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Here is my latest challenge. I have a 1892, 44, 5 digit serial number, but there is no clear reading of the 5 numbers. I have consulted with the Museum, sent photos, but no luck. I know that there is a metallurgical way to ‘see’ the depressions, but dont’ know who to contact to have it done. Can anyone give me some guidance? It is a nice rifle, and would like to have the Win Letter, but need to decern the SS#. thanks, Elliot
Elliot,
Post a clear close-up picture of the serial number… cameras are often great tools in seeing hidden details.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Elliot,
To lift a stamped number they would have to polish the area around the number so it has contrast. This is what it would look like.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Most digital cameras and computer photo software programs have black and white, reverse (negative) options, as well as different color contrast options (red and white, instead of black and white, etc.). I’m not saying it will work in your case, but it might be worth a try. Take some good, clear photos in different lighting from different angles, flash, etc. and then play with it. Good luck. Might try with oil and with out, cold vs warm.
One other thought, if it doesn’t create a moisture problem, you could try spraying the area with one of those cans of compressed air used to blow out computers etc. They can create a “frost” that might bring something to light.
Gentlemen, all, thanks for the help. I have enlcosed some pics, if needed I can try and take some more, let me know, Elliot
Hi Elliot A: I can’t see any pictures. Don’t know if it’s me, or what.
It appears to be 96951 you could try placing a magnet inside an use a fine metal powder on the numbers it may show the grain of the metal displaced by stamping
you could polish it and use an etching acid it would be a little aggressive as it would change the original finish
Elliot,
I see the number as 96951
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I agree with 1873man. The “one” looks like the “inverted one” with the top flag broken off like I read about on some of the 1894s. And the numbers are widely spaced, to my eye. But maybe that was par for the course on that type of gun. Cool, thanks for putting them up.
Elliot A, I ran your photos through some photo software programs.
I came up with S/N 98951 which would put the 92 manufacture date
in 1898. This is my best guess. Not 100%, but a good guess.
1873man said
Elliot,I see the number as 96951
Bob
I see 96951 also, not sure how Don is seeing 98951 as the second digit looks like a “6” to me no matter what software I tweak it with.
Fun exercise – thanks.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Elliot A said
Here is my latest challenge. I have a 1892, 44, 5 digit serial number, but there is no clear reading of the 5 numbers. I have consulted with the Museum, sent photos, but no luck. I know that there is a metallurgical way to ‘see’ the depressions, but dont’ know who to contact to have it done. Can anyone give me some guidance? It is a nice rifle, and would like to have the Win Letter, but need to decern the SS#. thanks, Elliot
Hello Elliot,
Is there any inscription on the frame of the rifle? I assume that this is a SRC?
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Gentlemen, the Cody staff couldn’t get it either, the ones we thought were not 44s. The previous owner thought it was 93951. Here is the pics of the inscription, ‘button’ half mag, round 24″ barrel. If we could only id even three of he five for sure, it would help, but there is debate on them all. thanks, Elliot
Maybe it wasn’t always a 44. Looks like that 44 was stamped over something and the depth is so much different from the WCF. Just guessing.
I can see a old 4 under the new 44.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Sn 96951 and 98951 are both carbines so that is not correct.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Elliot,
Can you post a overall picture of the gun?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
This is getting stranger and stranger. If you look closely, there seems to be a ghost image just to the right of the second ‘4’. However, I looked at it through a magnifying glass and there was no sign of any other image forward of that spot. As you can see the wear and patina seem to be very consistant thoughout. There is no sign of any tool marks on the barrel or reciever that would be consistent with a new barrel. Here are a pic of each side. thanks, Elliot
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