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July 31, 2005
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Bert,
How many 1885 single shot rifles were made in Winchester Express (.50-95 WCF)? Also, if known was it available in this cartridge at introduction of the 1885 to the market?
thanks
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
March 31, 2009
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This is definitely a Bert question. I know that the 50-95 was available around 1880, maybe 1879.
July 31, 2005
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Chuck, the Winchester Express (that’s what the .50-95 was called until the .50-110 Express came along in 1887) was introduced in the May 1, 1879 catalog for a special version of the 1876 rifle. The Express rifle was even priced differently than other 1876 rifles.
The .50-110 Express cartridge first shows up in the November 1887 catalog as a cartridge for the 1886 rifle. I don’t know when it was added as a cartridge for the 1885 single shot.
Hopefully, Bert will be able to shed some light.
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
March 31, 2009
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Bert probably can tell us the first one made.
April 15, 2005
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The 50-95 Express was available in the Model 1885 Single Shot from day one of production. The first one made was S/N 1225, received in the warehouse on February 10th, 1886. There were (253) that can be lettered, and at least (1) that was made in the 110000 – 140000 serial number range.
The 50-110 Express was first listed in the November 1887 catalog as an available cartridge for the Model 1885 Single Shot. The first one listed in the factory ledgers was 31041, received in the warehouse on September 21st, 1889. Total that can be lettered is (99), with (3) additional found thus far > 109999.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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