Bert here is my 1885
Rifle has been sitting above a fireplace the last 40-50 years. Any idea on when it was made? It says .32 Short and I'm assuming its rim fire. It's going above my gun workbench and unless I come across reasonable price ammo it won't be shot. Thought of converting but probably just leave it be.
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Be very careful with that rifle. Hanging over a fire place can and will dry out the stock/wood.
I had an 1860's muzzle loader hanging over my grandmother's fire place for as long as I can remember, until the stock broke at the wrist and it crashed to the floor.0 -
quote:Originally posted by iceracerx
Be very careful with that rifle. Hanging over a fire place can and will dry out the stock/wood.
I had an 1860's muzzle loader hanging over my grandmother's fire place for as long as I can remember, until the stock broke at the wrist and it crashed to the floor.
I got it from my Godmother. It was her husbands rifle as a boy. Some 40-50 years ago it was hung over THEIR fireplace, not mine. I tried explaining that to him for years before he passed away. He only had daughters and they and their spouses weren't interested in keeping the gun. So my Godmother gave it to me. It's hanging over my gun workbench now.0 -
The serial number 38144 is listed as a 32 Short (rim fire), 24" No. 1 octagon barrel, plain trigger, standard sights, stocks and butt plate. It was received in the warehouse on February 27th, 1890, and it shipped (sold) on June 1st, 1891 with at least one other identical rifle. 0 -
That's awesome Bert! Thank you very much! It sure took a while to sell. Would imagine .32 Short rimfire wasn't all that popular or was it? 0 -
How is the bore?
Dixie Gun Works had stuff for reloading 32 modified cases with 22 rimfire cases.
I like this approach better.
http://32rimfire.blogspot.com/0 -
quote:Originally posted by ruger41
That's awesome Bert! Thank you very much! It sure took a while to sell. Would imagine .32 Short rimfire wasn't all that popular or was it?
The 32 Short and 32 Long rim fire cartridges were relatively popular from the late 1860s to approximately 1918. Winchester chambered them in the Model 1885 single shot rifles from 1886 to 1918. Stevens may have made rifles for it as late as the 1920s.0 -
Would a Cody letter say who or what store it was sold to? 0 -
The Cody letter typically will not tell you where the gun was shipped. Date and configuration(s) is about it.
At least I have never seen a letter stating who or where it was shipped.0 -
quote:Originally posted by ruger41
Would a Cody letter say who or what store it was sold to?
When I looked at the ledger entry for your rifle, there was no additional information. Only a very small number of Model 1885 ledger entries list the person who ordered the rifle.0 -
Thanks Bert! I know some S&W and Colt letters show who got the shipment. example 4 guns of a lot went to ABC Hardware in Joplin. I'm just going to use some Old West Snake Oil on the stocks and lightly wipe the metal with Hoppes. If I happen upon some ammo I'll shoot it, otherwise just enjoy it above my bench. 0
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