I was given a rifle by a relative that once worked for, and pal'd around with John Wayne. He told me the rifle was once owned by Wayne himself. It is a model 94 Winchester, lever action, big bore .375. I'm wondering if there is any way I can authenticate previous ownership of this gun and get it insured for it's true value. Any help appreciated. I suspect there may be privacy issues which prevent my getting this information?
I'm not sure about Winchester but I know that some companies will issue a letter of destination showing when it was shipped, what options it had when new, and who the original purchaser was. This letter usually costs $25-50 but can actually add value if the gun is ever sold. Hope this helps and welcome to G&G!
Well, according to John Taffin, the .375 Big Bore came along in 1978. Wayne died in 1979. I suppose it's possible John Wayne did own the rifle, but if he did, he didn't own it long.
Thanks guys, I'll look into the former, and as to when it came along, an NRA site I found says 1983 and this site; winchesterguns.com...which appears to be official, but which may not be...it seems to say 1979.
