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January 21, 2007
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Im sure its been asked but I can’t find the answer. What year did Winchester stop stamping 1873 on the carbine ladder sites? I see them mostly without the 1873 stamping and once in a while with it. I have a 3rd model carbine and not sure if the correct site should be stamped 1873 or not ?
Thanks !
July 31, 2005
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I don’t know when the 1873 stamping was stopped. I am not sure when it started, either! My 1985 edition of “The Winchester Book” covers Model 1873 carbine rear sights on pages 187-188. He says the adjustable leaf sights (carbine rear sight was what the catalog called it) were usually marked 1873 on the upper portion of the leaf, but that a few were not marked. Finally, he says the date is the year of introduction, not the model of the gun.
I take exception to this last statement. It doesn’t make sense. The carbine leaf sight was different for 1873 and 1876 models. Also, the original carbine rear sight for the 1873 was a simple non-adjustable leaf type. The carbine leaf sight with adjustable slide first shows up in the April 1, 1882 catalog.
What is the serial number of your carbine?
Here is a carbine leaf sight on an 1873 carbine, SN 156798. No “1873” markings.
Here is a photo of a carbine leaf sight on a Model 1876. Note that it is marked “1876.”
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
January 21, 2007
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Thanks for the reply Bill ! My rifles serial # 265344B and I believe 1887 if I’m right and a 3rd model. I did pick up a pair of carbine ladder sites so will put one on when I receive them. Its got a home made rear site on it now.
Thanks Ed
