WinchesterOwners.com

While recently trying to determine the value of my Model 1894, I have posted questions on a couple of different forums and message boards. I have an 1894 with a low serial number of 79019. The information I found from this very authentic looking Winchester site (http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/f ... uments.pdf) would indicate that my 1894 was actually manufactured in 1897, making it an antique and, in theory, increasing it's value. However, while asking a pricing question on another board that I would consider extremely knowledgeable, I was told that the actual manufacture date was in 1899, making it one year newer than would qualify as an antique firearm. Any idea why Winchester themselves aren't correcting what appears to be their own very available documentation? OR, is theirs actually the correct date?

I believe the one you have posted is accurate. Here is another very convenient site that also Decodes the years. Type in your number and it will also show "1897".

http://oldguns.net/sn_php/windateslooku ... in1894.dat

Bill

If I am breaking any of the rules of this board, I sincerely apologize, but here is the info I was referencing. ( http://www.gunvaluesboard.com/when-exac ... -1404.html) These gentlemen claim my gun was actually manufactured in 1899, rather than the 1897 that the links that you have included show. It makes quite a bit of difference in a gun like mine whether it was actually manufactured in 1897 or 1899, and the cost to have it verified by the Cody Museum is pretty pricey I believe.

Are you trying to just date it...or sell it, depending on the date !?

Just curious...

Hi Shooter,

My intention is to get a 100% accurate date on it so that it CAN be priced correctly for sale as I would like to sell it. With the date be so close to antique classification, OR NOT, I want to be sure both myself and any interested buyer are dealing on something honest and accurate.

I'm not sure what to think. I went to the site you provided and matched 4 different Decodes with the ones I use. Two pre-WWII numbers were different and two post-war's were the same. If I were in your situation, I would try to get a well respected 3rd opinion somewhere. Also have you tried to contact Winchester for their input on it?

Bill

OK...I wish you the best with your endeavor.

Let us know the final determination...