
I am planning to drive a few hrs to look at a model 55. The few pics I have seem to show that the receiver is mostly silvered out with some blemishes. They don’t appear to be dents or scratches. Perhaps pits. How much will this characteristic impact the grading as it is listed in the Red Book of Winchester Values 4th edition? Thanks
Hello Mark,
Most Model 55 rifles are found with receiver frames nearly devoid of bluing, especially the earlier production rifles (those manufactured from June 1924 through 1929). That was the era of the notorious “flaking” issue with the bluing. Those darker blemishes are most likely the remnants of the bluing.
Do you know what the S/N is? Caliber? Is it a Take Down or a Solid frame?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Mark said
I am planning to drive a few hrs to look at a model 55. The few pics I have seem to show that the receiver is mostly silvered out with some blemishes. They don’t appear to be dents or scratches. Perhaps pits. How much will this characteristic impact the grading as it is listed in the Red Book of Winchester Values 4th edition? Thanks
Mark, I LOVE those “silvered out” guns, which merely means loss of blue through honest wear, & has NOTHING to do with with pitting or other abuse!
“Blemishes,” such as the evidence of careless handling, are a different matter entirely.

Bert H. said
Hello Mark,Most Model 55 rifles are found with receiver frames nearly devoid of bluing, especially the earlier production rifles (those manufactured from June 1924 through 1929). That was the era of the notorious “flaking” issue with the bluing. Those darker blemishes are most likely the remnants of the bluing.
Do you know what the S/N is? Caliber? Is it a Take Down or a Solid frame?
Bert
It is 30 caliber in the Take Down model. Don’t have SN. Yet. Driving tomorrow to see it. It it is 12002 or less I will know the year mfg.
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