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Is anyone else particular on how the upper tang is marked on Winchester lever actions that you’ve collected?
When I look for an older rifle I will pass up others that don’t have the model number on the upper tang. And, I’ve only ever seen one model 1873 with the model number (see picture) spelled out. Below are some pictures of what I would look for in choosing a rifle.
~~ Mark ~~
This is how I see most 1973’s tang’s marked. Is the top picture uncommon?
~~ Mark ~~
The 73 upper tang model marking changed a lot from its introduction with the model on the lower tang which are prized by collectors to the end of production which is the first one you posted with the three lines. The one in your second post is the most common 73 tang marks. There are more variation in the 73 tang stamps.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
The 73 upper tang model marking changed a lot from its introduction with the model on the lower tang which are prized by collectors to the end of production which is the first one you posted with the three lines. The one in your second post is the most common 73 tang marks. There are more variation in the 73 tang stamps.Bob
Thanks Bob. I’ve never seen one marked on the bottom of the tang. Would you say the three line would be on later versions?
~~ Mark ~~
The three line model stamp is the going to start around 600,000 and continued to the end of production. Here is the early one.
bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I always look at the upper tang marking type/variation. Below is the progressive transition for the Model 1894/94 from September 1894 through July 1942.
Type 1 – 
Type 1A – 
Type 2 – 
Type 3 – 
Type 4 – 
Type 5 – 
Type 5A – 
Type 6 –
Type 7 – 
Type 7 (late)
I have also documented all of the UT markings used on the Models 1886, 53, 55, 64, & 65.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
About what year did the type 3 start in the 94’s
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
And I can chime in that the Model 1892 tang variations are quite similar to that found on the 1894’s but with a few additional changes. 12 total distinct variations.
Type 1
Type 1A
Type 1B
Type 2
Type 2A No Model
Type 2A Model
Type 3
Type 3A
Type 4
Type 5
Type 6
Type 7
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
Thanks everyone. I never realized that there were so many different variations to the tang markings. The above images will help a lot in future rifle purchases.
Anyone have the versions of the 1895’s UT?
~~ Mark ~~
Here are the 73 upper tangs. Jim Gordon had them named in his book but I did find a variation in the Fleur-de-lis of the type 3 which came right before the type 4.
Bob
Type 1 On lower tang, Upper tang bare
Type 2
Type 3
Type 3a
Type 4
Type 5
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Cilrah said
Thanks everyone. I never realized that there were so many different variations to the tang markings. The above images will help a lot in future rifle purchases.Anyone have the versions of the 1895’s UT?
Now you can buy a carbine and a sporting rifle, in each caliber, with each tang stamp for the 1892’s! That would only be 96 rifles!!!
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
1873man said
Bert,About what year did the type 3 start in the 94’s
Bob
Bob,
The transition from the Type 2 to the Type 3 upper tang marking took place in February 1910 (very near the 450000 serial number range).
I am very happy to see that I am not the only detail driven researcher!! 
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Cilrah said
Thanks everyone. I never realized that there were so many different variations to the tang markings. The above images will help a lot in future rifle purchases.Anyone have the versions of the 1895’s UT?
Try contacting Brad Dunbar. I suspect that the Model 1895 tang markings were similar to the Model 1894.
For the Models 1893 & 1897, I have documented all of the slide-bar markings (the equivalent to the upper tang).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
twobit said
Cilrah said
Thanks everyone. I never realized that there were so many different variations to the tang markings. The above images will help a lot in future rifle purchases.
Anyone have the versions of the 1895’s UT?
Now you can buy a carbine and a sporting rifle, in each caliber, with each tang stamp for the 1892’s! That would only be 96 rifles!!!
Michael
😂😂😂 ya right Michael, I wish. I would like one of each model is there original caliber, like 1866 in 44-40, or a 1894 in WCF 30
~~ Mark ~~
November 7, 2015
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Cilrah said
twobit said
Cilrah said
Thanks everyone. I never realized that there were so many different variations to the tang markings. The above images will help a lot in future rifle purchases.
Anyone have the versions of the 1895’s UT?
Now you can buy a carbine and a sporting rifle, in each caliber, with each tang stamp for the 1892’s! That would only be 96 rifles!!!
Michael
😂😂😂 ya right Michael, I wish. I would like one of each model is there original caliber, like 1866 in 44-40, or a 1894 in WCF 30
Well, Mark, you’d better make that 1894 a 38-55, they didn’t roll out the 30WCF until 1895 and the 32-40 also precedes the 30WCF. And your 1866 should be the 44 Rimfire but an 1873 or 1892 in 44WCF would be along your line of thinking.
Happy hunting!
Mike
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