Chris D said
Hi Bob, do you think Winchester would case harden a frame and lower tang after it was originally finsihed as blued? Or would they use a new reciever and lower tang? 
An interesing 1873 nonetheless. 
This August auction has some very unique Winchesters. Lot 1011 I really like, a deluxe 36'' 1873. What a unicorn. How many 36'' guns in your survey Bob? 
Chris
  

They would of cased the original frame. I have seen where they changed from straight grip to pistol grip where they probably would of changed the receiver. I have 14 36" guns now.

Anthony said   
Have you or anyone else ever seen a letter showing this much information, when returned?
Tony 

Yes I have seen a  86 that has a two page letter that was displayed by Winchester. It changed  through its life.

Bob

That's a great letter and model 1873, thanks for posting it. I've posted this before, but I have an antique model 1894 where the letter describes what changed when it was returned.

1873man said
Here is the letter Tony. The Returned Jan 6 1881 is the date it shipped back (returned) and to New York I'm thinking its a New York distributor or dealer. 
Bob

Bob,

Thanks for straightening out the Letter so we could read it and view the unusual, and not seen before, at least from my perspective, very detailed write up on the work that was performed, at the end of the letter, indicating what was done when returned. I'm in agreement with you as far as the New York part which is also unusual.

No mention of the sling swivels on the rifle, but this is pretty common as far as the letter goes.IMO!

Have you or anyone else ever seen a letter showing this much information, when returned?

Tony

An interesing 1873 nonetheless. 

This August auction has some very unique Winchesters. Lot 1011 I really like, a deluxe 36'' 1873. What a unicorn. How many 36'' guns in your survey Bob? 

Chris

1892takedown said
The pricing on a lot of these guns in the last couple years has gone out of sight whether middle of the road or high condition.  Ive lost interest being priced out of what I think is reasonable.  Now a days it has to be something I really selectively want to consider buying.   
  

I’m with you on that!

Bob

I don't know why it's turned, as I tried to make it as small as I could. 

Tony

What is the serial number?  Reason I ask is that 1948 was when Winchester changed from the Type II "transition" receiver with cloverleaf tang to the Type III "latter" receiver with the oval tang.  I can't quite make out which yours is...

IF it's a type III (oval tang) receiver, and you like the look/feel of the low comb (NRA style) stock, then for a hunting rifle I think I'd just watch eBay for a take-off stock with an added recoil pad.  You're likely to find one for $150 or so, and if it's already been cut for a pad you can replace the pad, glass bed the action, etc. to your hearts content without worrying about devaluing an "original" stock.   

Just my take...  It's what I did to the 1950 vintage 30-06 Standard rifle that I use on deer...  Not a great picture of the gun (scanned off a Kodachrome slide), but this is what it looks like with an average TX whitetail...

Best,

Lou

antler1 said
It is obviously on somebody's table at a gun show so just tell us their price on the tag.
  

$5250.

In today’s market I value it at $3750 +/-, possibly 4k.

mrcvs said

Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
  

I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago.  Maybe not…
Bluing is original.
  

Ian,

I'm in agreement with you on the wood, but like Barry said in that configuration and a nice representation, his numbers are right there in the approximate ballpark also. I would still classify it as a good honest gun. 

Tony

Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
  

I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago.  Maybe not…

Bluing is original.