https://thegreatmodel8.net/

I just bought a model 8 but can't find a serial number. There is a J in a circle right in front of the magazine but no other markings on the receiver. There is the number 154 marked on the barrel where it mates with the receiver. The markings on the barrel and the rear sight both end with the 3 july 1902 date so I think it's an early model. An ideas? Is the 154 likely the serial number? It's in pretty good shape except unfotunately there is a chunk broken out of the stock and buttplate. Any help would be appreciated.

Welcome, aboard. Very interesting.... Indeed it does sound like an early one, the last patent date should have been June 3, 1902 but from '06 to at least '08 (maybe as late as 1911) they were roll stamping July 3, 1902.

Maybe some of the other guys have run across this before - new to me. Sounds like you are looking in the correct places - reckon some pictures of the barrel, receiver, etc. would help.

If you're able to post a few pictures, particularly the underside of the receiver that would help. If you were to remove the stock you should find the serial number possibly in the stock and on the bottom and top tangs. Many early magazines were serialized as well. Welcome to the forums!

Thanks for the suggestions. When I get a chance I'll take off the stock and look. If no luck then I'll post a couple of pictures.

Removing the stock did the trick. It's serial number 4134, which if I read the chart correctly is a 1907 production. Thanks for the suggestion!

Bob

Glad you found it Bob!

Hey Bob,

Welcome to the forum. I would like to see some additional pictures as has been suggested. If you can get some shots of the under side near the forearm, it would help. I don't recall ever seeing a rifle without a serial number either on the left side of the receiver or on the under side near the forarm. Many ofg the older models had serial numbers on the bottom of the barrel shroud and are very tiny.

Regards,

jack1653

Still working on finding time to take some pictures but I will get to it.

herndonrd wrote:except unfotunately there is a chunk broken out of the stock and buttplate. Any help would be appreciated.

What are your plans for the stock and buttplate, I have the same problem with mine?