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I saw an interesting model 37 .410 today at a gun show. It was in excellent condition, and appeared to be a late model. It had the Winchester name spelled out on the black plasic butt plate, as opposed to the circle logo, and had the later model hammer. The owner knew the guy who purchased it new. I understand these had no serial numbers, but what was interesting about this gun, is it had a 5 or 6 digit number stamped on the barrel just under the word choke. It looked like a serial number. The gun was near new and the barrel markings were vivd and sharp. The stocks were un marked, everything appeared un used. My question is, did Winchester serialize some very late last year (1963) model 37’s? The guy was asking $400, and Iwould have bought it, except for the number. Any ideas??
Thanks,
Al
Al,
Winchester did serialize some guns in the manner you describe for the export market only.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Thanks Bert. I wasn’t too sure about the number. Appreciate your help.
Al
One clue that might be useful–on most models the serial number was stamped before final polishing and there is no raised metal around the numbers as a result. If there is raised metal present it is very likely not a factory stamping.
vicvanb said
One clue that might be useful–on most models the serial number was stamped before final polishing and there is no raised metal around the numbers as a result. If there is raised metal present it is very likely not a factory stamping.
Vic,
It has been my observation that on the guns that were serialized for foreign export, the serial number was stamped on the barrel after it was polished and blued, so there is raised metal around the numerals.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
Makes me wonder if the serial number was applied at the factory or at some point after leaving the factory??
According to my research, it was applied by Winchester after a foreign order was received.
Bert
WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member
iFrom what I remember about this particular .410 I looked at, the metal was somewhat raised around the number, and the numbers were larger than the other barrel markings.
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