I'm having a lot of fun playing with and researching some collectable type lever actions I bought. To my chagrin a great local gun/pawn shop is closing it's doors and the owner hauled out a bunch of levers he'd been "putting back". I am not really a gun collector, but rather a modern style gun shooter, but these old levers were just too neat to pass up as well as being reasonably priced, so I brought quite a few of them home with me. No telling how many hundreds of deer they've accounted for. Mostly Winchesters but 4 Marlins.

One of them is kind of cool, at least to me, it the 41st to LAST Winchester Model 73 ever manufactured, made in 1922. It's a .32-20. Of course I found this info out after I got home. Decent but not great condition for being about 86 years old.

Which brings me to my question/dilemma.....one of the rifles is definitely a pre-64 Model 1894 in .32 WS. HOWEVER, it just doesn't feel "right" (and I make no claims to being a Winchester expert, but did deal in and collect rare coins for years so am used to seeing fakes/alterations). At any rate, there is no doubt it is a pre-64, has a serial number of MAYBE 1108** which would put it made in 1897. I THINK the serial number is probably L108**but it could be LL10** but I can't find any reference for that type number. Gun doesn't feel right, is very well blued with minimal damage. I am almost certain it is not reblued.....I've seen plenty of reblues and if this one is reblued, I want to find the guy, he's an artist.

Inscription on barrel reads "MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U. S. OF AMERICA" then below that --"WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL"--, back toward receiver is typical scroll -"Winchester" with "trade mark" below it. Then more toward receiver -Model 94-32 W.S.-.

Tang on receiver says, Model 1894, then centered Winchester then on side opposite model 1894 it says "PAT. AUG 21 1894". Rear stock seems correct with curved steel butt plate.

Any ideas, new barrel? What? My opinion is that the barrel inscription is just not right for a 1897 gun plus condition is too good although it does match the receiver, including the proof marks lining up and looking the same. Possibly refinished receiver with new barrel? I dunno, hopefully someone else can shed some light on the topic.

How close are you to Collector's Firearms on Fondren St in Houston? They are experts.

Not sure about the numbers, but I do know of at least two guys that can do a reblue that is nearly impossible to detect. But I agree with rcasto. Cheers

The 32 Special was introduced in 1902.

quote:

Originally posted by cowboykell:
The 32 Special was introduced in 1902.

My sources say the first 1894 was chambered in .32 Special in 1895.

Gato, take your question to http://www.winchestercollector.org/forum/index.php
You will find some very knowledgeable folks there.

Good luck, and good find.

"Cartridges of the World" 9th edition states 1902.