What year is my winchester model 94ae lever action serial number 52686653

Hi Joe:
Here's a link
http://www.winchesterguns.com/content/dam/winchester-repeating-arms/support/faq/serial-number-reference/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year-2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf
Looks like it might be 1988

Mark, I'm not sure if you ever got your answer in all of that above but just in case you didn't....yours is in the war years 1944, or 45. Winchester kept no records of public serials those years because pretty much all of their manufacturing went to the war effort. Simply no record keeping. In 1942, #1221289, was sold. 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 there were no records. In 1948 they began again at the number 1500000. You can't get any accurate to the day date on yours but if you divide those numbers by the five years you get approx 55,700 a year. So 1221289 + 55700 is approx 1277000. Add another 55700 and you get approximately late 1944 to early 45 for your rifle. I hope that helps.

After 1991. Based on average made per year around that time period, '93 - '96.

1983 or 1984 according to http://www.winchesterguns.com/support/files/images/wfa/2012-All/2012-Articles/Winchester-Manufacture-Dates-by-Year----2012-Scanned-Documents.pdf

Take it to a reputable gunsmith or Auction house, they will be able to advise you.