My newly acquired 1873 -s/n 433,646B Sporting Rifle|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Bert H. said
It would help if you posted pictures of the markings in question.
Bert
  

I added 5 photos but that didn’t work.  My first post and trying to work the forum out.

Dermot said

Dermot said

Bert H. said
It would help if you posted pictures of the markings in question.
Bert
  

I added 5 photos but that didn’t work.  My first post and trying to work the forum out.
  

Dermot said

Bert H. said
It would help if you posted pictures of the markings in question.
Bert
  

I added 5 photos but that didn’t work.  My first post and trying to work the forum out.
  

Uploaded the same 5 photos again but the upload stopped for ages at 75%.  Hopefully this works…
  

I have:

1873 built 1892, 38-40

1886 built 1887, 40-65, with a Cody letter

1892 built 1900, 44-40

Anthony #5411 said
Dermot,
Bob, (1873man), is our resident expert on the model 1873, and has much knowledge on these as his ongoing survey, picked up and continued from his good friend, Author/researcher, James Gordon, (Winchester Books Vol l $ ll ), and will be along to help out with anything we miss, as I’m thinking he might be at the current Tulsa show, along with a few other members, but his evening might find him checking in here and adding to this, or make some corrections.He can also check to see if it’s in his survey and if it is the same configuration, as it looks to be all correct, as it left the factory. Bob’s knowledge and information is second to none. IMO!
I’ll try to add what he’s taught me, on another thread for one of mine. Good job on the pictures, as it takes a bit for some of us but you did a nice job of showing us what is needed. Always the more, you add, the better it is for us. 
You’re third model 1873, mfg. in 1892, in 38-40, as you stated, with half magazine, looks all original. As you know the 38-40, caliber is the .38 WCF, and probably stamped so.
In Gordon’s book he explains and talks about the barrel under stamps as it’s pretty well broken down, but with the different inspectors back in the day and varying marks, sometimes we can try to over diagnose or expect more explanation, as these inspectors marks or stamps can vary. 
Here’s what Bob had said about my third model 73 src, that I had asked about, as his explanation is very good and it helped me out. IMO!
Bob, (1873man), Said,
Tony,
Those are Inspection or tests the barrel went through. The first 73’s had “CCC” then it went to”+++” for a short time at the end of the first models and then it was “123” for the rest of production. You will find barrels without them.
My 73 src, had the standard, “123′, as Bob explained and is in Gordon’s book. Your 1873 rifle,  has the “punch dot”, in front of the “2”, instead of the, “1”, in, “123” ! 
Bob
So getting back to you’re 73 rifle, in Gordon’s book, he explains each barrel was subject to a three part test, as the first mark, the punch dot, is a test, as is the, “2”, as is the, “3”.  Not sure what the “A.E”, is, but I assume it’s an inspectors mark, as maybe his initials of his name, identifying him,(as some inspectors did), as I don’t see anything like that, in Gordon’s book, (but there is other initial letters in his book, just not yours). Maybe Bob can help identify those letters, and add more, or correct me. The upside down “VP”, in the circle is another barrel test, meaning violent proof, on the strength of the barrel. The “p”, on the front of the receiver is another test proof stamp, but for the receiver.
Tony
  

Yes, Bob is fantastic .  I have been in communication prior to joining with him and also Michael Puzio (1892 guru)