1873 winchesters

Edward Tinker · 04-12-2008, 11:29 PM

I picked up a rougher 1873 winchester at the Tulsa show and where I'd expect the serial number it is blank. Are there other areas inside etc where I can verify its serial number?

ed

var99 · 04-13-2008, 08:03 AM

Hi Ed,

I'm out of my field here, but according to Flayerdman's book, the lower tang is the only place the serial number was placed, but as the early production units were engraved not stamped, perhaps the shallower engraved numbers have been worn off?

Vince

Edward Tinker · 04-13-2008, 10:49 AM

thanks Vince, I was afraid of that. It has some earlier but also mid charecteristics, so...

ed

John Sabato · 04-14-2008, 10:15 AM

Ed, the receiver is probably of the vintage when engraving that would cover a serial number wouldn't have been a federal offense like it would be today...

Edward Tinker · 04-14-2008, 10:35 AM

yes, i wasn't worried about that at all, was wondering its actual vintage. I can figure out approx year by caliber, type of markings, details / additions/delitions of parts, etc.

It is just easier to look up sn 203456 and know it was made in 1905

Ed

John Sabato · 04-14-2008, 11:01 AM

Ed, if it is real important to you, you might have the tang x-rayed or floroscoped... as it might bring out the underlying impressions of the original number stamps in the grain of the steel... a technique used for recovering numbers on guns that have been altered for criminal purposes...

lboos · 04-24-2008, 06:37 PM

Ed, if you still have the 1873 winchster is it a src carbine 20 in barrel? is it a round barrel or hex? iv,e been looking for a well worn saddle ring carbine to go with my old saddle display. i sure would like to see a pis. of it. lboos1@yahoo.com thanks. boos.

Edward Tinker · 04-24-2008, 06:47 PM

It is a rifle, hex barrel and a keeper for me ;>)

lboos · 04-24-2008, 07:10 PM

Dont blame you , just thought id ask. im going to a gun show here in atlanta this sat. they sometime,s have a few ole winchesters. there not getting any cheaper. i just missed one by one day for $1500. it was a 1888 src round barrel 20 in. 44-40. it was as beat up as could be, worn out and pitted badley but would still shoot, he said. thanks for your reply.

Edward Tinker · 04-24-2008, 07:18 PM

I figured for $900 that I couldn't lose on the deal

I'll take pictures and share them if you'd like?

ed

lboos · 04-24-2008, 07:47 PM

Ed, sounds like you got a deal, i have yet to see one under a $1000. and that would be a burned out wall hanger. which im looking for. i like a antique gun that shows a lot of wear, to me it has more history then a $30,000 gun that has spent it,s entire life in a gun case and never fired. plus i could not afford one. if you have time i sure would like to see your pic,s . lboos1@yahoo.com or here. im sure other folks would like to see them. Thanks. lboos.

Edward Tinker · 04-25-2008, 12:37 PM

not the best picture in the world, but here is my 1873

Ron Smith · 04-25-2008, 12:50 PM

Ed,

What caliber?

Ron

Edward Tinker · 04-25-2008, 01:10 PM

32wcf

I'd rather it was in 44 or 45, but you take what comes along sometimes

lboos · 04-25-2008, 01:47 PM

Ed, thats a good looking old winchester. you did good. thanks for the pic,s. i hope i get that luckey tommorow.

Edward Tinker · 04-25-2008, 01:49 PM

louis, good luck, hope you find one twice as nice for the same price

Ron Smith · 04-25-2008, 04:45 PM

Ed,

If the bore is good figure in the $2300-$2500 range in the west. We've got a 38-40 round barrel at the shop for $2000 in lessor condition.

Ron

Rod WMG · 04-25-2008, 10:30 PM

Ed, I love the .32-20. As a friend of mine says, it's like a .357 mag from a handgun in a rifle. I don't know if I'd go quite that far, but it's very good if you handload for it.

Edward Tinker · 04-25-2008, 11:26 PM

Rod, thanks, I almost called it a 32-20, but I couldn't remember if that was right, it is marked 32wcf underneath.

I haven't handloaded in years, maybe I'll start again at some point, but unsure if I'll shoot this, although when I was handloading, I loaded up light 45-70 rounds and shot my Trapdoor, so...

Ed

lboos · 04-26-2008, 07:44 PM

Ed, no such luck for me today, i looked at about 20 1873s. from the pic. of your winchester they were asking from $2200 to $3500 and most were 32-20s. i took $2000 in cash in hopes of buying a shot out ole winchester, no way. I was not going home emptey handed so i paid $20 for a Zippo lighter marked Vietnam 65 66 Chu lai for my outher hobby, i have 10 now, so it wasen,t a complete loss. you done good" boos.

