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I recently acquired a Winchester 1873, in reasonably good condition, considering, however, the Serial Number is worn off completely. I am trying to get a date range by examining the features. I know it is between 10,000 and 31,000. I have found two with identical features: 13,XXX and 15,XXX. The following are the features that should help. Any help in narrowing the serial number range and date of production will be appreciated.
1. The Dust Cover has the oval thumb print, 5/8 inches long, with fine checkering (not the course checker of the other oval thumb print). This is a standard First Model Dust Cover. Madis Book shows 4 First Model Dust Covers. This one is #4 from the top, i.e. Page 135. (This dates it past SN 10,000.)
2. The Front barrel band that has the front sight on it. (I cannot find the date when the front sight was separated from the Barrel Band.)
3. The rear sight is a small L shaped flip (Leaf) sight. The long part of the L, has a #3 stamped on it.
4. The upper tang is stamped: “Model. 1873.” It is like the second picture from the left in Madis book, page 142, but without the two small screws – tang sight screw holes. There is only the upper Tang Screw hole, and no other screws or holes or markings.
5. The lower tang has the Lever Latch, then the Butt end of the spring screw, then the lower tang screw hole. No other markings. There is no Safety on the lower tang/lever.
6. There is no caliber marking on barrel or carrier. It is a 44-40. (This appears to place it before the 38-40 caliber was introduced. Before 1879, about SN 28.000.) Also, there is no safety, or trigger block, which may also correspond to about 1878 and before.
7. The Botton picture on page 140 of Madis book is like this one. Front barrel band with sight, Lever, rear barrel band, and possibly the L leaf rear sight.
8. There is an assembly number on the side of the lower tang: #3904.
9. The magazine Cap screws into the magazine.
10. The Hammer Thumb Print has fine checkering.
Don,
You pretty well have it narrowed down with the features you have to work with except for the assemble number. In Jim Gordons book he lists assemble numbers he has found and it looks like around 16,000 to 17,000 is were that number shows up. You can raise the serial number with acid.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
You didn’t mention it, but from your description it sounds like you have a carbine, correct?
Don Hardcastle said
6. There is no caliber marking on barrel or carrier. It is a 44-40. (This appears to place it before the 38-40 caliber was introduced. Before 1879, about SN 28.000.) Also, there is no safety, or trigger block, which may also correspond to about 1878 and before.
Further to this topic, were any early third models in 44 cal not stamped on the carrier? I know of one made in 1882 that is original & has a first model rear sight and no stamp on the brass carrier. The barrel has 44WCF stamped on the barrel.
Rick C
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