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LDBennett · 12-05-2012, 07:41 AM

DaleMull:

This is probably another case of a gunsmith gone mad. Several decades ago it was common (and even today) for someone to think that re-bluing the old gun is a good idea. Often the gunsmith that does the job polishes off the engravings, like the serial number, in order to get down to good metal that isn't rusty.

Today theses collectable gun's value is ruined by re-bluing. If it is a shooter or a keepsake then it matters not but if it is value you are after then "cleaning them up" kills value.

You may be out of luck unless you tear it down and see if there is not another number inside under the stock or inside the receiver somewhere (??).

Over the years Winchester used various style lettering on their markings and sometimes you can get an idea of the age of the gun by the lettering style. Your pictures are no help as they are grossly out of focus. I can suggest you get the book "The Winchester Handbook" by George Madis. Starting on page 233 he covers the Model 62. Or take some sharp pictures of all the markings on the gun and I'll see if I can help. It was made sometime between 1932 and 1958 according to the Madis book.

LDBennett

12-05-2012, 07:41 AM	#4
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,719	Re: Winchester Model 62 DaleMull: This is probably another case of a gunsmith gone mad. Several decades ago it was common (and even today) for someone to think that re-bluing the old gun is a good idea. Often the gunsmith that does the job polishes off the engravings, like the serial number, in order to get down to good metal that isn't rusty. Today theses collectable gun's value is ruined by re-bluing. If it is a shooter or a keepsake then it matters not but if it is value you are after then "cleaning them up" kills value. You may be out of luck unless you tear it down and see if there is not another number inside under the stock or inside the receiver somewhere (??). Over the years Winchester used various style lettering on their markings and sometimes you can get an idea of the age of the gun by the lettering style. Your pictures are no help as they are grossly out of focus. I can suggest you get the book "The Winchester Handbook" by George Madis. Starting on page 233 he covers the Model 62. Or take some sharp pictures of all the markings on the gun and I'll see if I can help. It was made sometime between 1932 and 1958 according to the Madis book. LDBennett Last edited by LDBennett; 12-05-2012 at 07:42 AM..