mrcvs said
How commonplace are ORIGINAL sling swivel eyes from that era?  I cannot letter the firearm, as letters are not available for rifles produced in 1918.  Would this even appear on a factory letter, if available?  Any tips on what to look for (other than symmetry) to determine if factory original, or not?  I am inclined to think these are factory original, but actually like how these look without the sling swivel eyes.  

Based solely on the data contained in my research survey, the “sling eye” style sling mounts were phased out in the early 1930s.  When Winchester introduced the Models 64, 65, and 71 (beginning in early 1933) the sling bases were designed for the QD (quick-disconnect) style slings.  The one model that I can think of off the top of me head that used both styles was the Model 54.  My 1927 production Model 54 rifle still has factory sling eyes.

Bert

86Win said
Hello Bert

Regarding sling screw eyes on my 1894 Winchester rifle, I just found on page 301 in the old (THE WINCHESTER BOOK) an 1894

With screw eyes. When I proportioned the stock length on mine as opposed to the photo, the placement came out the same. I now know there is at least one like mine.

I feel somewhat exonerated. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Don 

Don,

In your shoes, I would not consider a picture found in that book to be “exoneration” of anything.  Unless you have a factory letter stating “Sling eyes” or the rear sling eye is installed 4.0″ +/- 1/16″ from the toe of the butt stock/plate, you should not “exonerate” the sling eyes.  You have not shown us a clear picture of how the front sling eye is attached to the nose-cap… that can also be very revealing.

Bert

86Win said
Attached are photos of the rear screw eyes and front on the 1894. The top rear is 1892 lettered screw eye and bottom is 1894 unlettered. Also, the front screw eye on 1894.

  

Don,

Take the nose cap off and show us a picture of how the screw is attached to it.

Bert

Don,

The sling eye has a threaded (screw-in) shaft that was peened by “Bubba” in an attempt to make it appear to be factory work.  The fact that it does not sit flush to the inside of the nose-cap and it has an off-center punch hole (when it was peened) are both clear clues that the sling eye was installed by somebody other than Winchester.

Bert