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December 7, 2025
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I am trying to get 1 gun in first year serial from 1873thru model 55- by my count 30 guns – I currently have 24 of them – looking for -1876- 1885-1895-1897-1910-1911- looking for good condition guns – not mint – not poor – anyone got anything ?
July 14, 2016
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Now that would be an impressive feat. Have you found a true 1st year production 1873 made in 1873? There were not many made – I believe it will be a 2 digit serial number to be made in 1873.Â
This post may be helpful for you:
Your quest depends on what source you are relying on for your dates.Â
Chris
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
December 7, 2025
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Chris D said
Now that would be an impressive feat. Have you found a true 1st year production 1873 made in 1873? There were not many made – I believe it will be a 2 digit serial number to be made in 1873.Â
This post may be helpful for you:
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/winchester-1873-dates-of-manufacture-from-1961-winchester-newsletter/
Your quest depends on what source you are relying on for your dates.Â
Chris
 Â
No I do not have a 1873 yet – once I get the easier ones I will focus on the more expensive hard to find – I have Cody letters on most – and yes lots of first year disinformation out there – I have made a spot for each one to fill – prob start selling off some of the other 60 
guns I have to finance the rare ones
July 14, 2016
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Nice display! Enjoy the hunt for your first year Winchesters!
A man can never have too many WINCHESTERS...
April 15, 2005
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Yes indeed, most of the DOM information found in books and the internet is disinformation.
For a Single Shot (Model 1885), the serial number needs to be < 506 to be a true 1st year rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2012
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Very nice display, good luck with finding the first year guns you need. Keep us posted.
Thanks,
Al
May 14, 2025
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Gosh what a great goal and thanks for sharing the display pics! That sure brightens the day for any Winchester Collector. I will gladly keep an eye out for you in hopes of helping out! Good luck on the journey and please share new pics of the display with any additions!Â
March 20, 2009
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Now that is a unique quest. Congratulations. For the Model 1892’s the SN needs to be less than 7121 to qualify. I have seen 364 that will fill that slot in the past 15 years and have 10 first year guns. What is your SN for the 1892? Â
Michael
Â
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
December 9, 2002
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Charles,
That’s a very nice display, and an interesting Idea. I’m in agreement with the other members, as far as what they are saying. Finding the extremely tough first year, and in many cases expensive examples, will certainly be a big challenge, but the lowest decent example found, can certainly fill the spot on the wall as you search. The beauty is you can always trade or move up upon finding an early one, as you’re thinking.Â
I’m curious to you’re thinking on starting with the M-73 and ending at the M-55? 
I remember some 50 years ago my very first Winchester was a M-1894, first year rifle. Definitely not the hardest one to find. Some of the models in you’re quest aren’t serial numbered. (I’m sure an early will fit the bill). I will take a look in the near future as I might have something you might need.
Thanks for sharing.
Tony
April 15, 2005
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To add to this, for the Model 1897, you are looking for a gun in the 34141 – 46190 serial range. I currently have (2) of them. For the Model 1893, the serial number needs to be < 7559 (I have one, a very nice Riot Gun).
For any other models that you need serial number information for, just ask.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 7, 2025
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Anthony said
Charles,
That’s a very nice display, and an interesting Idea. I’m in agreement with the other members, as far as what they are saying. Finding the extremely tough first year, and in many cases expensive examples, will certainly be a big challenge, but the lowest decent example found, can certainly fill the spot on the wall as you search. The beauty is you can always trade or move up upon finding an early one, as you’re thinking.Â
I’m curious to you’re thinking on starting with the M-73 and ending at the M-55?Â
I remember some 50 years ago my very first Winchester was a M-1894, first year rifle. Definitely not the hardest one to find. Some of the models in you’re quest aren’t serial numbered. (I’m sure an early will fit the bill). I will take a look in the near future as I might have something you might need.
Thanks for sharing.
Tony
 Â
I realize a 1866 would be way more than I’m willing to spend and the 55 is 1924 so I was keeping it at 100 years old – once I get these I might expand beyond model 55 – and with 85 guns hanging on my living room walls I had to draw the line somewhere 🙄- and yes I’m not looking for the best out there just a decent example for a reasonable priceÂ
November 7, 2015
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Great collection and project! Brings to mind how many times Winchester started production late in the calendar year.Â
Â
Mike
December 9, 2002
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Gunsnfishin said
Anthony said
Charles,
That’s a very nice display, and an interesting Idea. I’m in agreement with the other members, as far as what they are saying. Finding the extremely tough first year, and in many cases expensive examples, will certainly be a big challenge, but the lowest decent example found, can certainly fill the spot on the wall as you search. The beauty is you can always trade or move up upon finding an early one, as you’re thinking.Â
I’m curious to you’re thinking on starting with the M-73 and ending at the M-55?Â
I remember some 50 years ago my very first Winchester was a M-1894, first year rifle. Definitely not the hardest one to find. Some of the models in you’re quest aren’t serial numbered. (I’m sure an early will fit the bill). I will take a look in the near future as I might have something you might need.
Thanks for sharing.
Tony
 ÂI realize a 1866 would be way more than I’m willing to spend and the 55 is 1924 so I was keeping it at 100 years old – once I get these I might expand beyond model 55 – and with 85 guns hanging on my living room walls I had to draw the line somewhere 🙄- and yes I’m not looking for the best out there just a decent example for a reasonable priceÂ
 Â
Charles,
Check you’re inbox, for a private message!
Tony
November 19, 2006
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Austin (a member here) presently has a first year production Model 1897 up for auction:
An interesting goal, and a very attractive display. Thanks for sharing. The only first year I have is a Model 1892. I’m a piker. But I have a Model 1894 action from the first year.Â
November 7, 2015
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[email protected] said
An interesting goal, and a very attractive display. Thanks for sharing. The only first year I have is a Model 1892. I’m a piker. But I have a Model 1894 action from the first year.Â
 Â
I agree, I’ve had a few four-digit guns but none were first year.
Â
Mike
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