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What is the most foolproof (easiest) way to determine if a gun is restored? My third 86 Carbine nice, maybe too nice. Not a Turnbull or RR I checked. Rear site is close compared to my other two guns but just a little off and I don’t believe original (see photos) So, I was suspicious. I am asking this after a long discussion after posting detailed pictures of the gun on this forum. Where I got much good advice but not conclusive. Unfortunately, I live in an area that has few WACA members. And none that I know that could provide an “expert” assessment. So, what say you is there a silver bullet?
Cheers
Kirk 
Unfortunately, there is no single “fool proof” method to determine the authenticity of an old Winchester. What I can tell you is this… many times, pictures alone are not sufficient to detect a well executed fake or restoration. Sure, there are lots of different clues and things to look for (which can vary from one model to another), but in the end, the best assessments come from “in hand” inspections.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
We need better pictures of the entire sight from a couple different angles. Close-up, but not fuzzy.
Here is a picture in the first post of part of the gun from a previous post I found.
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/correct-rear-site-for-1886-carbine/
It looks like the same sight you posted here and from this one picture I see one telltale of refinishing on it. On the receiver just in front of the bolt on the right side its looks to be a old rust pit that has finish. If that is what I’m seeing then the gun has been refinished. Without seeing more of the gun I’m guessing and the other thing that see is there is no age to the finish, no degrading from time.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
The picture you posted on your first thread was good quality but not the whole gun. More pictures will get you more answers. A bright LED light when shined on the barrel should show some aging in the form of red grains deep in the blue. The blue color of the sight should match the barrel blue except early sights had a soft non-reflective brushed finish on the areas that might reflect. This non-reflected finish is not duplicated by restoration companies. That said the sight can be changed with a hammer and punch. A 1886 is a big gun and a careful inspection will tell the story, not just a sight. T/R
It looks like the same sight you posted here and from this one picture I see one telltale of refinishing on it. On the receiver just in front of the bolt on the right side its looks to be a old rust pit that has finish. If that is what I’m seeing then the gun has been refinished. 1873man said
I see that too, but what I think is more telling are the washed out letters in “Repeating.” Unless the roll-die itself was damaged, it’s a refinish. Folks who’ve got the big bucks to buy supposedly “mint” guns, this is the risk you run.
clarence said
I see that too, but what I think is more telling are the washed out letters in “Repeating.” Unless the roll-die itself was damaged, it’s a refinish. Folks who’ve got the big bucks to buy supposedly “mint” guns, this is the risk you run.
It could just be the lighting. More pictures are needed.
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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