14” Trapper Carbine 1873 Winchester |General Discussions & Questions|Forum|Winchester Collector

Here are the pictures. One thing caught my eye is the indexing mark on the top of the barrel and the receiver. The only reason for that is if you took the barrel off.

Bob

On the short barreled guns they used the stepped receiver on the later models. They figured the short barrel put less stress on the threaded area of the receiver and they could lighten the gun.

Bob

I thought I saw an indexing mark in front of the rear sight as well. Is the line on top of the barrel band supposed to be there too?  I’m not sure why you’d need a mark there. If the gun was re barreled it was either a long time ago or someone is a master at aging.  

1873man said
Indexing lines next to sights have been put on by Winchester occasionally but they are very short. You use them to reset your sight if they get bumped. The one on this gun is not original. There are marks on the top of the receiver a short ways back and the barrel band that serve no purpose. There are not many 14″ trappers around that are pictured and most of them I have seen have been  messed with like this one. 
Bob
  

Interesting Bob! I sure was wondering about that mark on the barrel band. I was gonna venture into Gordon’s Books later as time allowed. By your statement saying “The one on this gun is not original”, tells me a lot. These short barrel rifles, and especially, “the trappers”, are never an inexpensive proposition. Naturally when $$$ is involved we tend to see things like this. With the couple things that you mention, it sure does make a person wonder what someone might have possibly done here long ago.

Bob, do you see that serial number in the ledgers that you have access to?

Tony

If it’s not a firearm, how is it any different than a broom with a 14” handle?

It looks like you have what you need. Its antique so it should be able to ship it without much issue.

Bob

BigIron said

Anthony said

BigIron said
This morning the Cody letter was found along with ATF form 4467 dated December 11, 1968 with info matching.   Cody letter confirms details.  Carbine, caliber 44, barrel length 14 inches, received in warehouse March 27, 1888, shipped from warehouse March 27, 1888 Order number 5153.   ATF letter has some interesting info about a Captain Abel M Lozanao from Harlingen Texas.  I will send Bob the pictures.  
  

That’s great news!
In you’re first post you mentioned at the end what you needed to possibly sell this. As long as everything checks out and I assume it will, you now will have whatever you need.
 
Tony
  

Thank you Tony.  I am still wondering about the legal pitfalls of possibly selling this rifle.  I am not a dealer and do not have the information I need to comfortably offer this rifle for sale.  Are there state laws (TX) or just federal law that I need to be aware of?   This rifle is obviously an antique, so not a firearm, but what about the length of the barrel?  
  

You’re Winchester, “Trapper”, carbine that you show the Cody Letter, which houses the Winchester Factory information, proves that you’re firearm left the Factory in 1888, which the ATF, considers by law an Antique firearm. (Pre-1899)

The paper work you have proves it’s configuration, according to you’re serial number. 

I did send you a PM, earlier, if you click on you’re inbox, I can give you more detailed information.

Tony

Bob,

Those are nice examples to see as a reference.

Thanks for posting it!

Tony

Anthony said
Bob,
Those are nice examples to see as a reference.
Thanks for posting it!
 
Tony
  

Great opportunity for me to give a shout out to Bob(1873man). He has helped me immensely over the years with questions and concerns about the model 1873, and saved me more than once dealing with undesirable sellers with fake guns, forged serial numbers, letters, etc.
I can say the same for Bert, JWA, and others on various models. Just another good reason for anyone new thinking of joining WACA. You will save money just for the above alone.