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I’m trying to compile info on model 94 Saddle Ring Carbines that went to the Norfolk and Western Railway Company.These were ordered for the Railroad security police during the railroad strikes in the early 20’s. I have one and would like to know if anyone else has any. They would be marked on the upper comb of the butt stock “N&W Rwy Co”, and should be made in 1922/1923. The serial number on mine is 937686. See pictures.
At some point, I’d like to write an article for the Collector, so I am trying to get as much info as possible. I have a couple of books from the Norfolk and Western Historical Society: 1. “Better Take Two Guns (The N&W’s Special Agents (Railroad Detectives) and their W.Va. cases”, and 2. “The True Story of the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency”.
Thanks,
Al
I just have to say that with or without the marking, that is one spectacular 94 SRC.
That strike must have been pretty uneventful. I don’t even see a scratch. Beautiful carbine with cool history. Thanks for sharing.
Don
Al,
I have two of them in my research survey, your SRC, and serial number 937621. Both were serialized in early 1922.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Al,I have two of them in my research survey, your SRC, and serial number 937621. Both were serialized in early 1922.
Bert
deerhunter said
That strike must have been pretty uneventful. I don’t even see a scratch. Beautiful carbine with cool history. Thanks for sharing.Don
I was thinking the same thing, that one must never been carried. Not even as much as a “ring flop mark”.
Thanks for sharing Al.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
Thanks for the responses. I figure the railroad ordered these, marked them and most just sat in a rack, not being used. I don’t know how many they ordered, or used for that matter. At least so far I know of two, (thanks Bert).
There also was a crate full found in 1967 that were never marked. They were sold to employees for $75 each.
Gorgeous rifle Al!!! What info do the books/articles that you already have regarding these rifles?
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
twobit said
Gorgeous rifle Al!!! What info do the books/articles that you already have regarding these rifles?Michael
Michael,
So far, from what I have been able to find. The N&W Railway was a major transporter of coal from the West Virginia coal mines. In the early twenties there was a great Coal Miners strike in and around West Virginia, and then also the great Railroad strike of 1922 where 400,000 railroad workers went on strike. Back then small towns in West Virginia had no police forces so the railroads had to provide their own police force called “Special Agents”, and also hired the Baldwin-Felts Detective agency. N&W Railway, being the largest coal transporter in the region at the time ordered a number of Winchester model 94’s for their Special agents, and the Baldwin-Felts detectives also used Winchesters as well.
I contacted Ken Miller, who is the Secretary/Editor of the N&W Railway Historical Society, telling him what I have, and that I’m trying to gather as much information as I can. He responded: “Do you also have the rifle? Is it marked Norfolk and Western in any way? If they were ordered in the 1920s, I suspect the back story on that was for security during labor unrest during that time. One situation was on May 17, 1920 when striking miners were tossed out of their housing at Matewan, WV resulting in a shoot-out on the street across from the N&W station resulting in the deaths of 10 people. The railroad detectives were not involved, but it was the Baldwin-Felts Detective Agency who threw the miners out. The Baldwin was Samuel Baldwin who previously had been head of the N&W police force. There was also a large engine men strike on the railroads in 1922, that resulted in some violence.”
here is a photo out of the book: “Better take two Guns” about the N&W Special agents.
Check this out. Is this Baldwin related to the Baldwin Locomotive Co? This Detective Agency was involved with more than one conflict.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin%E2%80%93Felts_Detective_Agency
Al:
The gentleman from Wisconsin that I bought the gun from also has one other. I will see if I can get the serial number from him.
WACA Life Benefactor Member
NRA Life Member
Thanks Rick.
It’s taken me awhile but like I mentioned when I bought this from you that I would like to write an article someday. Well, with all this extra time I’m starting to try and put something together. Also, thank you for the material you sent me some years back, It’s helping me piece the history together.
Al
Chuck said
Check this out. Is this Baldwin related to the Baldwin Locomotive Co? This Detective Agency was involved with more than one conflict.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin%E2%80%93Felts_Detective_Agency
Chuck,
I don’t believe W.G. Baldwin was related to the Baldwin locomotive company. W.G. Baldwin’s detective career began in 1885 when he was 25 years old. He went to work for the Eureka Detective Agency in Charleston, WV. After working for Eureka for a number of years, Baldwin started his own Detective agency in Bluefield WV, and his first significant contract was with the Norfolk and Western Railroad as their Chief Special Agent. Baldwin maintained a lifelong relationship with the Norfolk and Western Railroad.
Al
Great looking carbine!
Your desire to write an article as mentioned should be a very interesting read, perhaps, with most of the story sandwiched in between the two times that the U.S. Marines were called on to protect the U.S. Mail. The west coast contingent of which were elements of the 4th Marine Regiment (Oldest and Proudest of the Corps!)…later to become the famed China Marines.
Good luck with your project!
James
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