1887 Winchester Shotgun - No Serial

jmm54

April 13, 2002 17:55

I have a 1887 Winchester 12 gauge shotgun my grandpa left me. (It was also his dads)

I am trying to find out more information about the 1887 models...

Unfortunately it has no serial number. Where the serial should be it has been stamped WRA CO

Were any of the 1887 models issued without serial numbers or has someone deliberately stamped out the serial and stamped the WRA CO?

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  buddyb

  April 13, 2002 18:44

  I have bought old shotguns that did not have serial numbers when they were made.I know some of the older Stevens 311s did not and this may be the case with your old Winchester.

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  legn4

  April 13, 2002 18:53

  I have 1887's & the ser. # is located in front / lower recever area.
  
  Work'n like a dog all nite

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  32wsl

  April 13, 2002 19:53

  That 'Overstamping' was done at the factory when the gun was returned for work. Remember, there was a time when firearms didn't require serials. They were there for manufacturer's purposes. The factory didn't overstamp the serials on all reworks/repair, so your gun is a little unique, but not rare.

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  jmm54

  October 09, 2006 08:40

  quote:Originally posted by 32wsl
  That 'Overstamping' was done at the factory when the gun was returned for work. Remember, there was a time when firearms didn't require serials. They were there for manufacturer's purposes. The factory didn't overstamp the serials on all reworks/repair, so your gun is a little unique, but not rare.
  
  
  
  Thanks - Why did they overstamp the serial on some repair work?

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  Bert H.

  October 09, 2006 11:29

  32wsl nailed the correct answer. The reason that Winchester overstamped it with "WRA CO" was to signify that the original serial number was lost (illegible) due to it being polished/buffed out prior to being refinished.

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