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March 31, 2009
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I have a friend that has one that is cut down and is marked Wells Fargo. I will ask him about his.
December 9, 2002
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I’ve seen the Wells Fargo, like many of us probably have, and it’s a well known fact that many we’re faked. A search in the records help to either verify or eliminate the fact if it is a Well Fargo firearm or not, from my understanding.
Anthony
March 31, 2009
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Are there records to search? I generally walk away from anything marked Wells Fargo.
December 9, 2002
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Chuck,
YES!
If you get a chance, to look at the S & W, two page Letter that I posted in the first post, it shows that the information stated is from their records. Indicating to us that their is indeed records on these.
I also try to stay away from the Wells Fargo advertised firearms, as “buying the gun”, and not the story gets hard to do involving these.IMO!
Anthony
March 31, 2009
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Sorry, I read the letter but forgot that I had. Never lettered any of the Smiths I had. The only Smith I currently own is a 357 revolver made in the 1990’s.
December 9, 2002
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All good Chuck, as I have learned a lot owning the S & W Schofield, and it’s the only one I lettered upon a recommendation, from a very knowledgeable friend, who originally found the piece, for me a long while back. I do appreciate you’re input Chuck. 
Anthony
December 9, 2002
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I was able to complete my interest in pursuing a collectable Winchester model 1873, in the desirable .44 caliber that is a little harder to find than some other Winchester’s that we enjoy.
I wanted a Color Case Hardened receiver, and the .44 caliber was a must also. The special order 1/2 Round, 1/2 Octagon barrel was a nice touch, as a full Oct. barrel was my first choice. For some the special ordered shotgun butt might be a deterrent, and even the oil stained butt stock, that’s evident in the pictures. In all reality, the serial number indicates that this rifle was mfg. in 1884, and at 140 years old, I like it’s condition.
When I started this post with the S&W Schofield, verified with the Letter, as stated above. I knew that depending on what might be presented to me, I would have to make possible adjustments with my offer as I did. The Schofield is a rare piece, as is the “73”, and both are hard to find, as is. IMO! In RIA, a pretty nice uncut,(not sent to a contractor firm that would refurbish, the revolver, and cut them down, and remount the front sight, as some we’re acquired by, (“Wells Fargo”), as previously stated also. RIA, appraisal range is astronomical @ $25-40,000.00, Grand!!! A very nice respectable piece, but out of my wheel house.
I would also, like to thank the members, who added their advice, as to helping me, get to my decision, and decide what I chose to do.
Anthony
November 7, 2015
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Nice! I like the balance of the half round barrel and the comfort and quick shouldering of a shotgun butt. Leroy has some nice stuff. My running buddy buys a few from him every year.
Mike
December 9, 2002
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Thanks Mike, I also like the combination’s that you mentioned. I read that not too many full magazine, half round barrels were mfg in the model 73. I look forward to Bob’s comment on that, regarding the 73 survey that he is conducting. I’ve had good luck in dealing with LeRoy in the past, as I realize it’s not really easy, throwing up a shingle, and putting yourself out there. Even with today’s website capabilities, making thing’s easier with pictures and an abundance of information available, you leave yourself wide open for everything, good and bad.
I’m thinking, with the condition that this one is in, maybe it was ordered and purchased by a businessman, in the East, in 1884, and definitely not used much, as many were, in the West.
Anthony
November 19, 2006
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Tony –
Fabulous rifle. I’ve never owned a Winchester with that level of case color. I really like the half round barrel and agree with the comments above about better balance.
Nice score! 
December 9, 2002
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Thanks Steve, it’s enjoyable to see others share their new addition’s as much as it’s fun to share mine.
I feel it’s a nice addition, as they are hard to find in this example. I was looking for a full Octagon barrel, with the crescent butt, but I wasn’t disappointment when I found this one.
The Knife Blade front sight might not be original to the gun, but I’ll see. It looks nice on the rifle.
Anthony
November 19, 2006
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Tony –
This is a ’73 that I don’t tire of seeing. As many know, I really prefer shotgun butts and for me, to have one on a ’73 is appealing as most have rifle butts. You don’t see a half round barrel every day either. But what you really don’t see every day is one in condition like this one
September 22, 2011
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Anthony said
I feel it’s a nice addition, as they are hard to find in this example. I was looking for a full Octagon barrel, with the crescent butt, but I wasn’t disappointment when I found this one.
Wow! That’s a FABULOUS Model 1873!!!
December 9, 2002
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Thanks Ian,
I am in agreement with you, as I couldn’t resist the high condition of this one. 
I think it looks good, next to this 1887 mfg., model 73, in .32 Caliber, as the “Deluxe Pistol Grip Stock”, and the gun properly letters, from Cody, also.
Both are in half Oct. barrel, and in hard to find, nice condition.
Anthony
December 9, 2002
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As you can tell, I’m still enjoying the new addition to a Collection that will get handed down to my Family.
The special ordered 1873, mfg. in 1884, in remarkable condition, would be pretty hard for me to try to beat, as far as this one is concerned.
As I look at other Winchester Letters, as many of us know, not always are the sights, for example included in the Letter from Cody.
Some of the older letters seam to show the front knife blade sight, as more recent, newer letters, don’t, from my observation.
As much as this front sight looks correct to me, and I have no plans on changing it, there is a drift mark on one side, possibly showing adjustment for shooting, as the bore as well as the rifle shows little use, or shooting.
I’m looking forward to receiving the letter, vs. the work up sheet, on it.
Anthony
