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November 2, 2016
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Came across an 1873 in 44 cal. today serial no 30,500 something with thumbprint dust cover and second model rail. I would say it is good attic found condition and not investment grade by any means. But it appears all the metal has been painted with a dark lacquer a long time ago. The lacquer had been rubbed off in order to see the barrel address. The price was $3,000. Bore was good.
Question, is there any way to remove the lacquer? Is the gun worth fooling with?
Thanks
May 2, 2009
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Is there any finish left on the gun? Post some picture so I can tell what condition the guns in.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
April 15, 2005
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The lacquer can be easily removed with acetone… remove the stocks before using it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 2, 2016
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Here are some photos but not very good quality
May 2, 2009
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I doubt there is any really good finish under the lacquer. You wouldn’t know you made the right decision until you take some off and then of course its too late to go back. If it were mine I probably would take it off. I see it does have a set trigger.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 2, 2016
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Yes it does not appear that there is any finish left on the barrel address where it appears some of the lacquer was removed.
Does the set trigger add much value?
Thanks
May 2, 2009
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It adds some if it works but not a lot. A set trigger was the most common special feature, about 23% of them had them.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 2, 2016
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10-4 thanks for your advice
November 2, 2016
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What do you think of the asking price of $3,000?
June 4, 2017
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War Eagle said
What do you think of the asking price of $3,000?
War Eagle, I watched the Rock Island Auction yesterday and judging from the results you can get a lot more gun at the auction with your $3000. I see some real buying opportunities there. I’m set up to phone bid on Sunday, it’s easy. If you need help post the the gun and the Forum will help. Minty guns go high and lower end guns fall thru the cracks at wholesale, at the “premium” auctions recently. T/R
May 2, 2009
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War Eagle said
What do you think of the asking price of $3,000?
For $3000 it should of had some real blue on it.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 2, 2016
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Thanks guys – VERY helpful advice.
I was pretty pumped up when I saw it was .44 with thumbprint cover and set trigger, but $3000 is a sizable sum for me, so I’m going to pass. There are plenty more out there.
