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I have a press release from 1950 describing the 1 of 1000 Winchester 73s discovered by the United Pictures contest for the Jimmie Stewart movie that was released that same year. It indicates that 22 rifles were discovered and “about 130” of the Model 1873 1 of 1000 rifles were produced. Subsequently, I’ve seen estimates of 133 and 136. The release indicates that the earliest one was shipped from the factory on July 30, 1874.
What is perhaps most valuable is that the release gives the names and hometowns of the owners of the 22 “contest” rifles. Someone wanting to research the history of these rifles might start with the known owners in 1950 and try to trace the rifles forward to the present time.
Its possible to do that but what you find with 1 of 1000’s is some owners didn’t want it to be known they own one because of the value of the gun. They didn’t want to become a target. I have ran into this with a gun I bought. The guy I bought it from said the widow of the previous owner didn’t want to be known even thou they no longer own the gun.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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