[harmoniums]

I've been looking over a friend's guns and we found an oddball 25-35 Model 1894 with a half octagon barrel. Serials say it was built in 1898. It has basically no finish left on it but mechanically seems to function well, albeit a little stiff. Any inputs on teardown? Some of the screws are boogered and don't want to budge. Also, any approximate value? Here a few pics....

 

[gun shy]

I have no info on teardown, but a little from Blue Book of Gun Values.
Antique Manufacture., pre-148,000 Ser. No.-----Year 1898 Man. ends w/ser. no. 147684
Values range from $ 750 @ 10 % to $ 4,500 [email protected] 98 %.
I don't know much about collector values other than the book values, but I only assume that the apparent name carving (?) in the stock would relegate this one to whatever you could get, possibly well below low book, should you want to ever sell.
Of course, there is possibly that 'one' collector out there that wants this particular year, model, rifle, even with the stock.
Best of luck with it. ( If it could only talk...probably a lot of history with it.)

 

[30Gov03]

Indeed, if it could only talk...

Here's a link to Model 1894 disassembly:
http://www.americanrifleman.org/r_lA_winchester94_2.html
More recent production, but John Browming's basic design hasn't changed.

Hope this helps,
Jim