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Was at an auction saw this 1873 ser#12571. It was engraved, and had checkering fore and aft, although I have no idea if it was factory. To me it was a very low rate shooter grade rifle. Front sight was bubba’d and way off center, lever drooped, missing dust cover. Why did it bring 8k at hammer that’s before the 27-30% is tacked on.
May 2, 2009
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Its a first model deluxe engraved and set trigger. If it letters its worth that. If its a signed gun it was a bargain.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 7, 2015
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I like it because it presents as an honest gun. Buyer obviously liked it, I suspect he did his homework.
Mike
September 22, 2011
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Can you post a link to this auction?
May 2, 2009
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I just checked my survey of the 73’s I’m doing which have about 20,000 guns of which 3946 are 1st model rifles. I remove any of the 1 of 1000’s and like 1of 1000’s that were engraved beyond the standard 1 of 1000 engraving and only count the deluxe guns (Checkered with fancy wood) and I’m at 243 deluxes now only count the ones engraved and I’m left with 18. Now your in the range of the number of 34″ or 36″ guns. There are more 1 of 1000’s than deluxe engraved first models. If the gun letters the guy could flip the gun and make money. Its looks to have $1.00 of engraving unless the other side has a animal on it.
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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This is an example of a situation that having the knowledge or the ability to email a pictures to a knowledgeable expert is handy. Couple that with a phone search and you can bid smart. These pictures are just enough to get interested but not enough to know value. Knowing rare when you see is valuable. You don’t have to know, you just have to know someone that does. T/R
September 22, 2011
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Here’s the link:
https://bid.donleyauctions.com/auctions/1502770/lots/19530540
$8000 before the buyer’s premium of 20% (23% with credit card).
I question why there is no letter for this serial number 12571, this being a Winchester 1873 for which a letter is available.
It deserves it, because the sparse engraving appears to be of the highest quality in which case this rifle could be worth somewhat more than it hammered at. Condition hurts this rifle, but the quality of engraving is good enough to be an asset, even if not factory.
May 2, 2009
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It still has the base to a windage front sight and the screws from a heavy base tang sight on it. A original dust cover should not be a big problem to find in a condition to match the rest of the gun. It might take a while but its a lot easier that trying to find a nice one.
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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After looking at the poor pictures on Donley’s sight it looks like the real thing to me. You can not see the lower tang and serial number, if that’s real and letters it’s well worth the price. T/R
March 31, 2009
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TR said
You don’t have to know, you just have to know someone that does. T/R
One of my gun friends says “I’m not the smartest guy but I have their phone numbers”. Believe me I run for help often.
