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Looks as though this piece may have an interesting history.
Did the previous owner have any info to share on it?
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
Sam,
Two places you want to check on a Indian gun. Make sure the assemble numbers match because if they don’t then any marks on the wood don’t belong to the gun. The other place to look is the elevator, Indians can’t resist the soft brass. Now the marks my look like scratches to most people but that is what Indian marks look like.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
November 7, 2015
Online
A good read for you may be Documenting the Weapons Used at the Little Big Horn by Wendell Grangard. Your carbine wasn’t used at this battle but the author talks about the markings 1873man refers to as well as the modifications you described.
November 7, 2015
Online
I visited the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco early last month, pretty sure I took a pic of their issue 1866.
November 7, 2015
Online
Here’s the pic I took of the Rangers’ Winchesters at their museum in Waco. I think I should have taken more pics but maybe this will help. Not sure if we’ll be able to read serial numbers on the cards.
November 7, 2015
Online
Samuel Perry said
Bob and TXGunNut thanks for the info. I never heard of the new book but, ordered a copy from Mariah Press and am looking forward to it’s arrival. The soft brass elevator does not have any markings. The pattern of tacks is pretty interesting. Would be nice to decipher what they mean. In a future post I’m going to inquire about Texas State purchase of model 1866 carbines. I have #39614 with strong Rangers’ connection (family marked). Ever heard of any numbers mentioned? Thanks again.
I met Bob Moser this past weekend, he’s the Texas Rangers’ weapons historian. He’s associated with the museums in Waco and Fredericksburg. He’s also associated with the Former Texas Rangers’ Association. I didn’t realize until yesterday that I should have gotten his contact info for you. I think he may have some info for you and he will be interested in hearing about your 1866. Super nice guy, enjoyed visiting with him. I thought I had his card somewhere but wasn’t able to locate it. Let me know if you can’t locate him, seems we know some of the same folks so I should be able to get in touch with him.
TXGunNut said
Here’s the pic I took of the Rangers’ Winchesters at their museum in Waco. I think I should have taken more pics but maybe this will help. Not sure if we’ll be able to read serial numbers on the cards.
Great display, thanks for sharing it!
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
November 7, 2015
Online
My pic doesn’t do it justice, it was more a function of digital note-taking. There are several good Winchesters in that museum and more than a few good Colts. My old duty gun is just a few numbers off a somewhat famous Series 70 Colt on display there.
I’m hearing good stuff about the museum in Fredericksburg as well. Only problem is that town is also home to Texas Jack’s (Cimarron Arms).
April 26, 2015
Offline
I can’t add anything to this discussion except to say that I saw a similar carbine about 40 years ago in a gun shop. It was covered in “Indian” style brads and had the smoothest bore I’ve ever seen. I should have bought it because “Twentieth Century Fox” was neatly stamped onto the right side of the barrel.
Old Winchesters were around when there were Indians, but that connection is similar to Winchester 30-30’s. The closer you get to Wyoming, the more 30-30’s you find that once belonged to Tom Horn.
November 7, 2015
Online
Seems I’ve seen a “Tom Horn” rifle, maybe two. 😉 Spend much time in Kentucky or West Virginia and you may get the opportunity to own a rifle once owned by a Hatfield or McCoy, maybe even purchase it from a family member. It will quite likely date from after the Hatfields and McCoy’s quit shooting at each other but that didn’t stop a few of them from doing a brisk business selling expensive souvenirs to the tourists.
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