Standard Catalog of Winchester Firearms

2016 STANDARD CATALOG OF

WINCHESTER

FIREARMS

THIRD EDITION

by Joseph Madden Cornell, CMA, ASA, ISA

2655 WEST 39th AVENUE | DENVER, COLORADO 80211

303-455-1717 | www.weappraiseguns.com

Photography by Paul Goodwin

unless otherwise noted with the generous assistance of

Little John Auction Service of Orange, California

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DEDICATION

When I think of the word dedication, I cannot escape thinking of my parents, Doc and Ava Cornell. These were very extraordinary people, and I was blessed with having them as my family.

Everything that I am, or have, which is good, is directly due to their influence. I would like the world to know how much I love them, and how important they are to me.

CONTENTS

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

GRADING SYSTEM

HOW TO USE THE BOOK

GLOSSARY OF FIREARM TERMINOLOGY

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRICE AND VALUE

A FEW WORDS TO NEW COLLECTORS

PITFALLS AND SNAKEPITS

THOUGHTS ON COLLECTING WINCHESTER FIREARMS

MY PERSONAL COLLECTING PHILOSOPHY

A BRIEF COLLECTOR'S HISTORY OF WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS

SECTION I

Early Rifles With Model Name Designations: Not Numbers, E.G., Jennings, Lee

SECTION II:

Early Models Having Four-Digit Numbers For Their Model Designations

SECTION III:

Later (Post-’64) Models Having Four-Digit Numbers In Their Model Name

SECTION IV:

Later Model Rifles Having Two or Three-Digit Numbers In Their Model Designation, E.G., Model 64, Model 100, Etc.

SECTION V:

Early Shotguns With Names Or Four-Digit Designations, E.G., Breech-Loading Shotgun, Model 1897

SECTION VI:

Shotguns With Two or Three-Digit Model Designations, E.G., Model 12, Model 101

SECTION VII:

Shotguns With Four-Digit Model Designations, E.G., Model 1001

SECTION VIII:

Shotguns With Names For Model Designations, E.G., Select, Supreme

SECTION IX:

Winchester Commemoratives

SECTION X:

Government Purchased Winchesters

APPENDIX:

Serial Numbers And Other Useful Information

Model 1300 NWTF Short Turkey.

Model 21 Grand American, Closeup of Receiver.

INTRODUCTION

By Joseph Madden Cornell, CMA, ASA, ISA

2655 WEST 39th AVENUE | DENVER, COLORADO 80211

303-455-1770 | www.weappraiseguns.com

Model 21 Grand American Two-Barrel Set.

This book represents my continuing commitment to follow the tradition of the Standard Encyclopedia of Firearms, which is to produce the very best informational/informative book available to help those interested in firearm research, pricing information, and identification. As a multifaceted book, I am dedicated to supplying the best in firearm information, well thought out, knowledgeable opinions as to pricing, and pertinent descriptions along with pictures intended to help our readers identify particular firearms they find in the marketplace. It is my intention to make this an important book for all who are interested in Winchesters.

It is important for my readers to know that I am a gunologist, and I study gunology. This is what I do, this is what I have done, and this is what I will continue to do. I have been immersed in the firearm marketplace, on an almost every day basis, for almost 60 years. This is because I appraise thousands and thousands of guns a year, and I do research on gun values and gun pricing almost every single day.

I intend to provide general as well as specific information about Winchester and Winchester’s firearm models. Information is power, and it is my never-ending intention to supply my readers with as much quality, accurate information, and therefore power, as is reasonably possible. It is my intention to provide a maximum number of pictures of various Winchesters, this is because I believe that while a picture may not be worth 1000 words, pictures can and do provide valuable information that the written word is ill-suited to match. I wish for my readers to recognize that purchasing this book is an excellent investment, as this book provides them with real knowledge, and therefore real power, that has real practical value as they pursue their involvement in the firearm marketplace. In short, I shall endeavor to be the best source for pricing information, research, and identification available today in the United States. This is a tall order, and while I realize perfection is impossible, I intend on doing my very best. In this regard, I take my responsibility very seriously.

