Winchester 55 first year production|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Per the factory records, your Model 55 Take Down rifle was manufactured on September 11th, 1924. 

Production of the Model 55 began on June 30th, 1924.  In total, Winchester manufactured approximately 20,600 Model 55 rifles, with the first 12,002 serialized in their own number range.  

I am currently writing a newly revised & updated article that will detail the production history and statistics of the Model 55.  My original article (published in the Winter 2012 edition of “The Winchester Collector” magazine) is now somewhat outdated.

With the addition of your Model 55 rifle, I now have 1,748 documented specimens (and still looking for more).

Bert

[email protected] said
I Bert,I have a model 55 to add to your tally. It is a solid receiver example in 32 special. S/n 1085099
  

Thanks for adding your Model 55 to the survey.  It was serialized in late June 1932.

Bert

Dave M. said
Bert,
Here’s another solid receiver 55 in 32 WS.  S/N 1077960
  

I had previously documented this rifle, and I noted that it has a Mail Order (P) marked barrel.

Thanks,

Bert

Gunsnfishin said
I have a .30 cal – serial 572
  

Can you confirm that it has a “24” barrel date?  If possible, send a picture of the barrel date marking to me?

Bert – [email protected]

Gunsnfishin said
Only date I could find 
  

That is the Patent date for the Take-down.

The barrel date requires removing the barrel (taking it down), and then removing the forend stock to see the date on the bottom of the barrel inside the take down extension ring.  The attached pictures show the location of the 2-digit year number stamped on the bottom of the barrel.

Bert

The second numeral appears to be a lightly struck “7” making it “27”.  I do not believe that it is marked “24”.

Thanks for checking it.

Bert

gobblerforge said
Looks like 21 to me.
  

The problem with that interpretation is this… production of the Winchester Model 55 did not begin until June 1924.  Winchester would not have manufactured a barrel for that rifle in the year 1921.  The Model 55 barrels were unique to that model only.

Bert

Gunsnfishin said
Could also be a lightly stamped 24 – what I find odd is mine runs opposite of examples you have – my 2 is toward the barrel yours are toward the gun – would have to see another 24 stamp – there’s a small tail on bottom of my second digit that isn’t on the 27 example you have – who knows 🤷🏾
  

I have seen multiple examples of the 2-digt date stamp going both directions.  

I also thought it could be a lightly stamped “4”.  It is possible that a light cleaning and different lighting & angle of the picture might better reveal second numeral.

Bert

Henry Mero said
I just got new glasss and I see a 21
  

Again, not possible.  Winchester did not manufacture any Model 55 barrels prior to 1924.  Serial number “1” was manufactured (serialized) on June 26th, 1924.

Bert

I agree, it is a faintly stamped “4”, and that is precisely what it should be.

Thanks,

Bert