Winchester 73 unusual

tlabeff

Hello Gentlemen..I've recently been asked to help with an estate containing a rather large collection of Winchester rifles..there is one rifle in the collection that has me a bit confused as to what it is and how to handle it within the collection...the rifle in question looks to be a very early 1873 winchester first model without any serial numbers present, the address stamp on the barrel appears to be very early that reads "HENRY WINCHESTER RIFLE MOD 1873" but is not mentioned in any of the books I have..there are some proof stamps on the side plate that are unusual..how should I handle this rifle as too its history with no serial numbers?

I'm sorry I'm having trouble figureing out how to post pictures here.

rufe-snow

Quality close-up photos needed, for accurate identification and valuation.

Instructions for posting photos, at this link.


http://forums.GunBroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294

Bert H.

Hello,

All original Winchester Model 1873 Rifles, Carbines and Muskets were serialized (on the lower tang, behind the lever bow).

The marking you describe on the barrel is not correct, nor was it ever used by Winchester.

I suspect that the gun in question is an altered original Winchester, or that it is some type of a reproduction.

You can send pictures of it to me at Win1885@msn.com

tlabeff

tlabeff

Bert....I sent pictures to your email perhaps you can help me....photo bucket is not cooperating with me

rufe-snow

Very Interesting rifle. It gives the appearance of great age and being an authentic replica. The proof marks appear to be Belgian to me. The type that were required in the 1870's/80's time frame. Before their proof laws and regulations were revised for modern firearms.

tlabeff

one more interesting thing....there is a brass plate fixed to the butt of the rifle that says Ernest de Schoenowsky with a crown engraved center of the plaque....if this is a reproduction its a darn good one....holding it up against another 1st model 73 carbine I can't tell a difference with the exception of lack of serial number....were any of these guns made in Europe?

rufe-snow

quote:Originally posted by tlabeff

one more interesting thing....there is a brass plate fixed to the butt of the rifle that says Ernest de Schoenowsky with a crown engraved center of the plaque....if this is a reproduction its a darn good one....holding it up against another 1st model 73 carbine I can't tell a difference with the exception of lack of serial number....were any of these guns made in Europe?



Looks like a presentation plaque to me. If I were you I would research this Ernest de Schoenowsky, to the best of your ability. Even if you have to pay somebody, who is fluent in European languages to do it. If Ernie was a famous guy on the other side of the pond, and this replica 73 can be tied to him. It might be worth a lot of bucks, specially to a European collector.

Spider7115

quote:Originally posted by tlabeff





Here you go:

hrf

A mark on the removable side plate wouldn't be a proof mark, more likely the maker or retailer.

European proof marks would be on the barrel, probably hidden by the forend.

The Belgian maker Emile Bernard used a crown over EB in oval mark.

tlabeff

from what I've found just doing a search for Ernest de Schnowsky reveals either Austrian nobility or muster roles for Ernest de Schnowsky Lt. Col. for the Belgian Army in the mid 1850s....thanks to every one your knowledge is invaluable...