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Interesting 1873 Rifle

road king

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February 29, 2016 - 2:11 am

Found this 1873 with interesting engraving on the side plates. I think I may have seen this engraving before but not sure. BBWW 1895 (Buffalo Bill’s Wild West) ??? Welcome comments.

Brian

1873man

Wisconsin

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February 29, 2016 - 2:25 am

Brian,

I have seen that style of engraving before but I think its a acid etch. I always get suspicious of 73’s with only the side plates engraved. They are too transferable. Is it lettered or do you have a serial number?

Bob

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road king

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February 29, 2016 - 2:40 am

Yes I have the serial number but haven’t lettered it yet. It does have a 28″ barrel Wink in .32WCF. #407723B

Brian

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February 29, 2016 - 3:23 am

Bob,

What is acid etching? Patina looks odd.

Walter

1873man

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February 29, 2016 - 3:43 am

Walter,

It is where they mask the design they want with a paint or varnish then put acid on the part and it eats away the unprotected metal. Here is one that is just went through RIA.

http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/1026/lid/2095

here is a better one.

http://www.rockislandauction.com/viewitem/aid/65/lid/29

Bob

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February 29, 2016 - 4:05 am

Bob,

Thanks for the info. I see what you are seeing. People are paying a lot of money for this. They must like it.

Walter

road king

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February 29, 2016 - 10:30 pm

Got the info back today on the 1873;

WINCHESTER MODEL 1873 – SERIAL NUMBER 407723

Serial number applied on December 22, 1891

Type: Rifle

Caliber: 32

Barrel Type: Octagon

Barrel Length: 28 inches

Trigger: Plain

Received in warehouse on January 11, 1892

Shipped from warehouse on January 19, 1892, Order number 18723

Date: February 29, 2016 – Searched by: gm

I guess it is just another gun with a history we may never know or as I like to call these guns “Fantasy Gun”. Kiss

I am sure Indian Police didn’t have .32 cal, guns. Wink

Anyone else have any guess what the BBWW 1995 might represent? Confused

I have read at some time that engraved side plates could be purchased with what ever you wanted engraved or etched on them during the period these guns were available.

Brian

1873man

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February 29, 2016 - 10:46 pm

Brian,

I figured someone was trying to pass it as Buffalo Bills Wild West.

Bob

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