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Continued: 1873 Winchester with numbers stamped

kimikimi Member Posts: 44,719 ✭✭✭
edited March 2013 in Ask the Experts
That's a beautiful rifle for sure, and Bert's caution about the distinct possibility that it has been restored for the reasons he has given goes a long way where the appraised value of the piece is concerned, although some professionally restored Winchesters are still spendy.

In the case of your rifle where the caliber markings on the barrel and the elevator, plus the cleaning of the latter, are legitimate reasons that will figure in to its appraised value, it appears that your rifle is original where the two markings are of interest, as clarified by the following references:

Reference: Winchester's New Model of 1873, Volume 1, by James D. Gordon

Page 262, "There were no caliber markings on early 1873s...for a time, no barrel marking indicated 44 caliber...." "By the 150,000 serial range, the company began marking most of the 44 caliber barrels as well."

Page 227, "Initially when the model 1873 was only produced in 44 caliber, there were no caliber markings either on the elevator or the barrel....At first, only the smaller calibers were marked, but by serial range 150,000 the factory began marking the 44 caliber guns as well."
What's next?

Comments

  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    That is what I read last night. Bert helped me out before with a 1886 and was dead on. I have not purchased this rifle as of yet. It is really tearing at me now... The gentlemen that has it does not claim to be an expert at all and is not a collector. He does however know that it is collectable. I believe I've negotiated at good price. When he tells me his dad had it since the 40's and never refinished it does not rule out the first 60 years of this rifle. If Bert gives me the definite "its been refinished" I will probably walk away. I my opinion, this is about the best scenario for finding a nice old Winchester to add to my collection. It seems that there is still a possibility that it is original. Any thoughts??
  • Bert H.Bert H. Member Posts: 11,281 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would prefer to see better pictures of the rifle. A close-up showing each side of the receiver frame, the top & bottom of the receiver, and a close-up clear picture of the barrel address marking.

    WACA Historian & Life Member

  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I will try this again. Some of these pics were posted on the original thread. I do not have any pics closer up than these.
    8558760171_30d71e661d_m.jpg
    8559866986_98abae4a97_m.jpg
    8557996309_6eeed55ba0_m.jpg
    8557996225_d5eb9f89cb_m.jpg
    8559867004_7d81dcfc0c_m.jpg
    8559867070_67efbb9de0_m.jpg
  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It might be advantageous to post the photos in the largest size available.


    8559867070_67efbb9de0.jpg


    EDIT #1, From the surface rust and pitting visible in the larger photos it sure looks like the real McCoy. Doesn't look like it been restored. I don't see anybody paying big bucks for a professional restoration, then letting that happen.
  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    8561082896_82920a0d84_m.jpg

    trying to figure out how to make these bigger.
  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    8561082896_82920a0d84_z.jpg
    figuring it out
  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    8557996225_d5eb9f89cb_z.jpg
    8557996201_0178725a1b_z.jpg
    8559842562_9d1f26dcbc_z.jpg
    8557996309_6eeed55ba0_z.jpg
    8558760147_f097c1c94c_z.jpg
    8557996255_157a456b40_b.jpg
    8557996283_318eef3b11_b.jpg

    hopefully these help!
  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    In my opinion This is a case that speaks to the fact that this item
    necessitates a "Hands On" Inspection. I agree with Rufe Snow. That it does not seem feasible that someone would spend big $$ to restore and then let condition deteriorate for the second time in this rifles existence to present condition. I for one sure would pay big bucks without a 7 day return option.
  • Spider7115Spider7115 Member Posts: 29,704 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    In my opinion This is a case that speaks to the fact that this item
    necessitates a "Hands On" Inspection. I agree with Rufe Snow. That it does not seem feasible that someone would spend big $$ to restore and then let condition deteriorate for the second time in this rifles existence to present condition. I for one sure would pay big bucks without a 7 day return option.

    I think you meant to say you would NOT pay big bucks without a 7 day return option. I agree.
  • 338weatherby338weatherby Member Posts: 427 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I am familiar with the values of original Winchesters but I am not at all familiar with the value of a "altered" one. The reason I say this is that I have been pushing the guy selling it for a lot of info that only his father knew and he passed away last year. Not sure how much more before he might just say forget it. If there is still value in a questionable rifle, what would it possibly be? I am looking at $3000 for this one. Would I be screwed if it turns out to be refinished?
  • M1A762M1A762 Member Posts: 3,426
    edited November -1
    Strike while the iron is hot. Even if the rifle was refinished at some point years ago, it is still a very nice example of a 73 Winchester. Restored or not it will increase in value.

    You do know they are not making these anymore right?
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by 338weatherby
    I am familiar with the values of original Winchesters but I am not at all familiar with the value of a "altered" one. The reason I say this is that I have been pushing the guy selling it for a lot of info that only his father knew and he passed away last year. Not sure how much more before he might just say forget it. If there is still value in a questionable rifle, what would it possibly be? I am looking at $3000 for this one. Would I be screwed if it turns out to be refinished?


    Using Flayderman's condition standards for antique firearms as a guide. At a very minimum it would grade out as "Very Good". "Excellent +", if it hasn't been refinished and the bore is in good shape.

    If you can talk this guy into sending it on approval so that you can have some pros give it a hands-on, you would be ahead of the game. If he won't go that route. I would buy it anyway. You will be kicking yourself for years for not buying it, and letting it get away. I know as the same thing happened to me during my collecting years. I still feel bad about being a dummy, and letting virtually one of a kind guns get away.
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