have an easier time realizing it than others.

Thanks for sharing! Looking forward meeting you and you're Dad, at the OGCA/Waca show, this weekend.

Tony