I purchased this model 94 in 1986 from a neighbor that bought it new in 1981. He told me it was a John Wayne commemorative addition at the time of purchase. I have since found out that it is not but I would like to know more about it. The 1981 checks out with the serial # 5021096 but the rest of his story did not. Can anybody here tell me more ?
Regards Brian

Is the receiver engraved? Can't see it very well in the pic.

No engraving just shinny silver. Next question would be what is the finish...nickel ?

Well its definitely not a John Wayne. It looks to me like someone put a John Wayne lever on the gun and then added several other brushed chrome accessories on it. The factory didn't offer nickel plate at that late of a date. There were several commemoratives that had chrome hammers, bbl. bands, etc. Someone could have had these parts and used them to "upgrade" a M94. Looks nice though.

Here is a different picture of the finish. To me it looks more like a nickel finish rather than a chrome but I am no expert. I am no longer in contact with my old neighbor but I do remember him buying it new around 1981-1982 and this is what it looked like then. Is it possible that the place he bought it from customized it to this point or was this a factory option that could be ordered?