While pricing information is important, I see myself as being able to provide the collector with valuable information when it comes to identifying various Winchesters and their variations, with which the collector comes in contact. Winchester made many models, and while manufacturing these various models, Winchester made many changes to these models as they were being produced. These variations provide much of the basis for the collector interest in Winchester firearms. Certainly, one of our main objectives is to help collectors identify these variations within the same model. In addition, it by will endeavor to deal with these variations in a manner that will provide the collector with the maximum amount of information as to how the dissimilarity of weapons within the same model can, and does, very dramatically in price. I want to give my readers an advantage in the highly sophisticated and competitive arena that surrounds the collection of Winchester firearms.

Super X3 Composite. Photo Courtesy U. S. Repeating Arms Company.

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE VALUE:

CONDITION

For many models, condition is everything, and is often more important than any other single factor.

RARITY

Rarity does not always determine value. Rarity can have monumental effects on value, but also, in some cases, rarity can have little effect on value. For instance, all condition factors being equal, a rare one-of-a-kind Winchester single-shot 22 will not be, relatively speaking, as valuable, nor as desirable, as a rare one-of-a-kind Winchester model 1886.

COLLECTOR INTEREST

Some models have very low collector interest, while other models have very high collector interest. There are a lot of different reasons for variations in the desirability of the different Winchester models, e.g., historical, mystique, notoriety, interesting variations within the model, period of manufacture, cinematic exposure, obscurity, celebrity association, sex appeal, reputation in the firearm industry and amongst other firearm collectors, etc.

AVAILABILITY

Some models and variations of that model, while manufactured in large numbers, seem, for one reason or another, to lack availability in the marketplace. In order to have mass collector appeal, large numbers of a particular model must be available in the marketplace so that many people can become interested in it and cause it to undergo accumulation.

FACTORY ENHANCEMENTS

Other than condition, nothing causes more interest in the Winchester collector community than factory special order enhancements.

SPECIAL AFTERMARKET ENHANCEMENTS

Aftermarket enhancements, such as being engraved by some famous personage, can also dramatically increase the value of a firearm.

PROVENANCE

Ownership by famous individuals, or association with historical events, can vastly increase the value of a firearm.

Model 42, Standard Grade.

PRICE

Price differs from value. This book is a price-guide, and does not intend to offer appraisal information or be a substitute for a professionally prepared appraisal. Appraisals are formal written documents, which must contain - in order to be credible - 22 separate elements. An appraiser finds for as many as 13 separate values depending upon the situation. For example, replacement value is used in insurance matters, while Fair Market Value is used in situations such as divorces and/or where courts are involved.

It can become quite complicated. As an example, neither of these referenced values have anything to say about what the item is actually worth in the relevant marketplace, nor about how an item should be priced in the marketplace or about what a collector should expect to pay for an item in the marketplace. The competent appraiser is expected to provide the apposite value of the item being appraised. Pricing is more subjective. Because the market for firearms is very fluid, pricing information supplied in any price-guide can be somewhat obsolete by the date of publication. This is what I say it is: a price-guide, and by that I mean that I offer my opinion as to pricing trends within the firearm marketplace. I am in the firearms market on an almost everyday basis, and I will do my very best to offer my thoughts as to proper pricing strategies. My pricing recommendations come from a variety of sources: retail gun stores, individual collectors, gun shows, auction houses, and personal research/participation in the marketplace. I intend to keep this book as simple as possible and to help my readers sort out pricing dilemmas as they operate with in the collector market.

It should be said, so my readers will understand, my information comes from appraising firearms on an almost everyday basis. Part of appraising firearms is doing market research. Appraisers are market reporters, not market makers. My knowledge about pricing comes from appraising thousands and thousands of guns every year. This is what I do, and this is who I am.

