The asking price is too high, and in my opinion, the stocks have added finish on them. Winchester did not use a high gloss (Piano varnish) on standard rifles, and it should have been noted in the ledger records if it was special ordered. Winchester did use a higher grade of walnut for the stocks on the early Take Down rifles, but it was finished the same as the standard grade rifles.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Bert H. said
The asking price is too high, and in my opinion, the stocks have added finish on them. Winchester did not use a high gloss (Piano varnish) on standard rifles, and it should have been noted in the ledger records if it was special ordered. Winchester did use a higher grade of walnut for the stocks on the early Take Down rifles, but it was finished the same as the standard grade rifles.
Bert
I notice that the letter states “fancy stock”. Might that include the Piano varnish, or not?
Kirk Durston said
I notice that the letter states “fancy stock”. Might that include the Piano varnish, or not?
The notation “Fancy stock” usually indicates that it has 2X or better grade wood. Non-standard finish on the stock would ordinarily be noted in the Remarks column of the warehouse ledgers… e.g. “Oil Finish” or “Varnish”.
Without the benefit of a hands on inspection, I am not inclined to believe that the stocks have the correct factory finish on them. That stated, poor lighting and/or camera can make it difficult to determine originality.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
November 7, 2015
Very nice! Pretty wood, nice sight package, takedown, condition, first model…no idea on the price but you don’t see a gun like this offered often. Wouldn’t bet against it selling for that. Would be nice if the sights lettered.
Mike
For the sake of my education:
From what I thought I knew, photograph #22 pictures a refinished receiver. Light reflecting oddly from the flat surface, and screw holes that are dished.
If I were shopping for this type of rifle, I would shy away from this one. So, please set me straight?
Patrick said
I can not comment as to the originality of the finish. My extremely amateur observation to the current market Im saying its 10k to high. However I would still love to own it.
That’s sort of my thoughts. Wasn’t there a Model 1894 posted on here recently with several special order features and condition that didn’t even crack 6k at auction? The market has definitely softened…
FromTheWoods said
For the sake of my education:From what I thought I knew, photograph #22 pictures a refinished receiver. Light reflecting oddly from the flat surface, and screw holes that are dished.
If I were shopping for this type of rifle, I would shy away from this one. So, please set me straight?
There is always “dishing” in a harsh reflection around screw holes even on original examples. The rifle mentioned here is 100% original finish.
mrcvs said
That’s sort of my thoughts. Wasn’t there a Model 1894 posted on here recently with several special order features and condition that didn’t even crack 6k at auction? The market has definitely softened…
A high condition 1st model is worth a premium. Add a takedown frame and fancy stocks, you have a really scarce gun. Like I said before, I think it is a $17-20K gun.
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