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I am going to look at an “1873 LEVER ACTION CARBINE MANUFACTURED IN 1889, SERIAL #3140XXB” which is being offered at a local auction. I can’t tell much from the photos other than it has an octagonal bbl don’t know the bbl length. I’ll attach a couple of pictures. When I go look at it later today, what should I look for?
Not great pictures but I’ll do better when I go to see it.
Thanks,
Bill Brown
Online
Hello Bill,
You will want to check the wood fit around the upper and lower tang of the receiver and where the fore end wood joins the receiver face. IT should fit nice and tight as in the attached photos. Get as many photos of the rifle and the areas of stamped writing on it as you can.
Do you happen to know the Mertz family in SA?
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
I’m on my way to see it. Agree it is a rifle, octagon bbl. I’ll take some pictures and check fit.
Thanks
Bill Brown.
TR is right. It appears to be a standard octagon barreled sporting rifle, not a carbine. The receiver ring would indicate that it is either a .32-20 or .38-40 caliber, but it is hard to tell from the photos if the mag tube is for large or small caliber.
What you are looking at is lot 251 a 32 caliber 1873 rifle serial number 314078 with poor wood fit at the wrist and little finish left as I can tell from the poor pictures on the site. I would guess a value at between $1200 to $1400. If its got some good blue left it will increase value. 32 caliber is the least desirable caliber in the 73’s.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Well I looked at it and was not very impressed. The wood fit was good except for one repaired area. 
Do these look correct?
Looks like a repair
Not very pretty
Barrel lettering
Maximum bid $850??
Don’t do good photos with my phone, old and shaky.
Thanks, Bill Brown
Magazine band looks like it was glued or soldiered. The gun looks to be original except for the repairs. As to what to spend on it, it depends what your plans for it is. Is it going to be a wall hanger or a shooter gun? I would guess the bore is not good enough for a shooter based on the muzzle picture so its a wall hanger. As a wall hanger $850 is about all its worth but with it being one of a few guns at an auction there will be at least 2 idiots that think its priceless.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thanks Bob. Here is what I’m thinking. Looked at the bore it shows rifling with some corrosion and I think a good soak in Kroil followed by a good scrubbing might make a decent shooter. I have the tools to redo the muzzle and I believe it can be rust blued after some serious teardown and polishing. What are your thoughts?
Thanks, Bill
Bill, About a year ago I bought a honest original 38/40 for $1600 at a gun show. The gun did not have a single flaw or swapped part, had original finish on wood and metal, the blue had turned but looked good, feed, and fired accurately. The point is for a little more money you can get a lot more gun. T/R
Bill,
If you like fixing guns and find it fun, then that gun is for you. Just remember any money you put into it is lost. If your looking for a gun that you can shoot and will retain its value you have to go up the food chain.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
The shot of the muzzle face and the “repaired” butt stock would be enough to keep me from it! The wood has definitely been sanded at some point. Here is unmolested wood on one over here in Houston. http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/winchester-model-1873-32-20-w9293/
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
WOW! Great thoughts. I Have an 1873 completely restored by Turnbull. I love working on old Winchesters and if I can get this one for $850 I will refinish it to a good looking rifle. I like the one you posted twobit, but I am done paying big $$ for anymore guns. Again I must thank all of you for great inputs.
Bill
This is my hobby only. I work for friends and folks who want advice.
Bill, What do you charge to restore a 73 like the one in the pictures? T/R
TR, I charge by the time it takes to do the work. So far I’ve only done major refinish work on my own guns and some minor refinish and repair on a few others. I buy guns because that is how I learn. I prefer to use the term refinish because restoration is an art (Turnbull), which I do not possess.
Thanks again for all your replies
Bill
I was just sitting around waiting for the time to go to the auction and I found this on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=976&v=49_KYviQ_fM If you are curious about Turnbull restorations, check it out.
Bob
Just returned from the auction and the idiots were on line and there. The rifle sold for $1250.
Bill
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