The Cody Firearms Museum houses the most comprehensive assemblage of American firearms in the world. The Winchester Collection, the heart of this museum, was transported from New Haven, Connecticut to Cody in 1976. Dedicated in 1991, the Cody Firearms Museum provides an expansive permanent home for the collection.
Don’t expect to see only Winchester-made arms here; virtually every significant manufacturer in the world is represented. Within the exhibits, visitors are able to trace the evolution of modern firearms technology from its earliest days through today’s outstanding variations.
The Blog you are reading is an attempt by the staff of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center to bring you into our world by talking about some of the happenings here and giving some insights into why and how we do what we do.
Please take into consideration that the Buffalo Bill Historical Center is a 501(c)3 institution and that, accordingly, we are not allowed to participate in political discourse that can be perceived as lobbying. It is not that the staff does not hold or support their political beliefs, but that we are not allowed to profess them as a professional representative of the organization.
I have a Remington Model 12, pump/slide .22 rifle. It was manufactured in 1910. It is in beautiful condition. Every photo I see online of this rifle model has straight grain walnut and no embelishments. I’m wanting to know if there is a ‘sub model’ that my rifle might be catagorized in. It has ‘burled maple’ looking wood with an ornate metal butt plate. The engraved checkering is very nice. The gun has never been restored and has been in my family since it was new. Can you help?
BethAnne –
This isn’t a “submodel” as much as a deluxe grade of this model. Most manufacturers will produce a small number of guns with higher grade wood, metal fixtures, or engraved designs on the metal surfaces. Some of these guns were built as gifts from the company and some (as yours likely was) were built for special orders. Unfortunately, the records for this model no longer exist, but the Remington Society of America should be able to assist you in learning more about your gun.
Cheers,
Dave
Dave,
Thank you for this morsel. I’ll be contacting the Remington Societ of America this week. Remington Arms is sending me a copy of the original owners manual. I am guessing that it is something generic for all Model 12′s and not specifically my rifle.
I’m sure I will have more questions after I receive that bit of information but I wanted to have the manual before I contact anyone else.
Again, thank you!
Blessings,
BethAnne
I have a Marlin 39A Original Golden Sir # 27128839 I have just finish reading the artcial in Rifleman on the 39A and would like to know when my rifle was made can you help me think you
Lee Sylvester
thesylvesters@charter.net
Lee,
Unfortunately, there are no surviving Marlin 39A records that we know of. We have the early Marlin records from serial number 4096 through 355419. I’d suggest you locate a copy of William S. Brophy’s “Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company That Made Them.” You could also check the “Blue Book of Gun Values” as there is often a small explanation and history of the various models.
Jesi
I have 2 winchesters, one says kings improvement march 29 1866 & october 16 1860 with a serial #32450 it is a brass lever action.it also says winchester repeating arms new haven. ct
the other one says winchester repeating arms co newhaven conn u.s.a. october 14 1884 with a serial # 280248, another area it has a ….38wcf on it. How old are these rifles and are they of any value or significance ?
The Cody Firearms Records Office holds records for many models of Winchester. Go to the list of available models and serial number ranges at http://www.bbhc.org/site_media/uploads/documents/firearms_serials_winchester.pdf
Basic Winchester Factory letters are $60 each, if available, the serial number application dates can be added for an additional $15.
Contact us at cfmrecords@bbhc.org or call the office at 307-578-4031
Jesi B.
Records Specialist
I have a friend that has an Alamo commemorative model 94 AE in 45 colt. It is gold plated with much etching on both sides of the receiver also some on the bolt. The stock also has relief work on both sides and also etched on the bolt is 3 of 25. He believes it was made by an outfit called investment arms. Can you shed any light on this firearm in regards to value and scarcity. Thank you
I have a 12 gauge shotgun. Seems to be a brass frame and has a chrome barrel/trigger guard/break down lever…
Im thinking it is a Palmette arms but not sure…Can only make out a serial # of 2972 which is on stock, frame, and barrel.
Can make out a 13 on the left side of frame with some faint letters before but can’t make them out.
do you have any idea what this shotgun may be and some what of a value to it?
thank you,
kerry
Kerry,
I have forwarded your inquiry on to Daniel Brumley, Cody Firearms Museum curatorial assistant. He will contact you by email as soon as he can.
Jesi B.
Records Specialist
Jim
I have a Win. 1873 carbine, it was owned by the Old Company (a coal co. in PA). They had given the guns to there coal and iron cops (co. pinkertons). My grandfather worked for the Old Company and was asked to take the guns to the dump in the 70′s, which he did…his basement. He later traded an unmentioned # Win 1873 guns to a winchester dealer in trade for a pre 64 Win 270 feather weight . Can we verify that the gun was owned by the Old Co.
Keith
Jim,
The Winchester records do not have customer information until after SN 620000. I have emailed you information on obtaining Winchester Factory Letters.
Jesi B.
Records Specialist
I have a Spencer 1863 RIfle … 47-1/2″ overall length … Not a carbine…. Short forestock … with magazine and one original bullet … Would you be interested in purchasing this for your museum? Send me an e-mail address and I will send you pictures of it … Thanks …
Tom,
I have forewarded your inquiry on to Cody Firearms Museum curatorial assistant, Dan Brumley. He will be contacting you soon.
Jesi B.
Records Specialist
I HAVE A NICKLE PLATED WIN.MOD.94 SER.NO.1645160 I WOULD LIKE ANY INFO ON IT
Phillip,
There are no surviving Winchester records for a Model 94, SN 1645160.
Jesi B.
Records Specialist
I have a 1873 Winchester chambered in 38-40 with a round barrel. The serial number is 194243B. Any info you may have on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Tim
Tim,
Contact us at the Records Office directly to order the factory letter on your Winchester. We are available at 307-578-4031 or at cfmrecords@bbhc.org
The Basic Winchester Factory Letter on this firearm is currently $60 (non-member rate).
Have a grand day!
Jesi
I have a 1892 (I think) 380 Winchester rifle serial number 16556 and wonder when it was manufactured and about wghat it is worth. It was my grandfather’s and I want to know how much to insure it for.
Thanks
Dave
Dave,
Contact us at the Records Office directly to order the factory letter on your Winchester. We are available at 307-578-4031 or at cfmrecords@bbhc.org
The Basic Winchester Factory Letter on this firearm is currently $60 (non-member rate). You may request the extended factory letter (adding the serial number application date) for an additional $15.
Have a grand day!
Jesi
I have two Winchesters I would appreciate information and or a letter of provenance on. One is a pre ’64 model 70 in .270 Winchester serial number 12 7777 that I bought at an auction that says Super Grade inside the stock on the barrel channel. It has never had any iron sights installed. It is in almost as new condition. The other is a ’92 carbine, serial number 945572, in .25 WCF that has a long range type vernier tang sight on the receiver tang. This was my grandfather’s carbine. It is in very good conditon. I can find no maker’s mark on the tang sight. Did this carbine come from the factory this way and is this a Winchester sight. Almost overkill for a carbine of this caliber. Thanks for the help. Michael Monti
Michael,
Unfortunately, no useful factory records survived on either of your Winchesters. You may wish to contact the Cody Firearms Museum curatorial offices for good general information on these two models. Curatorial Assistant, Daniel Brumley, can be reached at danielb@bbhc.org or 307-578-4117
Have a grand day!
Jesi
Jim,
Unfortunately, no Marlin Model 20 records survived out of the factory. There are no serial number specific records for your firearm. You may wish to check out “Marlin Firearms: A History of the Guns and the Company that Made Them ” by Lt. Col. William S. Brophy for good general Marlin information.
Jesi