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Hi all,
As I continue to learn more with your help I wanted to ask about another rifle that caught my eye. I’d like an antique 1894 in .30-30 and this one though worn, has an appealing patina to my eye. I like the even wear to the bluing. It seems to me to be correct and in fair overall condition, but like many of simpsons guns I figured it to be overpriced given condition.
https://www.simpsonltd.com/products/z35192
Any opinions based on the pics and description? Anything in particular about this configuration or condition that I should be looking out for?
Thanks in advance
It’s actually not an “antique” since it was made in 1900–see link below. With that in mind, I think the price is a bit high for a well-used (but honest) plain-Jane 1894 in the most common caliber.
https://winchestercollector.org/dates
Don
Don,
The following guide on winchester’s website dates the SN to 1897. The 1894 sn range is on page 9. Is this guide incorrect?
Do you know why there would be an inconsistency between the link you sent and this guide compiled from Winchester’s records?
Bobby
Bobby,
Coincidentally, this same exact topic was just discussed at the tail end of the attached forum thread:
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/estate-sale-1894-whats-the-verdict/
Don
BobbyJ said
Don,The following guide on winchester’s website dates the SN to 1897. The 1894 sn range is on page 9. Is this guide incorrect?
Do you know why there would be an inconsistency between the link you sent and this guide compiled from Winchester’s records?
Bobby
Yes, that guide is incorrect. The inconsistency is because the guide you mention was not created using original Winchester records. Instead, it was created by copying the erroneous information published by George Madis. The original surviving Winchester records are in the possession of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center of The West, and they are used extensively by the Cody Firearms Museum records office when they produce Factory letters for people wanting to know the manufacture history of their old Winchesters.
The Winchester date of manufacture look-up tool available here on the WACA website was created using the information in the original records.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
BobbyJ said
Thanks Bert, that’s a fascinating source of confusion!To calibrate my judgement. What would this gun be priced at if it were an antique, and what is its true value given that it is not?thanksbobby
The current asking price is not unrealistic for an early 1900s production Model 1894 Sporting Rifle in that caliber and condition. If it were truly “Antique”, the asking price could easily be as much as $2,500.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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