[ojibweindian]

Harley

I've a friend at work who was telling me about a Wincehster 25-20 he'd inherited from his grandfather. The rifle is at least 51 years old, and most likely older as his grandfather passed away several years before my friend was born.

My friend told me that the rifle has never been reconditioned and wears its original furniture. Additionally, there are no visible signs of rusting or pitting, and the bore is in excellent condition. Also worth noting is that he stated there is no visible serial number.

He asked me what its approximate value might be, and I said roughly $1,200, and possibly more.

What would be its worth, given the description above?

[Jim Watson]

He sure didn't tell you much about it.

There are the 1892 lever action, the 53 lever action, the 1885 High Wall single shot, and the 43 bolt action.

Most likely a '92 just on the basis of the numbers made.

There seem to be some Winchesters turning up these days without serial numbers and it is highly unlikely that Winchester failed to apply one to a centerfire. While guns made before 1968 were not required to have serial numbers, it is illegal to remove the serial number from a gun that has one, no matter how old. My 1892's serial number is on the bottom of the receiver at the front edge just behind the foreend. I guess it could wear off with long use and carry at the balance point there.

Dollar value is dependent on originality and condition. $1200 would be cheap for a functional '92 these days although the small calibers are generally worth a bit less than the .38-40 and .44-40.

[ojibweindian]

Jim

It's a lever action. I'd neglected to mention that in my original post. He friend did say that he believed his grandfather owned it for a number of years prior to passing on.

I would assume, based upon the grandfather's age at the time of his death (mid 70s), the fact that the rifle is at least 51 years old, and the fact that his grandfather owned the rifle for a number of years prior to his death, the rifle is, possibly, over 70 years old.

Not sure if that helps. I've no picture, and my friend is not a fountain of knowlege when it comes to firearms (he's a great software engineer, though :D)

[Jim K]

If it is an 1892, the serial should be on the bottom front of the receiver, right behind the fore-end.

It might have been removed, but as Jim says, it is very unlikely that it wasn't there.

Jim

[ojibweindian]

Good news. My friend found the SN of the rifle. It's 871432. If anyone can date this rifle, my friend would greatly appreciate it.

[Jim Watson]

Blue Book says 1919, if an 1892.

[ojibweindian]

It is.

Thank you so much!