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My dad’s at the time in his life to begin letting go of some of his Winchester collection. He has given me the honor of having first pick of that special rifle in his collection. That is a very tough decision to make as many are high condition with special order/unusual features. Out of 70+ guns, I’ve narrowed it down to the following. I don’t have photos, but I know how to grade them accurately and have confirmed originality as well. All are completely original, no refinishing at all. If given the difficult choice, which would you choose? In all honesty, I’m leaning toward choice #2–it’s a beautiful gun.
1. Model 1886 40-82 WCF caliber takedown. 8 out of 10 bore. 85% condition. Crescent butt. Everything else standard. Letters perfectly. Serialized 1894.
2. Model 1895 deluxe. 35 WCF caliber. 7/8 out of 10 bore. 85-90% condition. Crescent butt. Looks to be 3X wood. Letters perfectly with 35 caliber, “fancy checkered stock”, Lyman front and receiver sights. Serialized 1901, shipped from warehouse 1903.
3. Model 1894 WWI US/flaming bomb marked Spruce Gun. It’s a verified (by Bert H.) legit Spruce Gun and is on the survey list. 9 out of 10 bore. Solid 70-75% condition. Everything else standard and original. Serialized 1918 I believe. Would come with L.L.L.L. badge and original L.L.L.L. identification card from WWI.
4. Model 94/95 hybrid carbine with the longer barrel (I believe 22 inch) with pinned front sight. Unusual rifle butt stock/crescent butt plate. Gun was previously owned by Robert Renneberg and pictured in his 1894 book. Solid 75% condition. Excellent bore. Also on the survey list of 94/95 hybrid carbines. Serialized 1928.
5. Model 1894 .32 WS caliber. 85-90% condition. Excellent bore. Rare Lyman tang sight with windage adjustment. Smokeless rear sight. Serialized 1907.
6. Model 1894 .30 WCF caliber S.F.P.D. (San Francisco Police Department) marked eastern carbine (no saddle ring). Serialized 1932. Easy 85-90% overall condition (95% blue with some handling/rack marks on wood).
Thanks for the help,
Don
Some very nice things but I think I’d prefer #1…..but I’d think hard about #2 too
Here’s a link to photos of the 1886 takedown (choice #1). The Cody letter in the photos was incorrectly posted by Collector’s Firearms.
http://archives.collectorsfirearms.com/?category=943&subcategory=1129&category=&product=W6215
Don,
If it were me, I would probably opt for the Spruce Gun. It simply has more history & provenance going for it, especially tied to the Pacific Northwest. That stated, I would try my best to get as many of them as possible.
Please say hello to your dad for me.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
Offline
Don-
If picking one I’d opt for #1 as well but I’m guessing #2 is special for you. Of course I’d work to ensure none left the family, all sound like keepers to me.
Mike
I would pick #1 or#2 also. I really like my 1895 in the .35WCF cartridge and the 1895 looks better in the 24″ barrel version. Am also partial to the 1886.
Don,
What fantastic collectible pieces!
Tough choices, but I’d go with number 2 for the model, its condition, and all of the special features.
James
#1 is the only antique gun on the list, less laws apply. 86’s with a octagon barrel takedown are rare. T/R
TR said
#1 is the only antique gun on the list, less laws apply. 86’s with a octagon barrel takedown are rare. T/R
TR,
Do you know the statistics or production numbers for the 1886 octagon barrel takedowns? I didn’t realize that these are that rare.
Thanks,
Don
Don, Most 86 takedowns were lightweights with round barrels, I’m just going by what I’ve seen. T/R
Thanks TR. I just started looking at online auctions, etc. and the only 1886 takedowns I came across were lightweights with round barrels just like you said.
Does anyone out there have a copy of John Madl’s survey of the 1886 and can provide the statistics for takedowns with full octagon barrels? If so, that info would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Don
Don, The takedown 86 first showed up in the 1894 catalog after half the 86’s were built and the last third had a high percentage of lightweights. It’s a neat feature on a antique 86. T/R
Sounds like you have a problem that most of us would like to have! 2,3,1 – only based on my current knowledge.
TR said
Don, The takedown 86 first showed up in the 1894 catalog after half the 86’s were built and the last third had a high percentage of lightweights. It’s a neat feature on a antique 86. T/R
That makes sense–thanks T/R.
Thanks everyone for your contributions to this thread. It would be a much easier decision if all you guys just chose one ?. I think I got it narrowed down to 3 now. All are very fine rifles and it’s truly an honor to be chosen as the next caretaker of one of dad’s special guns. Whichever one I choose it will always be my favorite and will be passed on to my son when the time comes.
Don
Don, I’ve been involved in a similar situation, only I had last choice in five siblings. In your case 1st or 2nd choice won’t make any difference, good luck, choose the one you like not the one someone else likes. The value of the guns is not as important as the idea of the gift. T/R
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