1894 Winchester WRACO Stamped
I have an opportunity to buy an early 1900s octagon barrel 1894 rifle in 38-55. Looks original to my non expert eye except WRACO is stamped where the SN should be; apparently over the original SN. From what I've found so far, Winchester did that if a gun went back to the factory and had a worn or partially obliterated SN. Maybe there were other reasons too? Anyway, can buy the gun for $1k and given that most 38-55s I see are in the $1500-$2500 range I'm interested but the WRACO stamp over the SN makes me a little nervous. Would appreciate any input as to concerns and to impact on value. Thanks.
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I am not of the belief or the opinion that "Winchester" ever put the "WRACO" marking on any of their firearms. The most popular theory is the "WRACO" marking was stamped on the guns by one of the many retail companies (e.g. Sears & Roebuck) to prevent Winchester from tracing the source of the sales. Winchester sold their firearms at a reduced prices to larger retailers, but dictated to them what prices they could be retailed at. It is believed that for a period of time, that Sears & Roebuck purposely chose to undercut other retailers by selling the guns at lower than dictated prices.
The "WRACO" marking is found on the Models 1892, 1893, 1894, and 1897. Based on the other factory markings found on the Models 1892, 1893, 1894, and 1897, the time period in which the "WRACO" marking was used spanned the years 1894 - 1899.
The WRACO marking definitely detracts from the collector value, but it is a subjective number depending on each individual buyer. It is at least a 30% reduction in my learned opinion.0 -
Bert, thanks much for the reply. Just the info I was looking for. Appreciate (again) your expert knowledge and extensive experience. I'll look at the 38-55 again but maybe $1k isn't the bargain I thought it might be. Thanks again.
Jeff0
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