Production dates

[Dan Wilson]

Yep, I come up with March 1918 for the rifle so a Feb barrel has a high probability of being original.

Dan

[Dan Wilson]

Were you asking a question? Just confused about your post.

Dan

[AlReiter]

Dan,
Yep, that's the answer I was looking for.
Many thanks.
Al

[thebuckhunter]

Hi Dan.
How about a Winchester #398422 with a Win 8-18 barrel?

Thanks,

-Jason

[TRICKSTER]

Hi Dan.
How about a Winchester #398422 with a Win 8-18 barrel?

Thanks,

-Jason

08-14-1918 per Ferris's book.

[armabill]

Hate to bother you Dan, but could you please check on my Eddystone:

#742105, barrel E 6-18

Under the hand guards on mine is a nice matte blue finish. The rest of the exposed metal of the rifle was painted black.

Any ideas how to remove the black paint without harming the rifle ?

[Dan Wilson]

Eddystone 742105 born on (approximatly) 6-18 so your barrel is right on

As to your finish, first I would try some paint stripper -caution- test on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it dont strip to bare metal!! I prefer JASCO for all the stripping that I do on military arms. If the paint is American that should do it and shouldn't harm any remaining bluing.

But if its the British "cast iron" black paint then your going to be stuck with manual removal methods (that crap is tough!!), for that I use medium steel wool and start rubbing, and rubbing and rubbing!! Sooner or later it will work down to the original finish, just go easy once the paint starts wearing down. This may be far from the optimal method but its the only "safe" way I have found to get the British "black concrete" off!! DuraCoat could learn from these guys!!

Sorry it took so long to reply but have been tied up recently getting a web site built up.

Dan

[lalonguecarabine]

I think we all owe Dan an enormous debt of gratitude here for taking the time to answer all of our questions.
I've been offline for a few months, but I see that he is still the "go-to guy" for these matters.
Thank you so much, Dan! You are VERY appreciated.

[6.5-06]

Hello Dan and thanks for all your efforts. I am new to this forum because I am researching my new 2 me ERA sporter I found at an estate sale this week. My serial number is as follows 150***
Thank you!
Best,
Ron.

[JGaynor]

FWIW a table of US rifle Production from the 1919 Report by Benedict Crowell, "America's Munitions".



Regards,

Jim