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December 18, 2025
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New to the forum. Pretty happy with my recent find. Now in hand it almost seems in too good of condition. A little sun bleach (not sure if I should try to fix this or just leave it be) from a buttstock protector, but otherwise almost near perfect. Made in 1926, it has sure stood the test of time well thanks to someone’s care. If anyone knows anything about this rifle please chime in. Tang sight is a Marble and not factory, but the rear iron I’m not sure. Also a Marble but a folder..likely not factory from what I can see. Any clues as to the value?
Thanks and Merry Christmas.
April 15, 2005
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What is the serial number? With it, I can determine the precise date of manufacture.
The steel surfaces are original, but the stocks have been lightly sanded and refinished. As you surmised, the Marbles sights (both the tang & barrel sights) are not factory original to the rifle. Winchester installed a 22F (Flat top) sporting rear sight as standard.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 18, 2025
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Hi Bert,
It is serial # 4390.
What is the appropriate site elevator for the 22F? I’ll have to start looking for a proper sight.
Thanks,
Bruce
April 15, 2005
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dr.sober said
Hi Bert,
It is serial # 4390.
What is the appropriate site elevator for the 22F? I’ll have to start looking for a proper sight.
Thanks,
Bruce
July 10th, 1926 is the date of manufacture for s/n 4390.
The correct elevator is shown in the pictures that I previously posted. It is a “1C” elevator.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 18, 2025
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Fantastic. Thank you.
May 14, 2025
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Wow Doc, she looks amazing. Congrats on a nice find and thanks for sharing!
November 19, 2006
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Nice rifle. It screams out for the correct vintage sights!
February 1, 2013
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Very nice rifle!
December 13, 2006
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Yup! . . .
Very, Very nice! . . . .and a take-down to boot!
December 18, 2025
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If anyone knows where I can get a correct rear sight, and shipped to Canada:) I found an elevator locally, but only the 22E sights and not the F. Appreciated.
March 23, 2010
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The Model 55 are nice rifles.I have one in solid frame.It shoots well.In the past I bagged a deer with the rifle.Will you be shooting your rifle?
December 21, 2006
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dr.sober, where in the cold gray north are You located?
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
November 19, 2006
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I want to make note here that I very much appreciate the survey work Bert has done on the Model 55 
February 17, 2022
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steve004 said
Nice rifle. It screams out for the correct vintage sights!
Screams out for correct sights? heck I say it screams out for a proper white tail hunt! Sorry Steve it isn’t in 32WS. I keep looking for one in that calibre. Nice rifle Doc!
November 19, 2006
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I’ll also add that I find the M55 a very nice handling and well-balanced rifle. I don’t think it gets any better on the M1894/94 platform.
February 17, 2022
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steve004 said
I’ll also add that I find the M55 a very nice handling and well-balanced rifle. I don’t think it gets any better on the M1894/94 platform.
Maybe an extra fancy sporting?
April 15, 2005
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steve004 said
I want to make note here that I very much appreciate the survey work Bert has done on the Model 55
Thanks… I am planning to write a new (updated) article that will detail all of the information that I have acquired through the survey and from other sources. Currently I have just shy of 1,700 Model 55 rifles documented in the survey. It was back in 2012 when I wrote the first article… it sure does not seem that it was that long ago!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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oldcrankyyankee said
steve004 said
Nice rifle. It screams out for the correct vintage sights!
Screams out for correct sights? heck I say it screams out for a proper white tail hunt! Sorry Steve it isn’t in 32WS. I keep looking for one in that calibre. Nice rifle Doc!
Tom –
It’s fine his isn’t a .32 Special rifle as I have my own M55 in .32 Special here. However, I like the M55 so much, I even have one in .30 WCF!
The M1894 Extra Fancy Sporting rifle is a fine piece. I was referring to the balance and handling characteristics of the M55 that I feel place it at the top (in that regard). The very short magazine, light 24 inch barrel and a shotgun butt – quite the ultimate refinement in my opinion. The presence of a Lyman No. 21 would be the cherry on top for me.
Bert – I’ll look forward to the updated article 
December 18, 2025
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Thanks all, and thanks Bert for all the research. Located near Calgary, AB. I actually have a M64 on the way in 32winsp. Thinking of hunting with the 64 and leaving the 55 because it’s in such good shape.
December 21, 2006
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Bruce; You need to bring ’em ’round to the Calgary show in April and We’ll have a look and say Hi. I always have a chair for a chat etc.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
