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January 19, 2006
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Hello there,
I’m a relatively new WACA (and BBCOW) member and can’t thank enough all of the knowledgable folks here sharing information. I have about a dozen Winchesters in my collection and have learned more reading this forum than I think I have since I started collecting 10 years ago.
Maybe someone here has some hints. I have a M1894 (30WCF, 26″ Full Octagon, Full Magazine, Buckhorn sight, Nickel Barrel, Crescent Butt) that’s still fully functional and crisp, but has definitely seen some use in its day. It’s aged to a nice brown patina and shows wear in high handling areas, especially the underside of the receiver where the SN is. As a result, I can’t quite make out the first digit (and maybe the second, although I think it is a zero – SN# X01374). Unfortunately the magazine plug screw at the muzzle is pretty buggered so I can’t get the magazine (and hence the forearm) off to see if there is a date stamp on the barrel.
Does anyone have any thoughts on how ti ID this rifle otherwise? Any other place I might look for a hint as to the serial number?
Thanks in advance,
Steve
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
April 2, 2009
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Try sending a couple of photos of the upper tang marking, barrel address, top of the hammer and the top of the receiver where it meets the barrel (proof mark or no proof mark) this will help narrow down the first number of the serial number.
Brian
January 19, 2006
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Thanks Brian.
Here are some more images:
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
January 22, 1999
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Well,
It appears to me that the serial number is,
#91874
"I Would Have Rather Lived Through The Industrial Revaluation"
"Instead of The Space Age"
From
The Twilight Zone
January 19, 2006
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You may be correct on that. Honestly I’ve looked at this in every light at every angle and thought that was a “3” but when I went to post pics, I used a plugin to do some edge-enhancement to bring out the detail and now I think that may be an “8” as well.
As far as the first visible digit, I assumed there should be one more leading digit as that would center the SN but maybe that’s not an assumption I should make. If there isn’t a hidden digit then you are right, that would have to be a “9” most likely.
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
April 23, 2012
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- Since the proof marks on barrel and receiver and hammer pattern I think your 6 digit serial no. Starts with a 3 ( the missing digit)
2nd half visible digit probably a 0 ,not a 3 or 8
if not a 0 it could only otherwise be a 9
Havng fun looking at pics with new phone (pretty clear when enlarging ) but I am awaiting new glasses
My guess 301374
Someone will be able to peg it shortly, better than I
April 15, 2005
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Steve,
Based on the factory markings on the barrel (and their specific location), the upper tang marking (Type-2), and the fact that it is proof marked, the serial number was 401374. Serial number 301374 would have had the caliber stamp on the top flat of the barrel, and serial number 501374 would have a Type-3 upper tang marking.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 19, 2006
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Thanks Bert,
If I could ask an amateur question, you refer to “Type-2” etc markings. Is there a definite reference for these? I have Madis and Williamson, but I don’t necessarily see clear definitions of different “Types” except in general description of lineage and then Madis will refer to both barrel and tang markings in describing the different generations.
I guess I am wondering if there is a table of roll marks somewhere that is the definitive reference?
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
December 12, 2012
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Bert is probably referring to Robert Rennebergs book, “Winchester Model 1894, a century of craftsmanship” A excellent reference.
January 19, 2006
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Wow. Thanks. Just bought the Kindle book. You aren’t kidding. There’s a world of info in there.
Thanks again.
Steve
WACA Member. CFM Member. NRA Lifer.
April 15, 2005
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I was referring to my own survey, but Yes, it is nearly identical to the information in Bob Renneberg’s books.
There were nine different upper tang markings used as follows;
Type 1, 1A, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6, and 7. I have (through my research survey) very closely defined when each type was used (serial number range). Bob was unaware of the Type-5A until I pointed it out to him a few years ago.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 7, 2010
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Steve, There is a trick used by collectors of fine old shotguns to read difficult to discern proofmarks..Smoke the serial number area with a candle until a nice layer of soot covers it. Then gently lay a piece of scotch tape across the serial number..press down across the tape, carefully peal off the tape and then put the tape on a sheet of bright white paper…some times the results are truly amazing. no guarantee’s but it is worth a try.
May 2, 2009
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From what I see there is no way to lift the number with smoke. The only way is to use crime lab acid but that would require polishing the serial number which will ruin the patina finish.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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