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Winchester 1873 originality query
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February 13, 2024 - 3:18 am
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Hoping to hear any opinions on the originality/spec of this particular carbine.

She looks nice and clean but I’m a bit confused about the material and finish… also noticed that the front barrel band is missing. The owner is very vague on detail.

Is there anything else anyone can spot that might make it not worth the lengthy drive to inspect it in person?

https://ssaagunsales.com/listing/44681

Any insights much appreciated.

 

Matt

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February 13, 2024 - 5:35 am
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Matt,

That gun has been on that site for about a year. The front barrel band is missing and had some kind of shim in between. From what it looks like is the shim or block is dovetailed into the bottom of the barrel and then the tube has a screw through the mag tube plug I’m guessing. The gun has been plated from the looks. Swivels are not Winchester. The only way to tell how it left the factory is a check the factory records at Cody. The seller should supply that for a buyer. I assume your in Australia if your looking at buying from there.

Bob

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February 13, 2024 - 11:15 am
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1873man said
Matt,

That gun has been on that site for about a year. The front barrel band is missing and had some kind of shim in between. From what it looks like is the shim or block is dovetailed into the bottom of the barrel and then the tube has a screw through the mag tube plug I’m guessing. The gun has been plated from the looks. Swivels are not Winchester. The only way to tell how it left the factory is a check the factory records at Cody. The seller should supply that for a buyer. I assume your in Australia if your looking at buying from there.

Bob

  

Thanks Bob, that’s very helpful and reinforces the gut feel I had on it… 

This one looks to be much more original and I figure the saddle ring is an easier replacement than the front band too.

I am in Australia and will definitely invest in a Cody letter for whichever rifle I eventually end up being the proud owner of.

Appreicate your input here 👍

https://ssaagunsales.com/listing/42959

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February 13, 2024 - 2:13 pm
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Matt,

Can’t tell much from the one picture, can’t even tell how good the finish is, too much glare. The guy seems reluctant to give the buyer more pictures so I wouldn’t consider it unless you can get more pictures that show the true color of the finish and condition of the different parts of the gun. You want pictures of the overall gun from all sides and then closeups of all markings. Is the price in US dollars or Australian dollars?

Bob

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February 13, 2024 - 5:00 pm
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1873man said
Matt,

Can’t tell much from the one picture, can’t even tell how good the finish is, too much glare. The guy seems reluctant to give the buyer more pictures so I wouldn’t consider it unless you can get more pictures that show the true color of the finish and condition of the different parts of the gun. You want pictures of the overall gun from all sides and then closeups of all markings. Is the price in US dollars or Australian dollars?

Bob

  

Hi Bob,

Definitely can’t get a full representation from the one photo, more are on the way and I’m just hoping they match the seller’s description. Pictures of the markings are a great idea too, thanks!

The price is AUD. We aren’t spoiled for choice here usually but when they do come up prices tend to run a fair bit lower than they do in the US.

 

Matt

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February 13, 2024 - 5:29 pm
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Matt

In US dollars that would be a no brainer purchase as long as the barrel and stock are not chopped off beyond the picture.

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February 13, 2024 - 10:36 pm
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Hi Matt. Both of those 1873s have been up for a while, for a good reason. The good ones won’t last for a day. 

I did not bother to enquire about your first link as it is not the type of Winchester I would go for. I do not think it has original finish. 

The second link is a little more interesting but has had an old refinish. Serial 184211B. The seller initially advertised it as a Pentridge gun. I contacted him and asked for more pictures which I will post. It is not a Pentridge gun but falls into the serial number range of the known guns. Are you aware of Pentridge 1873s? 

With the pictures I will post that he sent, you can clearly see metal that has been buffed down prior to it being refinished. The saddle ring staple has also been cut off. The wood looks ok. Again, not the type of gun that I would personally buy. I told him it had been re-finished but some people just believe what they want to believe. 

Have you been looking for a while? Original 1873s are out there. SRCs were used hard here and most are brown guns hence the re-finish jobs. I would recommend to keep searching and try to find original guns. These have both been up for over a year and they are not selling. That tells the story, as do the pictures he sent me. There are other local sites besides the SSAA site. 

DSCN9928-1.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9965.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9976.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9918-1.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9955.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9953.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9983.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9951.JPGImage EnlargerChris in Melbourne

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February 14, 2024 - 12:32 am
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Aussie Chris said
Hi Matt. Both of those 1873s have been up for a while, for a good reason. The good ones won’t last for a day. 

I did not bother to enquire about your first link as it is not the type of Winchester I would go for. I do not think it has original finish. 

The second link is a little more interesting but has had an old refinish. Serial 184211B. The seller initially advertised it as a Pentridge gun. I contacted him and asked for more pictures which I will post. It is not a Pentridge gun but falls into the serial number range of the known guns. Are you aware of Pentridge 1873s? 

With the pictures I will post that he sent, you can clearly see metal that has been buffed down prior to it being refinished. The saddle ring staple has also been cut off. The wood looks ok. Again, not the type of gun that I would personally buy. I told him it had been re-finished but some people just believe what they want to believe. 

Have you been looking for a while? Original 1873s are out there. SRCs were used hard here and most are brown guns hence the re-finish jobs. I would recommend to keep searching and try to find original guns. These have both been up for over a year and they are not selling. That tells the story, as do the pictures he sent me. There are other local sites besides the SSAA site. 

DSCN9928-1.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9965.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9976.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9918-1.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9955.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9953.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9983.JPGImage EnlargerDSCN9951.JPGImage EnlargerChris in Melbourne

  

Hi Chris. Thanks for the wisdom, really appreciate it 🙏

I don’t know much about the Pentridge guns aside from seeing a couple in archived listings but will do some reading into those.

I have only just started looking in the last month or so after lots of reading/video watching and quickly see it’s not something worth rushing. I really want to hold out for something original which can be tricky to the untrained eye…

I’ll keep a close eye on the local sites and any events that pop up!

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February 14, 2024 - 1:49 am
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Chris is right, Matthew. Keep looking. If you’re ready and watching the right gun will come along. Keep watching those listings, they will help you learn to spot issues like Chris has pointed out. There’s no substitute for holding a gun in your hands and handling lots of guns will help you get more familiar with them. Happy hunting!

 

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February 14, 2024 - 3:31 am
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Thanks everyone – feeling like I’m in very good hands here!

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June 1, 2024 - 7:01 am
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Posting for closure. Finally managed to find one that suits my needs (and an 1887 to go with it…). Huge thanks again to everyone who chipped in with advice, it’s been very educational. And Tony. R and Aussie Chris for dealing with my email/SMS spam!

 

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June 1, 2024 - 1:18 pm
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I love loop closures! Nice old gun and glad you found one you’re happy with. JP

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June 1, 2024 - 1:50 pm
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Jeremy P said
I love loop closures! Nice old gun and glad you found one you’re happy with. JP

 I agree – patience paid off!

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