If the barrel is original, the serial number is not “888” nor is the rifle “antique”. The marking on the upper tang would be useful in determining when it was manufactured. That stated, the seller described it accurately enough.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Just as Bert said, photos of the tang marking and barrel markings would help determine the general range of manufacture of this rifle but, I can tell you that the caliber marking on the side flat of the barrel makes this rifle s/n higher than 375,000 and from 1907 or later if the barrel is original to the gun. The extra screws you refer to are on first model receivers which would be from s/n 7500 or earlier. they are not extra, they just are on the outside of the receiver.
94shorties said
Just as Bert said, photos of the tang marking and barrel markings would help determine the general range of manufacture of this rifle but, I can tell you that the caliber marking on the side flat of the barrel makes this rifle s/n higher than 375,000 and from 1907 or later if the barrel is original to the gun. The extra screws you refer to are on first model receivers which would be from s/n 7500 or earlier. they are not extra, they just are on the outside of the receiver.
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Do you see the screws on the outside of the receiver on this gun?
wolfbait said
Do you see the screws on the outside of the receiver on this gun?
Yes, I do, and it is not a 1st variation Model 1894. 99.9% of all 1st variation Model 1894s were caliber 38-55, and they were nearly all made before serial number 6000. The pictures below show a 1st variation receiver frame, and the orientation of the screws.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
wolfbait said
Interesting. So another remarked gun, and likely not even an antique as sold per the caliber location. I would like to see how good or poorly the 888 was done.
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a “remarked gun” With the seller stating: Rifle has been polished and reblued, lettering is faint and blurred. It may be a case of 888 is all that is left or visible of the original serial number.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
I second Michael’s comment. Anyone that would fake an early serial number rifle is not likely to do an extremely poor buff and refinish on the rifle. I suspect it is simply a case of some of the serial number being obliterated by overzealous polishing.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
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