Winchester Model 1873

BC Hounds

January 02, 2005 04:57

I have found a Winchester Model 1873 rifle, lever action, chambered in 38cal. 38/40, with a 27-1/2" octigon barrel, S/n is 227710B. The gun appears to be in good working order in fair to good condition. What would be a fair asking price for such a gun?

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  BC Hounds

  January 02, 2005 04:57

  I have a Winchester Model 1873 and am trying to find out its worth. I am attaching a number of photos. Thanks for your help.
  
  http://www.joedawolf.com/images5/4079.jpg
  
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  wap41

  January 02, 2005 06:41

  $800. range

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  Bert H.

  January 02, 2005 08:11

  Hello BC Hounds...
  
  I highly disagree with wap41 in his value assessment. Any complete functional (shootable) Model 1873 in either 44 W.C.F. or 38 W.C.F. is worth at least $1500. The Third Model Rifle that you are looking at most likely has a 28-inch barrel (measured to include the portion screwed into the receiver frame) and as such, it has a special order barrel (24-inches was standard).
  
  In order to give you a better idea of what it might truly be worth, several pictures of it would be of significant aid. Also, confirm the actual barrel length, and let me know what the condition of the bore is.
  
  Bert H.
  
  Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

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  BC Hounds

  January 02, 2005 13:26

  Bert
  You were right the length of the barrel was 28" not 27-1/2.
  The bore condition is very clean with the rifleing very prominent the full length. The original front and rear sights are still present, the front blade appears to have nickle or possibly silver plating on the top 1/8" of the blade. The metal butt plate has a sliding plate that opens to a bored hole that runs the length of the stock. The hole was stuffed with cotton and when removing the cotton several rounds of ammo came out with the cotton. Was this cavity used for such a storage or was this something that was done by the previous owner? I am also attempting to get photos down loaded for your viewing.
  
  Thank BC
  Quiver8168@altoonarail.net

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  Bert H.

  January 02, 2005 14:24

  Hello BC Hounds...
  
  The trapdoor in the buttplate is original, but it was designed to hold a 4-piece steel cleaning rod. The fact that the rifle has a correct extra length (special order) barrel adds value to the gun, as does the apparently nice condition of the bore. I feel completely at ease in saying that the value will most likely easily exceed $1500, and the forthcoming pictures will help to narrow the potential value down a bit.
  
  I forgot to mention this in my first reply, but the date of manufacture is likely to be very early in the year 1887. If you purchase the rifle, I highly recommend contacting the Cody Firearms Museum - http://www.bbhc.org/firearms/records.cfm and obtain a factory letter for it. The letter will confirm the special order barrel length, and tell you exactly when it was manufactured & shipped.
  
  Bert H.
  
  Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

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  wap41

  January 05, 2005 02:42

  Bert how many do you want to buy for $1500.each

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  Bert H.

  January 05, 2005 05:29

  quote:Originally posted by wap41
  Bert how many do you want to buy for $1500.each
  
  
  As MANY as you can find, providing that they are exactly as BC Hounds described!
  
  I notice from your profile that you are located in Minnesota... you obviously have never been to any of the big west coast antique firearms shows (e.g. Las Vegas, Reno, Denver, Cody, etc.), or to any of the larger auctions (Little John's, Butterfield's, Greg Martin, etc.). If you had, you would already know that any .44 or .38 caliber Winchester Model 1873 Sporting Rifle in original (unaltered) shooting condition with a nice bore is a near steal at $1500... especially one with a special order (extra long) barrel!
  
  Please tell me that you have a truck load of them for sale at only $800!!!
  
  Bert H.
  
  Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!

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  wap41

  January 05, 2005 16:15

  Bert I found a bonanza for you.Just check G A they have a lot of "steals" even one 38 cal in very good condition that no one is buying for $950.

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