Outdoor Canada’s gun guy appraises your vintage firearms

I inherited two of my grandfather’s old hunting rifles. He was my first deer-hunting partner, and I was his last. One rifle is a British Lee-Enfield .303, which I believe is extremely common and not very valuable. The second rifle, however, is a Winchester Model 1894 in .38-55, with an octagon barrel (above). It is in very rough condition, so my first thought was to restore it. Then I checked the serial number (12434), which suggests it may have been manufactured in the original production year of 1894. The rifle has more sentimental value to me than anything, but I am curious as to what it’s worth.

DERRICK REYKDAL

EAST SELKIRK, MANITOBA

Your old Winchester 1894 does appear to be in fairly rough condition, but due to its low serial number, it would still attract collector interest. I strongly recommend you obtain a factory letter, which would include information on the rifle’s original features, as well as any returns for repairs or alterations. It would also include the original shipping date and destination. These letters are available for Winchester 1894s with the serial numbers 1 to 353999. You can order one online for US$75 from the Wyoming-based Cody Firearms Museum (www.centerofthewest.org). If nothing else, the letter should make it easier to sell the rifle.

Judging by the photo of your 1894, there is some rust and minor pitting, and little remaining original finish. It appears as though the butt plate is missing, and the stock has a crack at the wrist, repaired with electrical tape. The action is partly open. If it falls open on its own because it’s worn, that’s not a good sign. On the plus side, the two screw head slots I can see on the right side appear undamaged.

One huge positive is the low serial number, which indicates early production, likely in 1894 or 1895, and adds considerably to the value. I’ve seen early 1894s in somewhat better condition than yours, but with signs of considerable use and little original finish. They had asking prices of more than $3,000 on U.S. gun websites, but I don’t see your rifle—with its damaged buttstock—matching that. If you decide to sell it, go through a well-publicized gun auction. Serious Winchester collectors will certainly be interested.