New to this forum and attempting to get a production year an...

New to this forum and attempting to get a production year and ball park value for a few weapons inherited from my grandfather and uncle. The first is a Winchester model 1894........30-30 with serial number #662720. My uncle told me that it was one of many that were dropped behind enemy lines for the free French in WWII. It has the sling swivels - he brought it back from Germany after the war.
-rick

hello,,this is very intresting and never herd that story before ,,i gotta do some research on this one ,,the year produced was 1913 judging from your serial number and it is intresting with the side sling swivel ,,so i gotta do some research on it before i can give a accurate value,,
bigcurt

Thanks, Curt - I appreciate the information.

-rick

ok i did some checking ,,and apparently during ww1 the us purchased a small quanity of md 94 carbines for use from civil guards to pest control,,i haven't found any refrence to them being droped behind the lines to french fighters yet,,but anytghing is possible ,,are there any US markings on the rifle ,,the ww1 rifles should be US marked ,,but still checking,,it's definatly an odd item ..date puts it as a possibility of ww1 service ,,but i would think if used during ww2 it would be later dated ,,but i'll find more ,,just give me some time ..lol this could be something that would merit a history check by the coty mueseum ,,they will research any winchester for a small fee and if this is truely as stated the letter will provide fact to the history and will pay for itself if you ever deceide to sell it and add value to the rifle ,,something to think about with something like this ,,
bigcurt
bigcurt

The only markings I see are two small ovals with some sort of marking - maybe a w or something..........no sign of a US mark.....

-rick

those are winchester proof marks ,,if it was us property it would proably say US PROPERTY or have a flaming bomb proof somewhere ,,usually on the side of the receiver ,,but still is possible ,,and again i'd seriously think about the winchester research letter heres there information ,,i think it cost around 40 bucks but they will research you serial number and if the story is correct should be able to document it and then it couls be name your price to a serious winchester collector,,heres the contact info Winchester- Cody Firearms Research, C/O Buffalo Bill Historical Center, Cody, Wyoming 82414, Phone: (307) 587-4771. give them a call they may be able to tell you if it merits an investagation further into it's history
bigcurt

I just spoke with the people at Cody and was told that there are absolutely no records for this particular model beyond serial number 354,000 which they have determined to be around 1906-1907 . She said either fire, floods or poor record keeping were responsible. At any rate - I appreciate the help.

-rick