Avatar
Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon
Three digit Model 1894 with mismatched parts
Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 9
Member Since:
January 19, 2019
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
May 29, 2019 - 11:39 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

New member here.  A local museum asked for help evaluating a donated collection of 32 Model 1894 and Model 94 rifles and carbines.  About 1/3 of the collection are commemoratives in the original boxes with commemorative ammunition. 

The other firearms range from a 3 digit serial # in .38-55 through relatively recent angle eject guns with safety in new condition.  Although the donor was supposedly a knowledgeable collector, several were mixmasters:  An early carbine with a newer buttstock and steel shotgun buttplate, a carbine with replaced barrel and magazine tube, carbine with a replaced loading gate spring cover, a couple with replaced sights, rifle with replaced barrel that was loose in the action.  

My question is about the .38-55.  The finger lever link, the breech bolt, and carrier are obvious replacements.  The rest of the rifle (26 inch round barrel) would grade very good antique standards with even brown patina, clear and sharp markings.  Wood also very good with minor dings and wear, no missing wood or bruises.  No remaining blue even in protected areas.  The donor claims the rifle was appraised at $6000, and the museum considers it the “gem” of the collection. 

I understand no one will want to place a value on the gun without more information and lots of pictures.  But how much do the replaced parts detract from  collector value?

If there is interest,  I can ask the curator to provide pictures although I have tried to post pictures here before without success. 

Thank you for your time and patience.

Avatar
Bert H.
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 14095
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
May 30, 2019 - 2:57 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

The fact that it is a 3-digit serial number very strongly points towards it being a 1st variation Model 1894, which adds a premium to the value. This is a case where clear detailed pictures of the rifle are needed to provide a meaningful assessment.

If you can, send photos of the rifle to me at [email protected]

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Member
WACA Member
Forum Posts: 9
Member Since:
January 19, 2019
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
June 1, 2019 - 8:56 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

The staff at the museum took the gun to Cody where it was verified made in the third month of production. I’ll ask the curator for pictures.  Thanks for the offer.

Forum Timezone: UTC 0
Most Users Ever Online: 21294
Currently Online: Pete Hynard, SureShot, MNwin
Guest(s) 473
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
TXGunNut: 7197
clarence: 7119
Chuck: 6555
steve004: 5566
1873man: 4878
deerhunter: 2889
twobit: 2669
Big Larry: 2578
mrcvs: 2401
Maverick: 2172
Newest Members:
Matthew Prince
Paradox757
shuiqlazam
PNWSkol
rayjoy51
1stpersonshoot3r
Lastwagen
smokumjames
ken1989
tcweerts
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 18
Topics: 15680
Posts: 142503

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 2057
Members: 10561
Moderators: 3
Admins: 4
Administrators: Mike Hager, Bert H., JWA, SethJ
Moderators: Rob Kassab, Brad Dunbar, Heather
Navigation