Winchester Model 1894. Circa 1919

[wfr.guns]

I am trying to find any information on the engraver. The engraving is was not a Winchester pattern. I think the gun was purchased and sent back to Winchester and custom engraved. I have enclosed some pictures and maybe a picture of the engraver's signature. It's a circle with letters GWI or a T arranged vertically. Thanks for any help in finding some kind of paper trail. Don

 

[Dave London]

Sorry but I believe that is a winchester proof mark, you might take the stock off and look for a signature

 

[Roger Bleile]

I agree with Dave London, that is a Winchester proof mark.

What makes you think that your 94 is not factory engraved? Do you have a letter on the gun from the Buffalo Bill Historical Center? While the exact pattern of your gun is not shown in the 1897 Highly Finished Arms catalog, that does not mean it is not a factory pattern. While the resolution, lighting, and focus of your photos are not sufficient to make a definite assessment, from what I can see, it looks like a factory job to me.

Again, I concur with Dave about removing the stock. When John Ulrich signed lever action Winchesters, he often did so on the side of one of the receiver tangs which are hidden by the stock.

CRB

 

[wfr.guns]

Yes, that is a Winchester proof mark. Pauline M. said emphatically not done by Winchester. I will be removing forend an butt stock for inspection. Thanks, DWT

 

[wfr.guns]

Winchester 1894

I did not see my reply so I'll try again. Yep, Winchester mark. I removed forend and butt stock. No signature found. There was a stamped C.N.S under the barrel. Does not appear to be a signature. I'm still looking! Thanks, dwt