Joel,
It is a standard configuration Sporting Rifle. It appears that something abrasive was used on the receiver frame which caused a near 100% loss of the factory original bluing. Are you looking to buy this as a collectable Winchester, or just a “shooter” grade rifle? What is the condition of the bore?
Based on what I can see of it in the pictures you posted, the graded condition is less than 50%. Accordingly, it really has very little potential to gain value in the foreseeable future. I would not be inclined to pay anything > $750 for it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
That confirms my suspicions. Everything looks original except the receiver, which is almost void of finish. I know the finish on receivers on 1894s from certain years would flake off, but didn’t think was the case here.
The bore is supposed to be excellent but I haven’t personally inspected it yet.
Id be buying it as a shooter, but will likely pass if it’s not original condition.
As Bert mentioned, someone has done some cleaning on the receiver a long time ago, long enough to where its got some lite rust coming back in place, either that or its old lite blue that has toned. Doesnt look like they cleaned the lower tang, compare the blue on the lower tang and the receiver metal. Almost looks like the receiver metal is etched in some of the photos, like with vinegar or some other lightly acidic compound. The magazine tube and forend cap have also been cleaned. The magazine blue should match the barrel blue, especially in the protected areas. The wood for the most part looks ok. If its got a good bore it would probably make a decent shooter at the right price.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
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