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Hello,
Recently acquired an 1873 Winchester made in 1882. The caliber is .44 WCF. I am curious as to whether I am correct that this is a rifle with a nickel finish that is rather worn. Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks!
May 2, 2009
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Jarrett,
I see no evidence that it was plated. If it was and there was some still present it would show up in the protected areas like around the perimeter of the side plates. It appears it had a layer of rust and was cleaned off giving it a appearance of nickel. If you want a definitive answer to how the gun left the factory you can get a factory letter if you contact the Cody Firearms Museum using the serial number.
https://centerofthewest.org/explore/firearms/firearms-records/
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 2, 2009
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I agree 100% with Bob. Even in very badly worn condition, it should show some remnants of plating. Around side plates, around dovetails and under sights. If the gun had been plated, almost all of that finish would still be present, if you removed the stock.
May 2, 2009
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Yes, remove the stock or the side plates and you should find the original finish.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
My internals are shown here, some of the finish looks like nickel to me, but I don’t understand why the internals would ever have any kind of finish other than blue to them?
Thanks for the replies!
May 2, 2009
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Jarett,
What your looking for is the finish on the backside of the sideplate, bolt, firing pin and the inside of the frame. They would be finished the same as the outside. The lever, elevator lifter were case colored. The toggles were not finished.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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