Value Winchester Model 1894

[D.Sheridan]

I am seeking opinions of value for a Winchester model 1894 38-55 caliber. Round barrel, manufactured in New Haven. not checkered, not pistol grip, not blued, 26 in barrel. Everything on this gun is exceptional except the butt stack. It has some significant chips out of it. Sights are all there and work and the lever and loading mechanisms are in excellant working order. The serial # is 346619. I have been informed it was probably manufactured in 1906. I will be arranging the Cody Museum search and letter next week. I have extensive pics but cannot seem to get them on here so could send via separate email if required. pics show damage, serial # Manuf details etc.
I hope now I am in the right forum.

 

[Mike Webb]

Sounds like a standard 1894 rifle. You didn't mention if it had a crescent steel buttplate, if so it is a standard rifle and I wouldn't bother spending money on a letter. In 1906, I think some time around S/N 330, 000 the records were lost. Usually the letter is recommended if the gun has some special order features which can increase the value substantially and therefore are sometimes faked. Anything before 06 can be researched but not after, I have one S/N 453,### that is 1908, I'm quite sure it's original but it can't be researched. You said the gun is not blued, I'm assuming you mean a "gray gun" as in worn off. Without pics I would say it's a shooter so bore condition matters. Around here it would go for $350-$700 depending on condition. My two cents.