Manufacturers often offer pricing recommendations in terms of MSRP, but as we all know, dealers are often willing to deviate from MSRP depending on what they think the proper pricing should be for their merchandise. Some automobile dealers ask more than MSRP on extremely desirable models when they first come out, while on other models they are willing to negotiate down from MSRP. It’s all a matter of developing a feel for the marketplace and developing a strategy for balancing the maximization of profits with planned cash turnaround times. Often times, the very worst person that can be hired to do an appraisal is a car dealer, to appraise cars, a gun dealer to appraise guns, or jewelry store to appraise jewelry. All of these individuals carry certain biases that render their opinion unreliable, and legally useless.

A marketplace has several different levels: wholesale and retail are but two of these levels. The pricing information provided in this book is always at retail. I try, in this book, to provide my opinion as to what price a willing buyer and a willing seller would agree upon to transact and consummated a sale between the parties. In determining certain types of values, especially in cases dealing with the IRS, auction values are not highly regarded. Consequently, in establishing pricing guidelines I use auction results sparingly and only then with the application of my experience, training, education, collaboration with others, and market knowledge.

I hope you will enjoy this book, and I further hope that you will find it a valuable source of information.

Model 91 Parker VHE Reproduction.

GRADING SYSTEM

In my opinion, all grading systems are subjective. It is my task to offer the collector and dealer a measurement that most closely reflects a general consensus on condition. The system I present seems to come closest to describing a firearm in universal terms. I strongly recommend that readers acquaint themselves with this grading system before attempting to determine the correct price for a particular firearm’s condition. Remember, in most cases condition determines price.

In orderly to properly use this book, you must take time and study the grading system that I am going to be using. This is extremely important!

NIB-NEW IN BOX

This category can sometimes be misleading. It means that the firearm is in its original factory carton with all of the appropriate papers. It also means the firearm is new; that it has not been fired and has no wear. This classification brings a substantial premium for both the collector and shooter.

EXCELLENT

Collector-quality firearms in this condition are highly desirable. The firearm must be in at least 98 percent condition with respect to blue wear, stock or grip finish, and bore. The firearm must also be in 100 percent original factory condition without refinishing, repair, alterations, or additions of any kind. Sights must be factory original as well. This grading classification includes both modern and antique (manufactured prior to 1898) firearms.

VERY GOOD

Firearms in this category are sought after both by the collector and shooter. Modern firearms must be in working order and retain approximately 92 percent original metal and wood finish. It must be 100 percent factory original, but may have some small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions. No refinishing is permitted in this category. Antique firearms must have 80 percent original finish with no repairs.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT the reader acquaint himself with this grading system before attempting to determine the correct price for a particular firearm’s condition. Remember, in most cases condition determines price.

GOOD

Modern firearms in this category may not be considered to be as collectable as the previous grades, but antique firearms are considered desirable. Modern firearms must retain at least 80 percent metal and wood finish, but may display evidence of old refinishing. Small repairs, alterations, or non-factory additions are sometimes encountered in this class. Factory replacement parts are permitted. The overall working condition of the firearm must be good as well as safe. The bore may exhibit wear or some corrosion, especially in antique arms. Antique firearms may be included in this category if their metal and wood finish is at least 50 percent original factory finish.

FAIR

Firearms in this category should be in satisfactory working order and safe to shoot. The overall metal and wood finish on the modern firearm must be at least 30 percent and antique firearms must have at least some original finish or old re-finish remaining. Repairs, alterations, nonfactory additions, and recent refinishing would all place a firearm in this classification. However, the modern firearm must be in working condition, while the antique firearm may not necessarily function. In either case the firearm must be considered safe to fire if in a working state.

