New (to me) 1894 in 38-40

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miker557
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New (to me) 1894 in 38-40

Post by miker557 »

Just picked up a really nice example of this model, to find the serial number as #16XX - same on the bottom of the receiver as on the side of the upper tang. Since this number (in Marlin's scheme of things) dates prior to 1883, would I be right to assume this is one of those guns that was made 1906-1916, when records - and maybe serial numbers - didn't matter a lot to the company? Thanks for your time, folks.

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Regnier (gunrunner)
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Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40

Post by Regnier (gunrunner) »

Miker;

As the old saying goes; Location, location, location! Is the serial number located under the lever, or is it up, near the forearm? Makes a difference as to when it was made.
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marlinman93
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Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40

Post by marlinman93 »

Also makes a difference in the size of the font if it's by the forearm. A lot were assembled after WWI with newly stamped serial numbers in that range.
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miker557
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Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40

Post by miker557 »

The serial number is stamped up near the forearm, and also on the left side of the rear tang, behind the hammer:

Image

Image

The font is fairly large, and it looks like it was done by hand, as the numbers are kinda crooked in the line.


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miker557
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Re: New (to me) 1894 in 38-40

Post by miker557 »

Well, apparently I can no longer post photos from Tinypic ... hmmmm. What I've managed to find out so far. The gun is marked "Model '94", meaning it is post-1908, and does not have the bullseye on the stock, meaning it is pre-1926. It has a heavy barrel, and has a star stamped on the rear of the upper tang, which, according to Brophy's book, is the factory marking for an especially accurate rifle.
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