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I have a1873 that does not have a serial number . In the location under the level there appears to be a broken V and then maybe the front half of a B ? Looks like a B maybe poorly stamped. Left side of receiver has a 47 CP stamped. It’s a nice conditioned gun but very little history came with , maybe out of Montana . Any ideas on where to start looking ?
Randy,
First step is to take some good pictures of the gun. Include a overview of the whole gun and than pictures of serial number and other markings. With that we can probable tell what happened and what step you can do next.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Randy,
All the markings in the pictures are not made by Winchester. There never was any stamps on the top rail of the receiver or on the side of the receiver. The top tang of the receiver should read “MODEL 1873” depending on the year it was made. The caliber stamp is too big and in the wrong place. The serial number should be on the lower tang aft of the lever latch. Looking at the overall picture almost looks like that part of the tang is missing. The pictures are real bad, they must of been taken with a cell phone.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
I agree with all you say those are not winchester marking. The Model 1873 is in the right spot and with a magnifying glass I can make out 3-4 numbers of the old serial number ,but it has been scuffed out for most part. Any thoughts on what these could be from , mining company or railroad maybe ?? Have had the idea this could have been a jobber gun ? Just trying to find information to go with markings. It’s a nice condition gun, with single set and 32″ barrel. THANKS for your TIME
This gun was not a mining or railroad gun. A 32″ barrel with set trigger was used for hunting. If the gun had a serial number, it can be raised with the right acids. I had a friend of mine do a tang for me. The caliber stamp and the 47 CP on the side appear to of been done recently. The number on the top of the dust cover rail, is that 5 digits or 6? I can see 31625 which is not the serial number of the gun since your gun is a third model and 31625 is in the second model range. Here is a picture of a the serial number raised with acid
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
That is very interesting to know about the acid treatment ,I think there is enough there it could be successful . Hard to find some one able to do the treatment ? Thank you for the insight as to what some of these marks might not be, and your right a long barrel would not have been practical for mines or trains. That is the attraction for me to these guns , What story’s could they tell ? THANKS for HELP. Randy
Randy,
I don’t know who all can raise serial numbers around the country, I have a friend that did it for me. Can you post a picture of the entire lower tang.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Some coin shops have it, I bought a bottle years ago to bring up dates on worn coins. The buffalo nickel and walking liberty quarter had raised dates the wore off easy, a couple drops and it would appear!
The acids you need to work with steel are different than the acids used in coins because they are not steel so I would guess a coin shop might not have the right stuff. You do have to polish the surface so it shows up good.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Thanks guys, I will try to get a better picture than the last ones. If the picture can pick anything up ? At first glance there is no numbers but if you hold it right for the light and then use magnifying glass you can make out first 3-4 numbers. Thanks for your help
I don’t think I can get a picture that shows anything. I think the first number is a 6 I had thought it was a 2 but the tail drops down. So the number could be 6632?? and then I could easy be wrong . The 6 could be a 5 and the 3 could be a 8 ! I will talk to a coin dealer and see what they may be able to suggest.
Randy wrote:
I will talk to a coin dealer and see what they may be able to suggest.
Just DO NOT walk into the coin shop with the rifle unless you call the owner first and tell him you are coming. Bad things could happen otherwise.
Michael
Model 1892 / Model 61 Collector, Research, Valuation
If you have a crime lab in your area and interested in keeping accurate records of your rifles, you might call the local PD and ask them if they would be kind enough to raise the serial number for you. I did it on an old rusted SSA found in a barn. Turns out the serial number was from the late 1870’s. It has no intrinsic value due to decay, but feels good in the hand!
twobit said
Just DO NOT walk into the coin shop with the rifle unless you call the owner first and tell him you are coming. Bad things could happen otherwise.Michael
Good heads-up, Michael.
Carrying those old Winchesters does put many of us in an unusual frame of mind; though, carrying one into the shop might leave one with no mind to frame.
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