My friend's great grandpa said he bought this new in 1940. I checked the Winchester 74 serial # lookup website and sure enough this serial # dates it 1940. I think they were first produced in 1938 or 39? This is the .22 short version. It really seems to be in excellent condition with no major marks in the wood and most of the bluing still in great shape, some patina...(wish i could take better pictures). Still in smooth perfect operational condition, recently test fired and cleaned up The last several closed gunbroker auctions had these goin all over the place. Odd but does anyone else have an opinions on condition, value or some insights...fond memories? Thanks.