|
Post by docneeley on Feb 21, 2009 16:22:15 GMT -5
Hi all, new to this forum. I got this model 81 from a gentleman and he said it came from the Aberdeen WA police where it had just ridden around in the car. It has cosmoline in the barrel but it does have wear on the reciever in front of the magazine. I have no info on the police versions so I'm hoping you guys may know. The buttstock with the curved buttplate I haven't seen on other 81's. It looks like it was made in 1940. Caliber is 35 REM. Mag says "Peace officers equipment Co, St Joseph, Mo. The number on the mag doesn't match the rifle SN if that's of importance. Thanks for any help. Doc i333.photobucket.com/albums/m391/65397/IMG_2889.jpgi333.photobucket.com/albums/m391/65397/IMG_2887.jpg
|
|
|
Post by koz5614 on Feb 21, 2009 18:08:15 GMT -5
That's a great find, and a very rare one. I'm sure "81police" will be able to tell you specifics about your rifle, but it looks like you have a Model 8 modified by P.O.E. It is the predecessor of the 81 Special Police. The website: "The Great Model 8 & 81" has info on the rifle written by a member of this forum.
Since it is an 8 and not an 81, you have posted your query in the wrong section. You must immediately surrender the rifle to me...
Seriously though, great find.
|
|
|
Post by docneeley on Feb 21, 2009 20:35:50 GMT -5
Thanks Koz. It's so hard to find info on these. I really appreciate it.
|
|
|
Post by tnrifleman on Feb 22, 2009 17:17:26 GMT -5
Wow, you sure have a wonderful and collectable rifle. Congratulations! An 81 Police is still one of my personal "grail guns." I haven't given up on finding one that I can make a deal on...
BTW, welcome to the forum.
|
|
|
Post by 81police on Feb 22, 2009 17:54:52 GMT -5
docneeley welcome to the forum! I'm no expert but here's my take on your rifle. Your rifle does not exhibit the stock nor forearm of Peace Officers' Equipment Company rifles. The forearm is not the 10 1/4" POEC extended forearm but a standard model 8. The stock if you notice has "cheeks" which will date that stock to around pre WWI, as "cheeks" were done away with about 1919. Peace Officer's Equip Co. did not begin conversions until the late 1920's. The magazine is indeed correct per model 8 POEC rifles, double cartridge indicator holes at the bottom of the magazine and marked "15". Does it say "Pat. Pend."? Further inspection reveals your rifle has the first type safety lever, from the first year of model 8 production, around 1906/1907. Since the serial numbers do not match obviously that magazine was not made for that rifle. My guess, and that's all it is, is that your rifle was not originally converted by Peace Officers' Equipment Company, but converted with an existing magazine, from a standard model 8 by a competent gunsmith. Perhaps, however, your rifle was sent in by a department to POEC, converted and the forearm replaced over time. I have no way of knowing this and I have never seen a POEC model 8 with such a stock nor as early receiver. The receiver's serial number could tell us more but either way your rifle is indeed collectible. Be sure to check out... www.thegreatmodel8.netUnder "Police Models" you'll find additional information we've posted. If you check out the gallery page you'll find pictures of original police 8 and 81 rifles in detail. For further viewing, here's a visual comparison of POEC 8 and Special Police 81 magazines... vintagesemiautorifle.proboards105.com/index.cgi?board=clips&action=display&thread=103If you provide us with a partial serial number (rifle and magazine) we could attempt to date your model 8 and perhaps find some more info. Great find, thanks for sharing! Cam
|
|
|
Post by docneeley on Feb 23, 2009 17:04:34 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the info. 81police, the magazine say's patent pending. the magazine serial number is 66904. The serial number is 3664. There is a small "s" beneath the serial number and a 'J' in a circle (where I got the earlier 1940 date). The magazine definately is for a model 8.
|
|
|
Post by 81police on Feb 23, 2009 18:04:27 GMT -5
your rifle was made around 1907 and the wood it has could very well be the original wood. It obviously was not made with the 15 round magazine it has now. The magazine SN is pretty late, so it was likely converted in the 1930's or later. I don't know if the rifle was an original conversion by Peace Officers' Equipment Co., likely though it wasn't as it retains its standard forearm and the serial numbers do not match. Would you mind posting more detailed pictures of both sides of the receiver?
You have a very unique rifle with history and years of service, i'd hang on to it!
Cam
|
|
|
Post by docneeley on Feb 23, 2009 18:56:03 GMT -5
I'll take photo's tomorrow (gun is at my shop).
|
|
|
Post by docneeley on Feb 24, 2009 14:04:28 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by 81police on Feb 24, 2009 14:58:16 GMT -5
thanks for posting pictures Doc. The magazine looks to be in very good shape. Your receiver has 5 non-factory holes in it, 4 of them look to correspond with a Pachmayr scope mount.
Looks pretty good for a rifle that's 102 years old!
|
|