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Winchester 1873 caliber marking question

saa
Hello guys. I searched for this answer but couldn't find anything related.

I have a Winchester 1873 mfg'ed in late 1884 (guestimate by serial), and is one of the early 22's made per the sources that I have, and is a 22 short caliber. Here is my question:

My gun is marked "22 CAL" at the breech top on the barrel and I see others, usually newer guns (not that it matters), marked "22 SHORT" in the same spot. I have also seen other 22 shorts marked "22 CAL" as well. So mine isn't the only one chambered (assuming mine has not been altered) for 22 short and marked 22 CAL.

The cartridge elevator is marked with consistent (looking) original marking of "22 CAL SHORT".

Did some guns chambered in 22 short, at least early 22 shorts, get marked with only "22 CAL" as mine is?

I saw a post where Bert said some 1873's were chambered for both 22 Long, and 22 Short. I'm not a chambering expert or a gun expert, so I really didn't know how to check to see if it was double chambered.

I didn't put up pics simply because it was more of a quetion about the correctness of the marking, more than originality, from what I can tell and I've researched winchesters and their markings a bit. It all appears to be original markings, correct fonts, spacing, etc.

Any help on this matter would be great. Or if there is a reference that speaks to this particular issue of markings on Win. 22's, I'm more than happy to add it to my library. Point me in the right direction.

In advance I want to say Thank You to any and all who are on here and help. I appreciate and value your time as I do mine. So thanks!!
saa.
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Comments

5 comments

Date Votes
  • 11b6r
    Make NO claim of expertise with Winchesters. I DO have some very old 22 firearms that are simply marked .22 caliber or 22 RF, because they were made before 1887 when the .22 LR was created. The ones I have so marked are chambered for short or long- which is what .22 meant back then.
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  • Bert H.
    Hello saa,

    The early production Winchester rifles chambered for the 22 Short were frequently marked just like your rifle. The early production Model 1885 Single Shot rifles were marked "22 CAL R.F.". In all cases, the rifles that were chambered for 22 Long were marked "22 LONG".
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  • saa
    Thank you both.

    My immense gratitude to you for your time and expertise.

    My little Win Short, albeit not able to knock over a big squirel, is a very important part of my western collection. And it appears it is a "true" very early 22 from Winchester and a 22 Short to boot! Serial number in the 160's and an "A" designator. My 32-20 is an 1888 and a "B" designator.

    So - from the standpoint of value is there ever a reason to have a rifle of this historic significance restored? I'm talking turnbull, not Joe Smith Blueing.

    Or, even in the used and historic condition it's in (this rifle is complete, works, has all components, markings are clear, but it is used. No major damage, but used over it's life. I call it character. It was a working gun for much of it's life, not a closet sleeper) it is better off original?

    Thanks again, gents.
    saa.
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  • tsr1965
    saa,

    You have to remember that the 22 Short RF, was the original self contained 22 cartridge. From my understanding, there were no other's befor it. So there was no reason to mark the rifle, other than 22 Cal., for the early rifles.

    As for restoring that rifle...they are few and far between, and originality, is much more important for a rifle which you describe, than restoring to 100% condition. If you were to restore it, the value of this rifle would take a significant hit.

    Best

    EDIT 1

    I am pretty sure Bert's posistion on the restoration, will be close to the same as mine, but he(and actually, so do I) will want to see pictures. Around here, Bert is known as Mr. Winchester. He ranks among the very best of the most knowledgable Winchester collector's and student's in the USA, if not the world.

    He has written, and co-authored new refference books, and articles, that remove a lot of error from the George Madis days.

    So, would you please fly some photo's?

    Here is the link how to do that.

    http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=259294

    Best

    EDIT 2

    Tips for Detailed up close Digital Photography

    1.) Use Macro Mode...the symbol for this mode is in the form of a tulip flower

    2.) Natural light works best, followed by white incadescant light...florescent is the worst.

    3.) To eliminate flash glare, hold your camera about 18-24" off the object, and use your zoom.

    4.) This should have been first...use a tripod, or something to steady your camera. Helps by lessening the amount of pictures we have to take to get sharp ones, from the result of us moving.

    Best
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  • Bert H.
    Do not restore it!
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