I recently purchased a Winchester Model 55 take down in 30 wcf. The serial number is 1039589. According to the Redbook of Winchester Values, this serial number falls within the Model 55 as well as the Model 94 range. I can’t seem to find what year my 55 was manufactured. Were the 55’s and 94’s with identical serial numbers manufactured in the same year? The serial number 1039589 for a Model 94 puts the mfg’d year as 1929. Would that be the same year for my Model 55?
I appreciate any help.
Thanks, Richard
Hello Richard,
In answer to your question, No, there were not any Model 55 and Model 94 receivers with the same serial number on them that were manufactured in the same year. Because the Model 94 and Model 55 share the exact same receiver and all internal parts, the receivers were serialized, and then chosen at random to build either a Model 94 or a Model 55. The receiver on your Your Model 55 rifle was serialized on January 21st, 1929.
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
And the Model 56 and Model 57 😉
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
JWA said
Bert H. said
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
And the Model 56 and Model 57 😉
Best Regards,
Jeff,
As long as we are on this topic, the Models 92, 53, and 65 all shared the same serial number sequence as well, and late in production, the Models 90 and 06 shared there serials (after S/N 713199).
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
JWA said
Bert H. said
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
And the Model 56 and Model 57 😉
Best Regards,
Jeff,
As long as we are on this topic, the Models 92, 53, and 65 all shared the same serial number sequence as well, and late in production, the Models 90 and 06 shared there serials (after S/N 713199).
All good to know.
I just mentioned the 56/57 to keep the lowly rim fire rifles in the limelight. I am still trying to get some converts to the .22 RF side of the forum.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Bert H. said
Hello Richard,In answer to your question, No, there were not any Model 55 and Model 94 receivers with the same serial number on them that were manufactured in the same year. Because the Model 94 and Model 55 share the exact same receiver and all internal parts, the receivers were serialized, and then chosen at random to build either a Model 94 or a Model 55. The receiver on your Your Model 55 rifle was serialized on January 21st, 1929.
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
Hi Bert, thank you for your help on this. Very much appreciated. So, is it even worth spending $40 for a “letter”?
Richard
Chuck said
Bert H. said
Not in my opinion.
I like having the letters. It may help sell the gun easier at a latter date. One other thing to think about is that this money goes to support the Museum. This in itself is important to me.
Chuck,
A letter for a Model 55 contains just the date it was serialized… nothing else. While I agree with you about supporting the CFM, a DOM letter should not cost $40… a $20 fee would elicit more business (in my opinion).
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Chuck,
A letter for a Model 55 contains just the date it was serialized… nothing else. While I agree with you about supporting the CFM, a DOM letter should not cost $40… a $20 fee would elicit more business (in my opinion).
Sorry Bert. I didn’t realize that all you can get is the serialization date. I mostly don’t collect modern guns.

Bert H. said
Hello Richard,In answer to your question, No, there were not any Model 55 and Model 94 receivers with the same serial number on them that were manufactured in the same year. Because the Model 94 and Model 55 share the exact same receiver and all internal parts, the receivers were serialized, and then chosen at random to build either a Model 94 or a Model 55. The receiver on your Your Model 55 rifle was serialized on January 21st, 1929.
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
Tim Leveille said
Bert H. said
Hello Richard,
In answer to your question, No, there were not any Model 55 and Model 94 receivers with the same serial number on them that were manufactured in the same year. Because the Model 94 and Model 55 share the exact same receiver and all internal parts, the receivers were serialized, and then chosen at random to build either a Model 94 or a Model 55. The receiver on your Your Model 55 rifle was serialized on January 21st, 1929.
The exact same situation occurred with the Model 64 and Model 94.
Bert
Tim,
What is your question regarding the previous post quoted above?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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