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December 9, 2002
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I was curious to know if this #27, as claimed to be on this older add in a sold Guns International post, was in fact a rack number, or what it might be. According to the picture, it’s pretty plain to see it’s been on there awhile, and the seller claims it to be a, “Rack Number”.
Bob,
I’m hoping you or you’re brother, or any other member may know what it stands for or means. Heck, maybe a member here has it or, maybe bought or sold it. I don’t recall ever seeing it before, or anything like it.
I find it very interesting.
Anthony
July 14, 2016
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Looks like it has sold. I would be interested to know what it sold for. I recently picked up an honest 1st model SRC down here.
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
May 2, 2009
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I see there are two of these posts and I posted on the other one so I’ll reply to this one as well.
Yes that is a rack number. There is a consecutive gun to it I found, serial 13301 that is marked 34 on the top tang but no picture of the upper tang that was sold on Julia’s Auction in their October 2015 auction. That gun is full nickel but they state how it letters but it didn’t mention the nickel and the gun has assemble numbers which they think means it was special order but the gun was in the warehouse for about 3 months. No mention of a rack number in the ledger. The gun on GI looks like it was a blued gun when looking around the trigger and saddle ring. Who ever bought it should have Cody research the ledger for other guns in that order number because there might be 34 of them.
https://jamesdjulia.com/item/3041A-386/
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 9, 2002
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1873man said
I see there are two of these posts and I posted on the other one so I’ll reply to this one as well.
I’m really not sure why that posted twice!
Thanks Bob,
That really helps me to understand it a little more.
So what exactly is a Rack Number? Was the Rack, at the Winchester factory, or in a Police, or RxR Station?
I always assumed it was in a rack in an orderly manner lined up in numerical order to help keep track of a said number, but where is or was this rack at?
Anthony
May 2, 2009
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Anthony,
Winchester used the serial numbers to track the guns. Rack numbers were used by big companies, police and prisons etc. to track who the gun was issued to and when they were put into a storage rack when not being carried they could be easily located. Most guns that have rack numbers also had some form of name of the organization that owned them but these two don’t so finding out who used them is going to very difficult to impossible unless one turns up with more markings or history with the gun.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
July 14, 2016
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Following on what Bob said above, most prison guns should be marked.
Here in my home town of Melbourne our biggest prison was called Pentridge Prison. It operated from 1851 to 1997. It still stands today. The guards used 1873 SRCs there up until the mid 1950s when there was an escape. The public outcry when they found the guards were still using wild west lever actions put a stop to them. They were replaced with M1 carbines.
Pentridge Prison 1873s are coveted here and I have two of them. They were marked on the bronze lifter with a rack number and most of them also had a small stamp with 5 digits and a small ‘J.R’ stamp. The JR stamp was from gun dealer James Rosier here in Melbourne who received the guns for the prison. They also have distinct wear patterns and the bores on most are excellent as they were cared for. There is excellent documentation on these Pentridge Prison guns. It’s all about the provenance with these types of Winchesters.
Here is my rack number 47. I am the second owner. I find it so cool that I can trace the history of this gun from 1883.
Chris
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
December 9, 2002
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Bob,
I appreciate you’re follow up, as those we’re my thoughts completely. By asking some questions here on the forum, I feel it increases our learning, and helps others, besides myself as the Winchester History is another reason why we all come here. I pick up little tidbits on every post, and dwell on them. Sometimes over thinking things, but it’s the way my mind processes things.
Chris D.
Thanks also on following up, as you’re information can increase our awareness on those prison marked rifles out there. A very interesting rifle you have there! Many of us collectors do enjoy knowing the history of such markings on them. Thanks again for posting it!
Anthony
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