You did not state if the 1894 was a rifle or carbine but the barrel markings should be similar on either. The 1900-1905 early variety, third variation 1894's had the upper tang marked: Model 1894 -WINCHESTER- PAT.AUG.21.1894 The barrels were marked on the tops of the barrel; MANUFACTURED BY THE WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. ---- NEW HAVEN. CONN. U.S.A. PATENTED AUGUST 21. 1894.----- The left side of the barrel was marked NICKEL STEEL BARREL ESPECIALLY FOR SMOKELESS POWDER The caliber markings were on the top of the barrel in 3/32" high characters. No proof marks. To my knowledge the barrel marking, on the left side, that has; Model -94- WINCHESTER - NICKEL STEEL - 30 W.C.F. - -TRADE MARK- was used beginning in approximately 1919. Prior to that time the barrel markings did not state Model 94. The serial number range of the 1894 you mentioned circa 1901, should be approximately in the 115,000 to 280,000 range. I use Bill West's "Winchester Complete" for the info mentioned above. I hope this may help to better determine the originality of the barrel on the 1894.
