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A friend was interested in this 1873 Winchester which according to the serial number was made in 1895. What’s odd is the “Model 187” stamped on the tang appears very crisp but the “3” is totally obscured and there is no second screw hole for a tang sight. Could the missing “3” simply be due to wear or is it possible that it was stamped incorrectly and left the factory that way?
Also note the odd texture across the “d” in “Model.”
Looks like the tang has been welded? The wood doesn’t fit the tang properly. Post more pictures so we can see what else doesn’t look right.
That upper tang appears to have been broken and repaired. So no telling what occurred the the tang markings. If the upper tang has been broken and repaired, it is likely the lower tang maybe an replacement. Is the receiver a 2nd or 3rd Model Receiver? It is hard to tell from the photos.
Based on the condition I can make out so far, the collectable value is on the low end of the spectrum.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
The tang marking is freshly cut.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thanks everyone for the quick replies. Based on my skepticism, my friend didn’t buy it. Someone else did for $850. Looks like we made the right call. Here’s the only other photos I have.
The condition leaves much to be desired as well. I suppose you can’t get much in the way of a Model 1873 for $850. If it functions and shot ok, I it would kill a deer or a hog. Wouldn’t have to baby it out in the woods.
I think the $850 price is right. I would encourage your friend to pay more and buy a honest original gun. Cheap is not always the best deal. T/R
lots going on here I am not sure where to start. that particular dust cover rail on the second models held by the screw was used aprox. 30,000- 37,000 serial range. the serial on lower tang appears to be 490726 ? hard to tell by pic but if so then the lower tang has been swapped. it does not fit proper at front ledges either and is a different color. the upper tang has been broken and welded. as bob said the “model 1873” has been re cut. poorly as it is missing the dot and the 1 is not correct and obviously the 3 as every can see is gone. upper tang with only one tang sight screw hole etc etc
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
November 7, 2015
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From what we can see it’s an excellent candidate for a wall hanger. Some folks like the rustic look of a classic, hard-used Winchester.
Mike
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