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February 24, 2014
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Would like some advice, your thoughts on condition, originality, price, on this rifle. It has a letter & 45/70 ser #737, round barrel. plain trigger. Received in warehouse on October 28, 1886. I hope I have enough pictures for you to judge by. Would upload more of something if you need. It is not mine, but considering buying it. Thanks in advance, Rick
March 21, 2016
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The photos are too small to tell much. A lettered, 45-70 caliber super low serial # 1886 is very desirable, however the stocks have been sanded as indicated by the tangs/receiver being substantially proud of the wood.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
February 24, 2014
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I sized the photos to what they are suppose be, I thought. Maybe use the zoom. agreed on the metal to wood fit, especially butt plate end. The rear of the tang does not fit that well either. Thanks!!
September 22, 2011
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Agreed! Wood is refinished.
Also, early 1886’s had calibre markings in italic font, a carryover from the Model 1876. Not sure how long this was done, however, so calibre markings may or may not be correct, which may, or may not, indicate a replaced barrel.
What is the asking price?
February 24, 2014
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He is asking $4k.
March 21, 2016
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The wood-metal fit/refinish would be a deal breaker for me, however may make a good shooter if that’s of interest to you.
What’s the condition of the bore/mechanics etc?
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
February 24, 2014
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Bore is good as well as the mechanics. yes, the refinish job is a dealer breaker. It was sent to me without payment & just to look at, then make a decision so sending it back is no problem.
April 15, 2005
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$4K is too much. In addition to the stocks being sanded and refinished, the barrel & magazine tube have been reblued. Additionally the sights do not appear to be original, and the elevator for the rear sight is definitely not correct.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 24, 2014
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thanks guys!
September 22, 2011
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Bert H. said
$4K is too much. In addition to the stocks being sanded and refinished, the barrel & magazine tube have been reblued. Additionally the sights do not appear to be original, and the elevator for the rear sight is definitely not correct.Bert
One of my issues with the photographs is that there was no really good photograph of the rear sight. Some of the early 1886 rifles contained a ladder sight marked ‘1876’, as these were initially manufactured for the Model 1876. Beer, any ideas as to what serial number range this and italic calibre markings ceased?
November 7, 2015
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I like the rifle but I like shooters with a bit of wear. Not sure about the price so I’ll go with the experts on this one. I’d be interested but not at that price and probably not at this time.
April 15, 2005
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mrcvs said
One of my issues with the photographs is that there was no really good photograph of the rear sight. Some of the early 1886 rifles contained a ladder sight marked ‘1876’, as these were initially manufactured for the Model 1876. Beer, any ideas as to what serial number range this and italic calibre markings ceased?
I do not know the answer to your question as it pertains to the Model 1886. I can tell you that for the Model 1885 Single Shot, the italic caliber markings were used as late as December 1886. The attached picture is a Model 1885 that letters as being received in the warehouse on December 11th, 1886.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
July 8, 2016
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Via what everyone has said about the condition, I would send it back…immediately! Peter
February 24, 2014
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It was on UPS last night! all good. Thanks for all the replies.
September 22, 2011
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Bert H. said
I do not know the answer to your question as it pertains to the Model 1886. I can tell you that for the Model 1885 Single Shot, the italic caliber markings were used as late as December 1886. The attached picture is a Model 1885 that letters as being received in the warehouse on December 11th, 1886.
Since you study the 1885, have you anything about serial number 899? I had notes on it from a show that stated that it said 32 Cal WCF in italic (my notes). When would that one have shipped?
April 15, 2005
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mrcvs said
Since you study the 1885, have you anything about serial number 899? I had notes on it from a show that stated that it said 32 Cal WCF in italic (my notes). When would that one have shipped?
Model 1885 serial number 899 was received in the warehouse in May of 1886, and it is a 32 WCF marked “32 CAL. W.C.F.” Winchester used that marking for the 32 WCF up to at least December 1886.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 22, 2011
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Bert H. said
Model 1885 serial number 899 was received in the warehouse in May of 1886, and it is a 32 WCF marked “32 CAL. W.C.F.” Winchester used that marking for the 32 WCF up to at least December 1886.
Bert
Yes, it very well may have been 32 CAL. W.C.F. (and, indeed, probably was), my notes just indicated that this was in italic. I had seriously considered purchasing this firearm at the time as it was early and had condition, but we just couldn’t agree upon a price.
