Bert H. said
To further reinforce the correct answer that mrcvs stated, Winchester ceased using case color finished levers, hammers, and crescent butt plates sometime between 1915 – 1918 (depending on the specific mode).Bert
I have a Winchester 1894 rifle dating from 1908 with vivid case colouring on the hammer and lever and another one dating from 1918 that is completely blued. Both are original high-condition rifles. So I knew the change was somewhere between then and my guess it was circa WWI.
As with everything that Winchester did back in those days, there is no “drop dead” date for any of the many production changes that were made. There is always a transition period where the older parts are still being used up and the newer production parts are being phased in. Some of the production changes were brief in duration (serial number range), while others may have taken a relatively long period of time (1 – 2 years).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
oldcrankyyankee said
Phhh, wiping my brow of sweat. My son just brought home an early 53 in 32-20 that I would call very very good condition. Made 1926 but lever and hammer are blued. Had to ask ,thank you.
What is the serial number? Is it a Solid frame or a Take Down?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
oldcrankyyankee said
Phhh, wiping my brow of sweat. My son just brought home an early 53 in 32-20 that I would call very very good condition. Made 1926 but lever and hammer are blued. Had to ask ,thank you.
What is the serial number? Is it a Solid frame or a Take Down?
Bert serial is 8741. solid frame
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