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December 9, 2002
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I saw this today looking around as I like to do and noticed this interesting Serial number stamping! #48842, looks peculiar to me!
https://www.merzantiques.com/product/w4511-winchester-1873-second-model-rifle-in-44-wcf-a/
Anthony
June 4, 2017
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That looks right for that serial number range. The horns on the 8s, the double stroke 1, and low 4s are of that era. T/R
May 2, 2009
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This is normal for the first 90,000
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
March 31, 2009
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My 76 Ser# 8023 has the same style but the horns on the 8 are small.
December 9, 2002
Online
TR said
That looks right for that serial number range. The horns on the 8s, the double stroke 1, and low 4s are of that era. T/R
1873man said
This is normal for the first 90,000
Bob
I was glad to read this and refresh my old rusty memory, as those pictures Bob posted, sure helped me. Between TR, and Bob’s recollection, and verification, that’s enough for me! 
Thanks Guys!
Chuck said
My 76 Ser# 8023 has the same style but the horns on the 8 are small.
Chuck,
That would also make sense from the same Era, and if you’re 8’s horns are smaller, you might have the lower case 8’s! LOL! 
Anthony
June 4, 2017
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Anthony,
The largest gun auction company 20 some years ago pulled and outed a 1 of 1000 because the 8 did not have horns. You did the right thing asking questions.
I pay attention to any stamp or die mark on collector guns. It’s the easiest and most positive why to spot a restored gun. When I see a restored gun I look for tells in their dies. Take pictures and make notes, they keep using the same flawed die. One of the most famous was Roger’s leaning T in CT. on the barrel address. Colt SAA are perhaps the worse when it comes to fakes because some of the best are doing it. You need a frame gauge, a jeweler’s loop, and complete disassembly before buying. T/R
March 31, 2009
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TR said
Anthony,
One of the most famous was Roger’s leaning T in CT. on the barrel address. T/R
I wonder who you are talking about? About 6 of his guns sold at an auction a few months ago. None brought big money. Most were 1/2 of the restoration cost at best. I sent the info on a few 73’s to Bob.
December 9, 2002
Online
TR said
Anthony,
The largest gun auction company 20 some years ago pulled and outed a 1 of 1000 because the 8 did not have horns. You did the right thing asking questions.
I pay attention to any stamp or die mark on collector guns. It’s the easiest and most positive why to spot a restored gun. When I see a restored gun I look for tells in their dies. Take pictures and make notes, they keep using the same flawed die. One of the most famous was Roger’s leaning T in CT. on the barrel address. Colt SAA are perhaps the worse when it comes to fakes because some of the best are doing it. You need a frame gauge, a jeweler’s loop, and complete disassembly before buying. T/R
TR,
You and Bob, have more experience with the M-1973, than anyone I know, and are more than willing to help out and share the knowledge that has been learned. Especially here on this sight. I would love to see you two put a book together, as the few Winchester M-1873 Books out there, (Gordon Vol. l and ll and Stone), are good, but with the updated and ongoing Surveys, and all the newer information that gets uncovered, an updated book, from experts like you and Bob, would be a great addition on, “The Gun that Won the West”! IMO! Gordon’s two volume set is good, but because of size of the two books, they are cumbersome to view and negotiate, in some situations. IMO!
I’m always in much appreciation, as are others. If we don’t ask the questions here on the forum, for all to read and learn, some of the knowledge might not come out. IMHO! I have stated in the past that on many occasion, I will ask the most common question, that many of the more experience and advanced collectors sometimes might take something for granted and maybe not say a particular thing. This forum is such a learning tool for many of us collectors, I feel in order to try to get new members, which we always need, if we want this great hobby to continue, we need to continue in our educational ways, as many here do, in trying to get our points across. IMHO!
As far as the serial numbers with the horns, I was having a hard time remembering that information, as that’s how my mind seems to work on some occasions, and as Bob put up his great selection of photo’s showing the different serial number style’s, it was like, “Oh yeah, that looks familiar now”! LOL! It’s fun getting older, in retirement.
Anthony
November 19, 2006
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Anthony said
TR said
Anthony,
The largest gun auction company 20 some years ago pulled and outed a 1 of 1000 because the 8 did not have horns. You did the right thing asking questions.
I pay attention to any stamp or die mark on collector guns. It’s the easiest and most positive why to spot a restored gun. When I see a restored gun I look for tells in their dies. Take pictures and make notes, they keep using the same flawed die. One of the most famous was Roger’s leaning T in CT. on the barrel address. Colt SAA are perhaps the worse when it comes to fakes because some of the best are doing it. You need a frame gauge, a jeweler’s loop, and complete disassembly before buying. T/R
TR,
You and Bob, have more experience with the M-1973, than anyone I know, and are more than willing to help out and share the knowledge that has been learned. Especially here on this sight. I would love to see you two put a book together, as the few Winchester M-1873 Books out there, (Gordon Vol. l and ll and Stone), are good, but with the updated and ongoing Surveys, and all the newer information that gets uncovered, an updated book, from experts like you and Bob, would be a great addition on, “The Gun that Won the West”! IMO! Gordon’s two volume set is good, but because of size of the two books, they are cumbersome to view and negotiate, in some situations. IMO!
I’m always in much appreciation, as are others. If we don’t ask the questions here on the forum, for all to read and learn, some of the knowledge might not come out. IMHO! I have stated in the past that on many occasion, I will ask the most common question, that many of the more experience and advanced collectors sometimes might take something for granted and maybe not say a particular thing. This forum is such a learning tool for many of us collectors, I feel in order to try to get new members, which we always need, if we want this great hobby to continue, we need to continue in our educational ways, as many here do, in trying to get our points across. IMHO!
As far as the serial numbers with the horns, I was having a hard time remembering that information, as that’s how my mind seems to work on some occasions, and as Bob put up his great selection of photo’s showing the different serial number style’s, it was like, “Oh yeah, that looks familiar now”! LOL! It’s fun getting older, in retirement.
Anthony
Tony – I sure hear you on this!
