A relative has just found this in storage in very good condition for 114 years. The wood forestock is well-used, polished and worn from use, and the wood butt has a metal plate that matches the receiver which would lead me to believe the fore stock and butt are original. The barrel which measures 19" from the breech and has the words "Nickel steel barrel especially for smokeless powder" stamped on the side, and the receiver carries a 6-digit serial number which from a search of records found at this point on line indicates its year of manufacture to be 1896.
The top of the barrel reads "Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, Conn."
The action could stand to be cleaned and oiled, but its in outstanding condition, it moves and cylces beautifully. Its a shorter barreled rifle, 19" as it was reportedly designed to be kept in a sheath or scabbard on horse back. The overall length is about 38" as you can see from the photo with the scale below the rifle.
So, I was asked to check into the value of this piece, and I thought I'd ask here as to suggestions of its value, and I'll continue to make enquiries. As it is, I'm encouraging them to keep this firearm as an heirloom piece.
Many thanks,
Chris
The top of the barrel reads "Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. New Haven, Conn."
The action could stand to be cleaned and oiled, but its in outstanding condition, it moves and cylces beautifully. Its a shorter barreled rifle, 19" as it was reportedly designed to be kept in a sheath or scabbard on horse back. The overall length is about 38" as you can see from the photo with the scale below the rifle.
So, I was asked to check into the value of this piece, and I thought I'd ask here as to suggestions of its value, and I'll continue to make enquiries. As it is, I'm encouraging them to keep this firearm as an heirloom piece.
Many thanks,
Chris
Last edited: