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April 15, 2005
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I have found a couple of Model 94AE 45 Colt guns with similar serial numbers, but thus far they are all Special Edition commemoratives;
WINCHESTER 94AE COMMEMORATIVE 45 COLT- IA01384 (gunsinternational.com)
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 8, 2025
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Bert,
Could this be a commemorative that a previous owner swapped the wood? It does have a lot of character, but the fit and forearm thickness had me wondering. Currently my only 94 is a pot metal early seventies version, and I’ve never handled any of the newer ones.
thanks,
Adam
April 15, 2005
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MidwestCrisis said
Bert,
Could this be a commemorative that a previous owner swapped the wood? It does have a lot of character, but the fit and forearm thickness had me wondering. Currently my only 94 is a pot metal early seventies version, and I’ve never handled any of the newer ones.
thanks,
Adam
I sincerely doubt that it was a commemorative. The rest of the gun is completely unmarked and is rather plain. The commemoratives were almost always embellished on the receiver frame and/or the barrel.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 22, 2025
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Bert H. said
I have found a couple of Model 94AE 45 Colt guns with similar serial numbers, but thus far they are all Special Edition commemoratives;
Bonhams : A .45 (Colt) ‘Model 94AE’ lever-action saddle-ring carbine by Winchester, no. IA01935, commemorating Appomattox County, Virginia, no. 5 of 10
WINCHESTER 94AE COMMEMORATIVE 45 COLT- IA01384 (gunsinternational.com)
Bert
Bert H. said
MidwestCrisis said
Bert,
Could this be a commemorative that a previous owner swapped the wood? It does have a lot of character, but the fit and forearm thickness had me wondering. Currently my only 94 is a pot metal early seventies version, and I’ve never handled any of the newer ones.
thanks,
Adam
I sincerely doubt that it was a commemorative. The rest of the gun is completely unmarked and is rather plain. The commemoratives were almost always embellished on the receiver frame and/or the barrel.
Bert
Good info Sir, I own a couple of rifles that have inexplicably good wood on them, several CZ’s, over on RFC we call it winning the wood lottery…some times the good Lord just smiles on you…thanks for the efforts folks.
May 14, 2025
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Bert H. said
I have found a couple of Model 94AE 45 Colt guns with similar serial numbers, but thus far they are all Special Edition commemoratives;
Bonhams : A .45 (Colt) ‘Model 94AE’ lever-action saddle-ring carbine by Winchester, no. IA01935, commemorating Appomattox County, Virginia, no. 5 of 10
WINCHESTER 94AE COMMEMORATIVE 45 COLT- IA01384 (gunsinternational.com)
Bert
Bert the IA you referenced above for Appomattox county I believe is an Investment Arms Custom Winchester. They were known for their Engraved Gold Winchesters and targeted municipalities. My guess is this was one of their stock Winchesters they bought in bulk to get their own IA serial # but it was never customized by them before they went out of business and was probably sold at auction with the rest of their assets. I own 3 Investment Arms Winchesters and 2 serial #’s begin with IA while 1 ends with IA. However, admittedly this is just a possible theory but it would explain the serial # and deluxe wood.
April 15, 2005
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Buck1967 said
Bert H. said
I have found a couple of Model 94AE 45 Colt guns with similar serial numbers, but thus far they are all Special Edition commemoratives;
Bonhams : A .45 (Colt) ‘Model 94AE’ lever-action saddle-ring carbine by Winchester, no. IA01935, commemorating Appomattox County, Virginia, no. 5 of 10
WINCHESTER 94AE COMMEMORATIVE 45 COLT- IA01384 (gunsinternational.com)
Bert
Bert the IA you referenced above for Appomattox county I believe is an Investment Arms Custom Winchester. They were known for their Engraved Gold Winchesters and targeted municipalities. My guess is this was one of their stock Winchesters they bought in bulk to get their own IA serial # but it was never customized by them before they went out of business and was probably sold at auction with the rest of their assets. I own 3 Investment Arms Winchesters and 2 serial #’s begin with IA while 1 ends with IA. However, admittedly this is just a possible theory but it would explain the serial # and deluxe wood.
I believe that you are on a very solid track with your theory, and the odds are better than 50/50 that you hit the proverbial nail on the head… great input to this topic! 
Bert – “The Curmudgeon”
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 22, 2025
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Bert H. said
Buck1967 said
Bert H. said
I have found a couple of Model 94AE 45 Colt guns with similar serial numbers, but thus far they are all Special Edition commemoratives;
Bonhams : A .45 (Colt) ‘Model 94AE’ lever-action saddle-ring carbine by Winchester, no. IA01935, commemorating Appomattox County, Virginia, no. 5 of 10
WINCHESTER 94AE COMMEMORATIVE 45 COLT- IA01384 (gunsinternational.com)
Bert
Bert the IA you referenced above for Appomattox county I believe is an Investment Arms Custom Winchester. They were known for their Engraved Gold Winchesters and targeted municipalities. My guess is this was one of their stock Winchesters they bought in bulk to get their own IA serial # but it was never customized by them before they went out of business and was probably sold at auction with the rest of their assets. I own 3 Investment Arms Winchesters and 2 serial #’s begin with IA while 1 ends with IA. However, admittedly this is just a possible theory but it would explain the serial # and deluxe wood.
I believe that you are on a very solid track with your theory, and the odds are better than 50/50 that you hit the proverbial nail on the head… great input to this topic!
Bert – “The Curmudgeon”
A very plausible explanation for certain…..
October 22, 2025
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After looking at a couple of their gold plated firearms I’m tickled that mine escaped that fate if that was where it was headed….
April 15, 2005
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Gerald D. said
After looking at a couple of their gold plated firearms I’m tickled that mine escaped that fate if that was where it was headed….
Ahh common now… everyone should own at least one “pimp” gun 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 22, 2025
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Bert H. said
Gerald D. said
After looking at a couple of their gold plated firearms I’m tickled that mine escaped that fate if that was where it was headed….
Ahh common now… everyone should own at least one “pimp” gun
Bert
Uh well…No, lol…
October 22, 2025
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Perhaps not surprisingly I’ve had an issue with this rifle, it likes to eat it’s own…ammo that is. Every once in a while a round will slip in under the lifter resulting in a pretty good jam. I’ve learned how to clear it but it is quite annoying…fortunately I’ve got a very good Gunsmith near by who is sure he can correct it as he has others in the past. He’s good and so stays busy so I’m looking at up to a 10 week wait.
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