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Wonder if anyone might have a source for information on firearms used by American Express in the early 20th century?
We just acquired a family heirloom, a solid frame winchester 1897 made about 1913. Serial number E588XXX. Long ago, it was rebarreled with a 28″ full choke barrel marked Model 97. “Winchester” is in a slanted font so newer than the gun. The left side of the receiver is marked AMEX CO 353. If it was used by AMEX guards, my guess is that it started life as a riot gun and was rebarreled when obtained by the family.
My guess is that it must have started life as a riot gun. Since AMEX’s railway business was nationalized in 1917 during WW1, it must have been in use by AMEX between 1914/1914 to 1917. Not sure when the family obtained it other than long ago.
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I have some limited information about the Model 1893 and 1897 Riot Guns purchased by the U.S. Express company, but nothing for the “American Express” company. For my Model 1897 research survey, I would like to get the serial number on your gun, and a clear picture of the marking you mention.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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