I looked of his ’73 serial #88. I thought it was fairly worn but for a number that early, I suppose it is pretty good. I also noted he has two rare cased sights sets – very desirable. He actually has several nice rifles. I was particularly struck by the nicest Whitney-Kennedy .45-60 SRC I have ever seen. Another Winchester that I found intriguing (the rifle itself as well as the fact that he selected it for his collection) was this M1907:
TR – as far as why, I have to agree with the comment already made: his reverse mortgage is due 😉
TR said
Steve, I like the reverse mortgage comment.Did you see lot 3011, 1894 s/n 152. neat stuff in this auction. T/R
TR –
Just looked at serial number 152. Nice early ’94. Yes, lots of nice pieces in this auction. Tom has some nice items. I’m sure what he’s doing makes sense to him – remember, this is not his first rodeo.
November 7, 2015

steve004 said
TR –
Just looked at serial number 152. Nice early ’94. Yes, lots of nice pieces in this auction. Tom has some nice items. I’m sure what he’s doing makes sense to him – remember, this is not his first rodeo.
If these are his culls I’d love to see what he’s keeping!
Mike
TR said
The 1894 s/n 152 in the RIA auction is estimated at $3000-4500, cheap for a gun shipped in the first 10 days. What’s the purpose of the extra plug screw on the left side of the receiver? The description calls it a non-factory hole. T/R
I’m not seeing any extra plug screws in the left side of that receiver.
TR said
Steve, I’m not an expert on 94’s, but the description says “a non-factory added filler screw”. Maybe someone can explain. T/R
T/R – yes, I did see that in the description. I think they are in error – which is unfortunate for them. Telling buyers the rifle is not original, when it is… is a great way to suppress bidding! I wonder if the owner thinks there is an extra filler screw? I’m sure if I am wrong about this someone will come along tell us.
TR said
Steve, According to Robert Renneberg’s book the screw holds the cartridge guides in place on a 1st model. T/R
Exactly, so it is not an extra filler screw. And this rifle is surely a first model. Might be a favorable opportunity to scoop this rifle up. Some bidders might be spooked the the reported extra screw.
Speaking of extra holes, I saw, if I remember correctly, an extra hole in about the center of the carbine buttplate on a ’92 (I think) Or, the start of an extra hole. I can’t find it now, but that one had me scratching my head – why anyone would do that? Anyway else see it? As I said, I can’t recall which lot it was.
TR said
The 1894 s/n 152 in the RIA auction is estimated at $3000-4500, cheap for a gun shipped in the first 10 days. What’s the purpose of the extra plug screw on the left side of the receiver? The description calls it a non-factory hole. T/R
As discussed, that rifle does not have an “extra” plug screw in the receiver. It is a First Model, and is perfectly normal. Based on my research (survey), approximately 3,500 First Model 1894s were manufactured. Based on what I have been able to verify thus far, the first Second Model 1894 I have confirmed is serial number 510 (a 38-55 Take Down rifle). First Models were intermixed with Second Models through serial number 7471, with the bulk of them found before serial number 5300.
I am still actively searching for any Model 1894 below serial number 8,000.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Speaking of early serial numbers, Morphy’s sold #22 in 2013. At that time, they said it was the earliest number known. Bert – I seem to recall several numbers lower than that have come to light? In fact, if memory serves me, at least one single digit ’94?
steve004 said
Speaking of early serial numbers, Morphy’s sold #22 in 2013. At that time, they said it was the earliest number known. Bert – I seem to recall several numbers lower than that have come to light?
Steve,
That was auction house “hype”. I was aware of serial numbers 3, 5, 8, and 21 well before 2013. The factory ledger page is blank for serial numbers 3 & 5.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
A first model 1894, serial number 148 is for sale on GunBroker.
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/881053308
Al
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