Updated post to add a few pictures with better lighting.

Just an update on the subject Model 1894 that I have been rebuilding to match the factory letter. She’s all put back together. The gunsmith said there’s excessive headspace, so I’ve ordered an oversized locking bolt to hopefully address that issue; otherwise, it will have to be a wall hanger.

Here’s what I started with:

Unsure how many of the parts were original, but I ended up replacing the hammer (tombstone design) with a first generation (widow’s peak design) and the rear sight with a sporting rear sight; that I believe is period appropriate. The mag tube got junked as it was clearly cut down and replaced with a full-length replica. The locking bolt has markings on it, which to me suggests it’s not original as I do not believe Winchester was putting makers, assemblers, fitters markings on parts in 1895. Either way it’s being replaced in attempt to address the headspace concerns. 

I did a light refinish on the stock and forearm as they were bought separately and didn’t match. The stock was the driver behind this as it had an orangish tone to it.

Before

After

I had Turnbull re-engrave the upper tang as it was completely sanded/buffed off. The end result is “ok.” In hindsight I should have listened to everyone here who said, “leave it alone.”

Before

After

Here’s the final result.