In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Winchester SNs
WildBill
Member Posts: 88 ✭✭
I recently purchased a 1886 Winchester. Sent a inquirey to Cody and it came back, as I expected with all information but one item. The caliber as sent from the factory was 40/82. However, caliber marked on rifle is 45/70.
Examination of the gun shows the correct barrel markings (for a 91XXX gun , which it is. ) Is there anyway way of telling if this piece was rebarelled at the factory. All proof and ID marks on the exterior appear as factory done. And Barrel is aged the same as receiver. Never been re-blued.
I suppose if it was a pro job, outside of factory and they had purchased a marked barrel from Winchester , it would distract from value ??? Thanks in advance from you smart guiys.
Wildbill
Examination of the gun shows the correct barrel markings (for a 91XXX gun , which it is. ) Is there anyway way of telling if this piece was rebarelled at the factory. All proof and ID marks on the exterior appear as factory done. And Barrel is aged the same as receiver. Never been re-blued.
I suppose if it was a pro job, outside of factory and they had purchased a marked barrel from Winchester , it would distract from value ??? Thanks in advance from you smart guiys.
Wildbill
Comments
Dave is correct in that your 1886 should not have the "WP" proof marks on it. However, if your rifle was returned to the factory for rework after about 1901, it would have the proof marks on both the barrel and frame. Does the factory letter you have mention anything about an "R & R"? The circle "P" Dave mentioned is also a possibility. We really need to know exactly what is stamped on the barrel and frame. Also, please provide the Winchester address "exactly" as it appears on the barrel. One other suggestion... call Waddy Colvert at the Cody Museum and ask them to double check the entry in the factory ledger (it is possible that who ever looked it up got off by one line in the ledger). Lastly, the people in the warehouse who originally filled in the ledger did indeed make a mistake or two (but not very often though). Until we know more about this, it is tough to say whether or not it will be a big distraction to the value.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
WACA Historian & Life Member
Manufactured by the ---- ist line, Second line ---Winchester repeating arms Co, New Haven Conn USA ---- No patent date. The caliber marking 45/70 is on top next to the receiver but very light.
If the caliber marking had been overstamped I would think you could see it. I cannot find any other marks on the Octagonal barrel at all. I have not taken the forearm off ( not a smith ) so I dont mess with any mechanics
Bill
Bill
It appears that you have a rifle that some previous owner swapped the barrel on (45-70 being a much more popular and easy to obtain cartridge). The caliber stamp should be real clear and crisp, which leads me to believe that the barrel was polished and reblued before being installed on the rifle. The fact that it does not letter properly, and it appears to have a refinished barrel, will significantly reduce its collectability (and value). However, because it is a true "Antique", and it is a 45-70, it is still likely to be worth in the $1500 - $1800 range.
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
WACA Historian & Life Member
Wildbill
Thanks Bert; If you ever need to know anything about Boilers or carpet just ask me, heheheeh.
Wildbill
You are quite welcome, and don't hold your breath on me asking you any questions about either one of those topics[:D]
Bert H.
Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
WACA Historian & Life Member