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December 31, 2012
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About the same as mine. Even though it is not lettered for sling eyes, I am thinking more and more, they are original. Very hard to fake the front swivel eye. The rifle, from 1903 shows little use if at all. One of my nicest M1894’s. Thanks all for all the great info. Big Larry
September 9, 2011
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I had an 1886 Winchester rifle, cal. .50-100-450 Express, an OBFM rifle with Express sights, shotgun butt, and sling eyes.
The factory letter said, and I quote, “Eyes for the Winchester sling”. This gun was in the 125,7XX ser. no. range.
Does anyone know when Winchester started offering the sling eyes as an option? And, were both the sling eyes and sling swivels offered at the same time as options?
November 9, 2008
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oakridge said
I had an 1886 Winchester rifle, cal. .50-100-450 Express, an OBFM rifle with Express sights, shotgun butt, and sling eyes.
The factory letter said, and I quote, “Eyes for the Winchester sling”. This gun was in the 125,7XX ser. no. range.Does anyone know when Winchester started offering the sling eyes as an option? And, were both the sling eyes and sling swivels offered at the same time as options?
I have a 1893 catalog and there not in it, I don’t have 94 or 95, I do have 96 and there in that for 1.50 for eyes, sling, and hooks. Don’t see swivels listed but you could still get them
December 30, 2011
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I looked in the three older catalogs I have. March, 1891 under “Extras on Rifles”, Sling Strap: .75, Swivels and Sling Strap: 1.50. November, 1887, Same as 1891. May 1878, under “Nomenclature and Price List of Component Parts”, Stock Swivel: .40 and Screws (2): .12 (not sure if that is for a sling or not?). Hope that helps narrow it down, maybe they weren’t in that particular 1893 catalog? I think I see what you mean in the 1896 catalog, specifically the “screw eyes with swivel snap hook and sling”.
Brad
November 9, 2008
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Brad, the 1893 catalog lists sling and swivels, they are the inlet in the stock with 2 screws like the muskets
April 15, 2005
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While I do not know the exact date (year) that Winchester first began offering the screw eyes, it was most definitely before 1893. Both of my Model 1885 rifles with them letter in 1887 and 1888. I suspect that the screw eyes were first available in the early 1880s to mid 1880s (at the latest).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 30, 2011
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CJ57 said
Brad, the 1893 catalog lists sling and swivels, they are the inlet in the stock with 2 screws like the muskets
I did some more looking in the other catalogs of the time period I have here. April and November 1894 (catalog No. 53) still list the “Sling Strap: .75, Swivels and Sling Strap: 1.50.”
Catalog 55, August 1895 has changed to “Sling Strap: .50, Screw Eyes with Swivel Snap Hook and Sling: 1.50.”
Maybe catalog No.54 would answer at least when the catalog changes the specifics you are referring to? I don’t have No.54. I have no idea whether they had swivels or not, of a specific type, when etc., just thought you might be looking for the first catalog with the description you found in 1896.
Brad
July 17, 2012
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I have a copy of the Winchester patent library bound set (reprinted), would the catalog you are looking for be in there? They are in volumes by year with 1894 and 1895 being in the same volume. Didn’t see a catalog number, only the catalog date.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
December 30, 2011
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Something between November, 1894(53) and August, 1895(55). Probably February 1895. Thanks!
Brad
July 17, 2012
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Hi Brad,
I found #54 at February 1895, right in your date range. On page 48 under “Extras for Rifles” it says “screw eyes with swivel snap hook and sling….$1.50”
Let me know if you want me to check any other catalogs. Hope this helps.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
