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September 7, 2017
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1873 Gurus,
I have model 1873 serial #476884 and am looking for assessment of condition and value. The Cody serial # search indicates serial # applied May 17, 1894; .32 caliber rifle; 26″ octagon barrel; plain trigger. Following is current configuration:
24″ octagon barrel, tapered from .924 at receiver to .760 at muzzle.
Barrel mounted semi-buckhorn rear sight with elevator.
Lyman #5 combination front sight.
Lyman #1 combination tang rear sight, second variation, application code W.
Barrel address marking consistent with .38 caliber barrel marking per Pirkle, page 102 but marked 32 WCF. (?)
Magazine tube ring and front sight location measured per attached photos. Correct?
Height of butt measures as a carbine per Pirkle table 2-11, page 59 but is clearly a crescent type rifle buttplate (?).
Any thoughts on this rifle are appreciated.
Thanks.
Mac
May 2, 2009
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Mac,
The gun looks right. If the gun was a 26″ and the barrel was shortened there would be a magazine band cut under the barrel in front of the one there now and I don’t see that in the pictures. If there is no extra slot, then the barrel could of been changed or a error in the records. Either way you have a gun that does not letter clean which does affect the value. It has the correct butt plate for a 32 caliber. From the pictures the receiver does not have any finish left and the barrel might have a little blue left in protected spots but the pictures are not good for seeing the blue.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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Recheck the Cody info for the barrel length. I believe that 24″ is the standard barrel length? Like Bob said, this gun looks good for it’s condition.
September 7, 2017
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Thanks Bob and Chuck for your responses. Yes the receiver finish is pretty well worn. Regarding the barrel length, I understand 24″ is the standard. With the Cody records check showing 26″ the records are either in error or the barrel was replaced at some point. I was hoping to get some sense of current value range. Any thoughts are welcome.
Mac
May 2, 2009
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Mac,
What is the blue condition of the barrel and tube?
Boib
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
September 7, 2017
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Bob,
Hmmm, I’d say appropriate and consistent with what I’d expect of a 120+ year old rifle. I am not comfortable/knowledgeable assessing % condition. They both have plenty of remaining blue although dull, showing ware, speckles of very light rust when examined closely with a bright light, some worn area on underside of tube similar to receiver. The entire rifle metal looks to me as if aged together from the get-go. Here are some more pics I just took. Appreciate the follow up.
Mac
May 2, 2009
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Mac,
The barrel and tube are better than the receiver. The 26″ on the letter and the receiver drag it down some. Its a $1300 – $1400 gun.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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