How rare are the case-colored frame 1873s compared to the blued frames? How rare is the button magazine? Also wondering about the originality of this rifle. To me, it looks like it’s been cleaned/refinished a bit. Particularly, the brass elevator looks polished and maybe the stocks lightly refinished. Although the bore is excellent, so maybe finish is original?? Just wondering what the experts think.
Jim Gordon did a 73 survey but not for mag lengths and finishes. All I can tell you from what I have seen is you don’t see a cased straight rifle to often but they are out there. A cased deluxe is more common. The button mag on the other hand is more common and if you figure the button mag into the value, it hurts its value. A full mag is desired more by the bulk of the collectors. The metal finish looks original, the wood has been refinished and the brass has been buffed.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I zoomed in and took a close look at the gun and I did find what looks like vise marks on the barrel on the left side from someone trying to remove the it.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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