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I recently acquired a complete 1886 lower tang assembly with a single-set trigger. I got this for repair parts and wasn’t particularly interested in the tang itself. Since it is a single-set trigger it was most likely manufactured between 1888 and 1895, as after that only double-set triggers were available, in addition to the standard trigger.
Interestingly enough, the tang has no serial number. The interior parts show wear patterns consistent with having been used and the edges have scratch lines from where it was removed from the action. That, plus the shiny spots where the lever made contact with the tang are proof that this “serialess” tang was definitely mounted on a rifle and used.
I closely examined the area where the serial number should be with a high intensity light and a magnifying lens and could discern no trace of the required serial number. I even did my own amateurish home version of a magnaflux test and came up with nothing. (My magnet might not have been powerful enough.) Since the surface of the tang showed no evidence of having been filed, I even miked the thickness and compared that to a couple of the 1886’s I have and determined that no metal is missing.
The gunsmith where I got this tang tells me he had it in his parts bin for so many years that he no longer remembers where it came from.
Finally, I remembered something, vaguely, in the back of my mind. After some research I came up with this statement from Madis: “Since the model 1886 has a detachable tang, it is possible that arms without a serial number may have a factory replaced tang.” The tone of this statement implies that Winchester rifles without a serial number are not unheard of, at least with the models 1873, 1876 and 1886.
Whereas it is common knowledge that Winchester took in many of their rifles for repairs and modifications, I find it difficult to believe that they would ship out a repaired rifle without a serial number. It seems that if they replaced the tang they could easily have re-stamped the serial number on it. Perhaps Winchester sent out parts to their jobbers and to gun shops to make repairs locally.
Can anyone out there shed some light on this subject?
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
I would do the acid test on it if you have access to someone that can do it to be sure it never was stamped. I have a tang that had the number wore off and had it lifted with acid, it shows up real good. I have a magnaflux machine in the shop and will try it on the tang, I’m curious if it will work. I didn’t think it would show change in metal grain since you need a break or void in the metal to change the magnetic field.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
OK on test but did Winchester send out any tangs without serial numbers on them?
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
In my experience, Winchester would and did have un serial numbered lower tangs. I like you, picked up about half a dozen lower tangs from a lomg established gunsmith that closed. In the collection were two lower tangs with lots of original CCH but no serial numbers.
I suspect that lower tangs were replacement parts just like any other replacement part, and back in the day a gunsmith or owner could order these parts directly from Winchester.
V/R
Mike
December 20, 2014
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1873man said
I would do the acid test on it if you have access to someone that can do it to be sure it never was stamped. I have a tang that had the number wore off and had it lifted with acid, it shows up real good. I have a magnaflux machine in the shop and will try it on the tang, I’m curious if it will work. I didn’t think it would show change in metal grain since you need a break or void in the metal to change the magnetic field.
Bob
Bob,I have a 1873 with no s/n on the lower tang.I would be interested in the prep,what type of acid was used,and who can do it.
Bert tells me this is the only place on a 73 the s/n is located.
My email ,[email protected]
Thanks
Bill
Bill,
I don’t have the acids but I have a friend that can do it. It requires you to sand and polish the area of the serial number so any finish is lost so you have to decide if its worth messing up the gun. What is the configuration of the gun?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 20, 2014
Offline
1873man said
Bill,
I don’t have the acids but I have a friend that can do it. It requires you to sand and polish the area of the serial number so any finish is lost so you have to decide if its worth messing up the gun. What is the configuration of the gun?
Bob
Bob,the rifle is a 3rd model,38-40 and all original as far as I know.I think it is in fair to good condition.
The barrel is fair,shoots black powder good for about 4 or 5 rounds,then needs cleaned,shoots smokeless better.
The only one I have heard of not having a serial number on the lower tang was one my father owned back in the 1970’s. It was an 1886 deluxe, case hardened receiver, H-checked presentation grade pistol grip stocks with cheek-piece, swiss butt, sling eyes, etc. that was in about 85% condition. The lower tang was not stamped with a serial number. He assumed it may have had a set trigger at one time that either broke or was changed out with a standard trigger after it left the factory. Here is a pic, its the rifle on the bottom. These used to hang in his gun store.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
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