I need info on my old Winchester

[pantera52]

Hello all-

I recently inherited a Winchester Model 1894.
Im looking to get an idea of the value and possibly some history behind it.

Here are the specifics:

Possible year manufactured is 1897
Serial number = 1052** (six digits)
Octagon barrel
"Nickel Steel Barrel Especially For Smokeless Powder" stamped on barrel
"30 W.C.F" stamped on barrel
The bore seems very good (imho which doesnt have much background)
There is absolutely zero rust
The wood is in above average shape

Any info and/or links to any useful sites will be much appreciated and well respected

[Shoot-it]

I was going to buy a post 1964 model 30/30 and got a lot of my answers from goggling it to bad I didn't save the wed sites for you.

it seems yours will be worth some serious money.

[audiopro74]

If you get ahold of the Cody Museum, they can give you all the info of date mfg, and where it was shipped to, and such. Think they charge like 45 bucks, but it's a nice letter to have with older pieces like that. Need to do it for my 1886 hex 45-90.

[pantera52]

Awesome guys. Ill have to do that.
Is there a place where I can find out what its worth? I've got a couple PM's saying the value is "a lot". Not sure where that puts it considering "a lot" can vary person to person.
Thanks again

[SVT-40]

Your rifle was made in 1901.

[pantera52]

I will check out those sites. Does anyone know of A good auction house in or around the bay area that auctions high end antique firearms?

[audiopro74]

Hopefully someone else will chime in with the guys name, But there is a guy I see in reno every year that deals in nothing but old winchesters. Depending on condition, and features it could be worth anywhere between 4,000, and 20,000.

[RandyD]

Like you, I also inherited my grandfather's Winchester 1894, serial #131XXX, which was made in 1894. The exact configuration and condition of your rifle, will affect the value. Your rifle appears to be in very good condition. A collector who is knowledgeable in Winchesters should rate your condition. Octagon barrels which you appear to have increases the value. My rifle has a half and half barrel, which the rear half of the barrel is octagon and the front half of the barrel is round. Your photo does not show the front of the barrel but if it is a "half and half" barrel they bring a higher premium. The Saddle Ring Carbines, which yours appears not to be are highly sought after but for some reason they don't bring a high value. As the previous posters have recommended, get a letter from the Cody Museum, the next time I am in Cody, I intend to take my Winchester with me to have them inspect it and issue a letter. I also think the recent auctions will give you a fair appraisal value, but a rifle is like any other commodity, its value will fluctuate with the market. I believe if I sold my rifle, I would be able to get around $1,500.00 for it, but since it belonged to my grandfather, I'll never sell. One interesting fact, my grandfather bought the rifle used in 1913 for $13.00.

[pantera52]

Hopefully someone else will chime in with the guys name, But there is a guy I see in reno every year that deals in nothing but old winchesters. Depending on condition, and features it could be worth anywhere between 4,000, and 20,000.

Looks like I may have to plan a trip to the Reno show that's in a couple weeks.

[audiopro74]

Looks like I may have to plan a trip to the Reno show that's in a couple weeks.

I may have to hide in your trunk.

You'll know the guy when you see him. Last time I saw him he had rifles up to like 45,000. Some truely beautiful specemins. Had one in the same config as mine, but in better shape, and wanted 25,000 for it.

[pantera52]

I may have to hide in your trunk.

You'll know the guy when you see him. Last time I saw him he had rifles up to like 45,000. Some truely beautiful specemins. Had one in the same config as mine, but in better shape, and wanted 25,000 for it.

Now that's funny.
Firearms priced that high shouldn't be very hard to miss.
Thanks for the info guys.

[pantera52]

Any of you Friday night cal gunners have any input on this thread?

[pantera52]

Bump. Any more info?

[pantera52]

Ttt