POOR

Neither collectors nor shooters are likely to exhibit much interest in firearms in this condition. Modern firearms are likely to retain little metal or wood finish. Pitting and rust will be seen in firearms in this category. Modern firearms may not be in working order and may not be safe to shoot. Repairs and refinishing would be necessary to restore the firearm to safe working order. Antique firearms will have no finish and will not function. In the case of modern firearms their principal value lies in spare parts. On the other hand, antique firearms in this condition may be used as wall hangers or as an example of an extremely rare variation or have some type of historical significance.

PRICING SAMPLE FORMAT

View a text version of this table

HOW TO

USE THIS BOOK

Having given the methodology of how to use this book, which is the same system I developed for use in the first edition, I have decided not to change anything. For me, this is the only logical way to separate the different parts of a Winchester book so that reading it, and finding particular weapons is manageable.

I cannot overstate how important it is that my readers understand the grading system that I am going to use while pricing the specific Winchester models and variations. This is extremely important!

When Winchester began the naming or numbering of their models, they most likely never contemplated that someone would, someday, be responsible for attempting to catalog them in some manner that would make logical sense. The naming of the various Winchester models was certainly never done on a scientific basis, or on a basis that lends itself well to chronicling or organizing the various models for study - particularly for those who are unfamiliar with the various Winchester models and their years of manufacture.

Recognizing that no system is perfect, I have organized these Winchester firearms into ten sections. The only method that makes sense for the reader is to first list each weapon, depending on whether it is a rifle or shotgun, and then divide them into sections according to either the number of digits in model numbers, e.g., model 75, model 77, model 12, model 1894, model 101, or by the fact that its model designation is a name, rather than a number, e.g., Select, Supreme. Ultimately, this methodology requires ten sections.

Trying to make this is easy as possible, I have tried to make it so that that the reader will have to know only three things in order to find a particular weapon: The gun’s type, its model number or the name of the firearm being researched, and whether the firearm being researched is a shotgun, rifle, commemorative, or government-purchased weapon.

The basic system I am using in this book is as follows:

SECTION I

Early Rifles With Model Name Designations: Not Numbers, E.G., Jennings, Lee

SECTION II:

Early Models Having Four-Digit Numbers For Their Model Designations

SECTION III:

Later (Post-’64) Models Having Four-Digit Numbers In Their Model Name

SECTION IV:

Later Model Rifles Having Two or Three-Digit Numbers In Their Model Designation, E.G., Model 64, Model 100, Etc.

SECTION V:

Early Shotguns With Names Or Four-Digit Designations, E.G., Breech-Loading Shotgun, Model 1897

SECTION VI:

Shotguns With Two or Three-Digit Model Designations, E.G., Model 12, Model 101

SECTION VII:

Shotguns With Four-Digit Model Designations, E.G., Model 1001

SECTION VIII:

Shotguns With Names For Model Designations, E.G., Select, Supreme

SECTION IX:

Winchester Commemoratives

SECTION X:

Government Purchased Winchesters

I recommend using the index to find the weapon you are researching, and then going to the proper page number. I sincerely hope that readers will have as easy a time as possible in finding the weapon they wish to research, but no system I could think of for indexing these firearms was perfect.

Model 21 Grand American, Cased.

GLOSSARY OF

FIREARM TERMINOLOGY:

BARREL LENGTH

The length of this weapon’s barrel.

BEAVERTAIL FOREND

A wider than normal forend.

BLUING

A chemical process applied to gun parts.

BORE

The internal dimensions of the barrel.

BULL BARREL

A heavier, thicker than normal barrel.

BUTTPLATE

A protective plate attached to the butt.

CALIBER/GAUGE

The size of the cartridge/shell used in the weapon.

CHECKERING

A functional decoration consisted of pointed pyramids cut into the wood.

CHOKE(S)

The name which applies to the particular restriction used in the barrel of this weapon.

COLOR CASE HARDENING

Method of hardening steel and iron while imparting colorful swirls as well as surface figure.

DAMASCUS BARREL

Barrel made by twisting, forming and welding thin strips of steel around the mandrel.

DERRINGER

Usually refers to a small, concealable pistol with one or two short barrels.

