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The seller has a NIB Model 42 with serial # WFT406. He has it priced at $2265.00, which appears to be very low for a NIB Model 42.
The box end shows it was made in Japan, and has a sticker with the above serial number glued over where the actual serial number should be located in the bottom right corner of the Winchester sticker on the box end.
It also says Olin Corporation and on top of the bar code is the Code Number: 35410.
Below the bar code are the numbers: 48702 35410. The complete bar code is: 0 4870235410 6
It also says: “Winchester Trademark Licensed From Olin Corporation. This is located on the sticker which covers up the true serial number.
The Winchester sticker shows it to be High Grade, 26″ barrel, 3″ chamber and Full choke.
I have many questions, but the main one is: Do you think this is a fake model 42 and did Winchester (Olin) have any of these made in Japan?
Thanks for your help with this.
April 15, 2005
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It is real, but it is a modern reproduction that was made in Japan (Miroku) versus an original Winchester Model 42 made back in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. The price is about right.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks very much Bert. I am going to pass on this one and try to buy one that was made in the US.
Do you know when they started making these in Japan? I assume it was after Olin bought them out.
Thanks much.
April 15, 2005
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Stan,
No, I do not know when they started making them in Miroku Japan, but believe that it was after Olin Industries got out of the gun making business in December of 1980.
Olin bought the original Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1930 (out of bankruptcy), and owned the New Haven CT factory until May of 1981 when it was sold to the newly formed U.S. Repeating Arms Co. (USRACo). I very much suspect that the Model 42 shotguns manufacture in Japan were in the 1990s.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
