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December 1, 2012
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There is a magnificent Model 1873 that just popped up on Mertz Antiques. This rifle was made for the 1889 Paris Exhibition and won a gold medal there. What I’m curious about is the factory letter that states that the rifle was received in warehouse March 13, 1889 and shipped from warehouse February 6, 1890. Since there is no question that the rifle was in France sometime between May 6 and October 31 1889, why do the Winchester records show the shipment from warehouse not made until the following year, 1890?
Could this have anything to do with those numerous guns that appear to have spent years stashed somewhere, between being received in warehouse and shipping. Perhaps Winchester pulled those guns for some purpose, say demonstrations, salesman’s samples, lobby or executive office display?
http://merzantiques.com/photo/wonderful-cased-engraved-model-1873-special-order-exhibition-rifle
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
May 2, 2009
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If Winchester sent the gun out of the warehouse I would think it would of had a entry in the ledger to that effect even guns that were sent out for display. If they didn’t record that, their inventory would be off.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
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December 1, 2012
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1873man said
If Winchester sent the gun out of the warehouse I would think it would of had a entry in the ledger to that effect even guns that were sent out for display. If they didn’t record that, their inventory would be off.Bob
The Cody Letter doesn’t reflect that but there is no question that the gun went to France and came back with no entry in the ledger, though it does state “Returned by Paris and sent to New York.”
"This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
November 7, 2015
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From what I’ve read about other exhibition guns I expected to see more entries, too. One thing’s for sure, it’s one drop-dead gorgeous rifle!
