Win Model 1873 ?

1bamashooter

I am trying to get a estimated value of this rifle, it is part of a estate and some of the info I am finding does not match up, like the letter from the museum stated it is .44cal but the rifle is a .38 cal. Any information will be greatly appreciated. I can take more pics if needed.

Thanks,

Ron

Bert H.

Hello Ron,

Well, I can see a few glaring problems with the rifle you have inquired about.

First, the magazine tube has either been shortened, or the barrel is longer than 24-inches. How long is the barrel?

Second, the stocks have been sanded and refinished.

Third, the factory letter clearly states that it originally was a 44 W.C.F., but the barrel is not.

Fourth, the side plate screw is not original.

In summary, it appears that it has been post-factory altered, and as such, it is not a desirable collectors gun.

1bamashooter

quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
Hello Ron,

Well, I can see a few glaring problems with the rifle you have inquired about.

First, the magazine tube has either been shortened, or the barrel is longer than 24-inches. How long is the barrel?

Second, the stocks have been sanded and refinished.

Third, the factory letter clearly states that it originally was a 44 W.C.F., but the barrel is not.

Fourth, the side plate screw is not original.

In summary, it appears that it has been post-factory altered, and as such, it is not a desirable collectors gun.


Thank you for your reply, this Dr I am trying to sell this thing for thinks its worth around $4000 I did not think it was and you just confirmed it.

thanks

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by 1bamashooter
quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
Hello Ron,

Well, I can see a few glaring problems with the rifle you have inquired about.

First, the magazine tube has either been shortened, or the barrel is longer than 24-inches. How long is the barrel?

Second, the stocks have been sanded and refinished.

Third, the factory letter clearly states that it originally was a 44 W.C.F., but the barrel is not.

Fourth, the side plate screw is not original.

In summary, it appears that it has been post-factory altered, and as such, it is not a desirable collectors gun.


Thank you for your reply, this Dr I am trying to sell this thing for thinks its worth around $4000 I did not think it was and you just confirmed it.

thanks


You are quite welcome.

On most days, that rifle is only worth about $1000.

Old-Colts

Bert's assessment is pretty much right on!

Based on your photos my observations are that there are no wrench marks on the barrel, both the barrel and cartridge lifter are marked 38, the metal all seems to match, neither the barrel or receiver are marked with the proof mark, and the barrel address has the lines before and after the bottom address line as a barrel of the vintage of this Model 73 probably should.

Based on these observations I would probably contact the Cody Museum again and ask them to verify the contents of the letter just to make sure. I've had one Winchester that they misclassified and upon asking them to check again they found their mistake and corrected the letter, but that was many years ago.

That wouldn't change Bert's basic assessment, but it would be more desirable if the letter matched the gun. Just a suggestion.