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December 9, 2018
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Any ideas what this tiny s stamp means? (If anything). It’s on the top of the barrel of my 1873 between the rear sight and the receiver. Nothing else, just an s, sitting on its own. (rifle was made in 1880).
May 2, 2009
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If I had to guess I would say a inspector stamp from it’s small size but its in a odd place. They are usually on the lower tang between the trigger and lever.
Did you figure out the serial number?
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 9, 2018
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Not 100%. The best I can identify from many photos taken through different filters is it’s probably the number originally given. Theres definitely seems to be a 4, a 3 and poss a two in there.
May 2, 2009
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Post the pictures and I can take a look.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
December 9, 2018
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Here’s some pictures taken through a variety of filters etc
May 23, 2009
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I think you’d be better using a serial number recovery technique on that tang to figure out the serial.
I believe 1873man has experience with this?
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
May 2, 2009
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The best way to see serial numbers with a camera is to use a light. I set up the camera in a tripod and then take several photos moving the light around from the side. This will help catch the shadows of the numbers. But the ultimate is using crime lab acid but you will loose any finish around the serial numbers.
I also got thinking about the S on the barrel. Since I learned the gun has import proofs on the barrel that the S could have something to do with that or was part of a bigger stamp like the importers name and is worn away.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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