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August 6, 2008
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I purchased an 1866 today with no visible serial number and a very faint barrel address. The wood and brass are great and unmolested. It has an “A” under the lever but no other numbers. When I removed the buttstock the lower tang was marked CO 18442. The stock was marked 18442 in the inlet. The Brass buttplate was also marked 18442 toward the base. Like I said. The brass is dark and theres no evidence of the serial number being removed on the outside. Ideas?
May 2, 2009
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In that time frame the serial numbers could of been inside or outside the gun. Barrel addresses were very faint on early guns.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
August 6, 2008
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Thanks man. I just found something about the “hidden” serial numbers. I’ve never had a Winchester this early so I didn’t know.
November 7, 2015
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According to Madis “Serial numbers of the Second Model are found inside on the lower tang on early issues, in the 19,000 series the numbers began to be placed outside.” p 68 of my 1985 printing
June 26, 2013
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Looks like this gun is for sale now.
November 7, 2015
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Would appear so, nice gun!
March 21, 2016
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With current bid at $4550 and just under 3 days left till auction close, it will be interesting how close carbine comes to seller’s $12.000 ‘pay now’ price.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