DOUBLE ACTION, DA

Refers to the capacity of a revolver or a pistol being fired by the pull of the trigger alone, without first cocking the hammer.

EJECTOR

A mechanical device used to eject empty cartridges from chamber.

EXTRACTOR

A device, which partially lifts a spent casing from the breach.

FACTORY ORIGINAL

A statement as to whether or not the subject weapon has been altered from its original factory configuration.

FEATURES/CHANGES THAT DETRACT FROM THE GUN’S VALUE

A statement as to whether or not anything exists that would diminish this gun’s value in the marketplace.

FINISH

The name/classification for the material that exists on the exterior of the weapon/item.

FIREARM TYPE

The general classification of the firearm being appraised.

FOREARM

Usually a separate piece of wood in front of the receiver and under the barrel used for hand placement when shooting.

FOREND

Usually the forward portion of a one-piece rifle or shotgun stock, but can also referred to a separate piece of wood.

FRAME

That part of firearm, which holds the firing mechanisms.

GRIP

The handle of a handgun or the area of the stock directly behind and attached to the frame of a long gun.

LOP

The length of pull of the gun, which is the length as measured between the trigger and the end of the stock.

MAKER’S NAME

The name of the manufacturing person or company of the item being appraised.

MANNLICHER STOCK

A full-length slender stock extending all the way to the muzzle.

MARKET REACTION

A statement as to how the market would react should this gun be placed for sale.

MODEL

The manufacturer’s name given to a particular weapon.

MOST RELEVANT MARKET

A statement as to which market is most relevant relative to the valuation of the particular gun/item being appraised.

MUZZLE BRAKE

A recoil-reducing device attached to the muzzle.

OVERALL CONDITION

A statement, in terms that are recognizable in the marketplace where guns are bought and sold, as to the gun’s condition.

OVER-UNDER

A two-barreled gun in which the barrels are stacked one on top of the other.

RECEIVER

That part of a rifle or shotgun that houses the working parts.

SIDELOCK

A type of action where the moving parts are located on the sides of the lock plates.

SIDEPLATES

Oornamental steel panels attached to the action to simulate a sidelock.

SINGLE ACTION

A firearm design that requires the hammer to be manually cocked before each shot.

SERIAL NUMBER

A unique number issued to each gun by the manufacturer.

TAKE DOWN

A gun which can be easily taken apart for carrying or shipping.

VALUE CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristics of the gun which help its listed value.

VENTILATED RIB

A sighting plane attached along the length of a barrel with gaps between the attachment structures.

PRICE AND VALUE

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

Warren Buffett once said, price is what you pay, value is what you get. Oscar Wilde wrote, nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.

For gun collectors, value in exchange is much more important than value in use. In this discussion, we are going to be talking about value in exchange: we are talking about what an item can be exchanged for in the marketplace, e.g., cash, in trade, etc., and not its value as an item that has utility.

DEFINITION OF VALUE:

The monetary relationship between properties/items and those who buy, sell, or use those properties/items.

DEFINITION OF PRICE:

The amount asked, offered, or paid for an item/property. Once stated, price is a fact, whether it is publicly disclosed or retained in private. The price paid for a particular item/property may or may not have any relation to the value that might be attributed to the item/property.

This book is a price guide, not a value guide. Because I am an appraiser, I see a lot of price guides. In my life, I have probably seen at least 1000 different publications of this type. When I look at the different price guides, I try to study them and see how they deal with the differences between pricing an item and valuing an item. In this discussion, one of the things that I would like to make perfectly clear is that the price of an item has nothing necessarily to do with that item’s value.

So that we understand these concepts a little better, it is important for me to make perfectly clear that appraisers do not set value. Appraisers estimate value, only courts can set value. Buyers and sellers set prices in market interactions. I have heard it said, and I believe it, that the most motivated seller at a gun show can have a great impact on setting the price for a particular weapon,