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December 31, 2012
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Anyone in the know?
Does this stock appear to be Gumwood? Thanks, Big Larry
May 2, 2009
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I have never seen a gumwood 73 or come across the mention of it. I have seen Itailian walnut and birdseye maple in the records.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 1, 2013
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Is the span of yrs gumwood was in use known or estimated? 1920 cat describes stocks of both rifle & carbine as “selected walnut.” The ’34 keeps walnut in the rifle description, but omits it from the carbine description. I doubt “gumwood” would ever have been used publicly, as few would know exactly what it was. I grew up where sweetgum trees were probably the most common hardwood, but never heard of “gumwood,” or heard the trees called anything but sweetgums.
December 9, 2002
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I don’t have Bob’s knowledge on the 73’s, and his expertise is second to none! IMO!
I do agree with him though. Never seen Gum wood on a 73, especially a 73 in .22 Caliber. I’m thinking the one in the picture, with a light decreasing/cleaning, properly, and professionally, or near professionally done, would reveal the wood as a straight grain Walnut, according to my aging eyes. OMHO! 
Antonio
May 2, 2009
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The only possibility is there are 73’s that were ordered with no stock and the owner was going to make his own. I would think if that was the case, gum wood would be on the bottom of the list of choices of wood. What is the serial number?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
April 15, 2005
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clarence said
Is the span of yrs gumwood was in use known or estimated? 1920 cat describes stocks of both rifle & carbine as “selected walnut.” The ’34 keeps walnut in the rifle description, but omits it from the carbine description. I doubt “gumwood” would ever have been used publicly, as few would know exactly what it was. I grew up where sweetgum trees were probably the most common hardwood, but never heard of “gumwood,” or heard the trees called anything but sweetgums.
Winchester first began using “gumwood” (sweetgum) on the Model 1900 Single Shot bolt-action .22 rim fire rifle, followed by the Model 1902, Thumb Trigger, and Model 1904. The first “repeater” that wore gumwood stocks was the Model 1906. Also in the year 1906, the Model 1892 and Model 1894 SRCs transitioned from walnut to gumwood. Winchester continued to use gumwood on the lever-action SRCs through the mid 1920s. It would be somewhat surprising to me if Winchester did not also use gumwood stocks on the 1906 – 1920 production Model 1873 SRCs.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 31, 2012
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Thank you all for your responses. The rifle was shipped in 1889 so it is an antique. Shoots very well. Sounds and feels like a pellet rifle. Lots of fun to shoot.
I questioned the stock as it has grain similar to that on my M1906’s. For the most part, they are Gumwood. So, I guess the stock is walnut. No grain, just a plain grain walnut. Maybe it needs to be cleaned after 135 years. Thanks again guys. Big Larry
