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November 20, 2010
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I have acquired an early (pre serial number 28,000, or at least it appears that early) 1873, carbine, in very poor condition, other than the minty bore that is. it has the early dust cover and early trigger and sear combined.
The serial number is not visible, My question to the Winchester gods is, can I narrow down the date of manufacture using the assembly number on the lower tang…….? (1178)
any help is appreciated.
Sean
June 4, 2017
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Sean, The answer is no. T/R
May 2, 2009
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Sean,
Assemble numbers have no relation to the serial number. A trained eye can sometimes read a number only from seeing a partial number. If you take some very clear pictures of the serial number in high resolution with a light from different angles I might be able pick them out. The last option is using crime lab acid to bring the number out. The only issue with that is the area of the serial number has to be polished.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
June 4, 2017
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Sean, If you can’t pull the serial number with crime lab acid you can get some idea of the serial number range by features, if the gun is complete and original. Jim Gordan’s books give good pictures of the various changes to the model 73 and at what s/n range they occurred. If you post good pictures of the entire gun the Forum will help. T/R
November 20, 2010
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I will attempt to post some pics a bit later but trust me when I say poor condition as in acid corrosion I mean it.
but het we can give it a shot. no pun intended.
May 2, 2009
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Also include a pictures of the gun.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 20, 2010
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Ok pics have been added any help would be appreciated.
thx Sean
May 2, 2009
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Sean,
Where the serial number is suppose to be has been filed a fair bit but you might still lift a serial number. Do you have any history of how this gun came to look like it does?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
May 2, 2009
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This is what a lifted serial number looks like.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
June 4, 2017
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Sean, The oval thumbprint dust cover was used from approximately 10,000 s/n to the end of the first model. If it is “original” to the gun then it was most likely made from late 1875 to early 79. T/R
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