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November 3, 2015
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Did a search and did not see any question or the answer to my question so I apologize if this has been asked before. If the records are limited at Cody for certain models – say the 1907 self loader – then how do authors come up with information like – 120 of these rifles were sent to Great Britain during WWI – or the French received 2000 of these rifles in 1915-1916 during WWI? Cody apparently has factory records info on serial numbers 1-9999 – basically just the beginning of the production starting in 1908 – and has other more limited records for serial numbers 10,000-50,000 – apparently little more than dates the serial numbers were applied for by the factory? So where is this more detailed information coming from if not the Cody Museum? I’ve purchased Schreier’s ARMAX article from 1990 on Winchester Semi-automatic rifles but it hasn’t arrived yet and maybe the info is in there? But rather than wait until I receive it I though I would pose the question here just in case there is another records source that I could look into? Thank you for your time.
John
WACA No. 9886. Constantly learning about Model 1907 and Model 1910 Self-Loading Rifles.
July 17, 2012
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You are refering to 2 different kinds of information. For a serial number search the Warehouse Ledgers and Polishing Room information at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West – Cody Firearms Museum (aka “Cody”) is used to reference a specific serial number. The inclusive McCraken Research Library also has documentation, correspondence and drawings from Winchester which contain a LOT of information on the various models but in most cases it is not specific to a serial number so it is not referenced in a factory letter.
I can’t speak for all authors but I glean a LOT of information from the internal correspondence, production and sales information, production ledgers and other assorted documents housed at Cody. I have noticed memos and documents in the Cody files which directly support statements made by authors in some books so I know that is the source of some of their information as well.
Depending upon what you are researching, the Winchester collection MS20 at McCraken contains a wealth of information on almost all of the Winchester models if you are willing to dig through the banker’s boxes.
Additionally, I have gotten information from Winchester documents and drawings owned by private parties. Back when Winchester was purging the file cabinets thankfully there were a number of “dumpster divers” to save that info for future generations.
Hope that answers your question.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
November 3, 2015
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JWA,
That’s exactly the information that I needed. Thank You!
John
WACA No. 9886. Constantly learning about Model 1907 and Model 1910 Self-Loading Rifles.
July 17, 2012
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Glad to help. Forgot to add welcome to WACA! There are some great guys here.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 31, 2012
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And you Sir are one of my favorites. Your friend, Big Larry
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