Continued: 1873 Winchester with numbers stamped
That's a beautiful rifle for sure, and Bert's caution about the distinct possibility that it has been restored for the reasons he has given goes a long way where the appraised value of the piece is concerned, although some professionally restored Winchesters are still spendy.
In the case of your rifle where the caliber markings on the barrel and the elevator, plus the cleaning of the latter, are legitimate reasons that will figure in to its appraised value, it appears that your rifle is original where the two markings are of interest, as clarified by the following references:
Reference: Winchester's New Model of 1873, Volume 1, by James D. Gordon
Page 262, "There were no caliber markings on early 1873s...for a time, no barrel marking indicated 44 caliber...." "By the 150,000 serial range, the company began marking most of the 44 caliber barrels as well."
Page 227, "Initially when the model 1873 was only produced in 44 caliber, there were no caliber markings either on the elevator or the barrel....At first, only the smaller calibers were marked, but by serial range 150,000 the factory began marking the 44 caliber guns as well."
In the case of your rifle where the caliber markings on the barrel and the elevator, plus the cleaning of the latter, are legitimate reasons that will figure in to its appraised value, it appears that your rifle is original where the two markings are of interest, as clarified by the following references:
Reference: Winchester's New Model of 1873, Volume 1, by James D. Gordon
Page 262, "There were no caliber markings on early 1873s...for a time, no barrel marking indicated 44 caliber...." "By the 150,000 serial range, the company began marking most of the 44 caliber barrels as well."
Page 227, "Initially when the model 1873 was only produced in 44 caliber, there were no caliber markings either on the elevator or the barrel....At first, only the smaller calibers were marked, but by serial range 150,000 the factory began marking the 44 caliber guns as well."
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That is what I read last night. Bert helped me out before with a 1886 and was dead on. I have not purchased this rifle as of yet. It is really tearing at me now... The gentlemen that has it does not claim to be an expert at all and is not a collector. He does however know that it is collectable. I believe I've negotiated at good price. When he tells me his dad had it since the 40's and never refinished it does not rule out the first 60 years of this rifle. If Bert gives me the definite "its been refinished" I will probably walk away. I my opinion, this is about the best scenario for finding a nice old Winchester to add to my collection. It seems that there is still a possibility that it is original. Any thoughts?? 0 -
I would prefer to see better pictures of the rifle. A close-up showing each side of the receiver frame, the top & bottom of the receiver, and a close-up clear picture of the barrel address marking. 0 -
I will try this again. Some of these pics were posted on the original thread. I do not have any pics closer up than these. 
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one more 0 -
It might be advantageous to post the photos in the largest size available.
EDIT #1, From the surface rust and pitting visible in the larger photos it sure looks like the real McCoy. Doesn't look like it been restored. I don't see anybody paying big bucks for a professional restoration, then letting that happen.0 -
trying to figure out how to make these bigger.0 -
figuring it out0 -
hopefully these help!0 -
In my opinion This is a case that speaks to the fact that this item
necessitates a "Hands On" Inspection. I agree with Rufe Snow. That it does not seem feasible that someone would spend big $$ to restore and then let condition deteriorate for the second time in this rifles existence to present condition. I for one sure would pay big bucks without a 7 day return option.0 -
quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
In my opinion This is a case that speaks to the fact that this item
necessitates a "Hands On" Inspection. I agree with Rufe Snow. That it does not seem feasible that someone would spend big $$ to restore and then let condition deteriorate for the second time in this rifles existence to present condition. I for one sure would pay big bucks without a 7 day return option.
I think you meant to say you would NOT pay big bucks without a 7 day return option. I agree.0 -
I am familiar with the values of original Winchesters but I am not at all familiar with the value of a "altered" one. The reason I say this is that I have been pushing the guy selling it for a lot of info that only his father knew and he passed away last year. Not sure how much more before he might just say forget it. If there is still value in a questionable rifle, what would it possibly be? I am looking at $3000 for this one. Would I be screwed if it turns out to be refinished? 0 -
Strike while the iron is hot. Even if the rifle was refinished at some point years ago, it is still a very nice example of a 73 Winchester. Restored or not it will increase in value.
You do know they are not making these anymore right?0 -
quote:Originally posted by 338weatherby
I am familiar with the values of original Winchesters but I am not at all familiar with the value of a "altered" one. The reason I say this is that I have been pushing the guy selling it for a lot of info that only his father knew and he passed away last year. Not sure how much more before he might just say forget it. If there is still value in a questionable rifle, what would it possibly be? I am looking at $3000 for this one. Would I be screwed if it turns out to be refinished?
Using Flayderman's condition standards for antique firearms as a guide. At a very minimum it would grade out as "Very Good". "Excellent +", if it hasn't been refinished and the bore is in good shape.
If you can talk this guy into sending it on approval so that you can have some pros give it a hands-on, you would be ahead of the game. If he won't go that route. I would buy it anyway. You will be kicking yourself for years for not buying it, and letting it get away. I know as the same thing happened to me during my collecting years. I still feel bad about being a dummy, and letting virtually one of a kind guns get away.0
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