04-12-2008, 11:29 PM	#1
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	1873 winchesters I picked up a rougher 1873 winchester at the Tulsa show and where I'd expect the serial number it is blank. Are there other areas inside etc where I can verify its serial number? ed

04-13-2008, 10:49 AM	#3
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	thanks Vince, I was afraid of that. It has some earlier but also mid charecteristics, so... ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-14-2008, 10:15 AM	#4
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	Ed, the receiver is probably of the vintage when engraving that would cover a serial number wouldn't have been a federal offense like it would be today... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-14-2008, 10:35 AM	#5
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	yes, i wasn't worried about that at all, was wondering its actual vintage. I can figure out approx year by caliber, type of markings, details / additions/delitions of parts, etc. It is just easier to look up sn 203456 and know it was made in 1905 Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-14-2008, 11:01 AM	#6
John Sabato Lifer Lifetime Forum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: The Capital of the Free World Posts: 10,156 Thanks: 3,003 Thanked 2,308 Times in 1,098 Posts	Ed, if it is real important to you, you might have the tang x-rayed or floroscoped... as it might bring out the underlying impressions of the original number stamps in the grain of the steel... a technique used for recovering numbers on guns that have been altered for criminal purposes... __________________ regards, -John S "...We hold these truths to be self-evident that ALL men are created EQUAL *and are endowed by their Creator* with certain UNALIENABLE* rights, and among these are life, LIBERTY, and the pursuit of happiness..."*

04-13-2008, 08:03 AM	#2
var99 User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: FL Posts: 114 Thanks: 4 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Hi Ed, I'm out of my field here, but according to Flayerdman's book, the lower tang is the only place the serial number was placed, but as the early production units were engraved not stamped, perhaps the shallower engraved numbers have been worn off? Vince

04-24-2008, 06:37 PM	#7
lboos User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ga. Posts: 69 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, if you still have the 1873 winchster is it a src carbine 20 in barrel? is it a round barrel or hex? iv,e been looking for a well worn saddle ring carbine to go with my old saddle display. i sure would like to see a pis. of it. lboos1@yahoo.com thanks. boos.

04-24-2008, 06:47 PM	#8
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	It is a rifle, hex barrel and a keeper for me ;>) __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-24-2008, 07:10 PM	#9
lboos User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ga. Posts: 69 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Dont blame you , just thought id ask. im going to a gun show here in atlanta this sat. they sometime,s have a few ole winchesters. there not getting any cheaper. i just missed one by one day for $1500. it was a 1888 src round barrel 20 in. 44-40. it was as beat up as could be, worn out and pitted badley but would still shoot, he said. thanks for your reply.

04-24-2008, 07:18 PM	#10
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	I figured for $900 that I couldn't lose on the deal I'll take pictures and share them if you'd like? ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-24-2008, 07:47 PM	#11
lboos User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ga. Posts: 69 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, sounds like you got a deal, i have yet to see one under a $1000. and that would be a burned out wall hanger. which im looking for. i like a antique gun that shows a lot of wear, to me it has more history then a $30,000 gun that has spent it,s entire life in a gun case and never fired. plus i could not afford one. if you have time i sure would like to see your pic,s . lboos1@yahoo.com or here. im sure other folks would like to see them. Thanks. lboos.

04-25-2008, 12:37 PM	#12
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	not the best picture in the world, but here is my 1873 Attached Thumbnails

04-25-2008, 12:50 PM	#13
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Ed, What caliber? Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-25-2008, 01:10 PM	#14
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	32wcf I'd rather it was in 44 or 45, but you take what comes along sometimes

04-25-2008, 01:47 PM	#15
lboos User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ga. Posts: 69 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, thats a good looking old winchester. you did good. thanks for the pic,s. i hope i get that luckey tommorow.

04-25-2008, 01:49 PM	#16
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	louis, good luck, hope you find one twice as nice for the same price __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-25-2008, 04:45 PM	#17
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	Ed, If the bore is good figure in the $2300-$2500 range in the west. We've got a 38-40 round barrel at the shop for $2000 in lessor condition. Ron __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...

04-25-2008, 10:30 PM	#18
Rod WMG User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: The Edge of Texas Posts: 514 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, I love the .32-20. As a friend of mine says, it's like a .357 mag from a handgun in a rifle. I don't know if I'd go quite that far, but it's very good if you handload for it.

04-25-2008, 11:26 PM	#19
Edward Tinker Super Moderator Eternal Lifer LugerForum Patron Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: North of Spokane, WA Posts: 15,966 Thanks: 2,066 Thanked 4,595 Times in 2,116 Posts	Rod, thanks, I almost called it a 32-20, but I couldn't remember if that was right, it is marked 32wcf underneath. I haven't handloaded in years, maybe I'll start again at some point, but unsure if I'll shoot this, although when I was handloading, I loaded up light 45-70 rounds and shot my Trapdoor, so... Ed __________________ Edward Tinker ************ Co-Author of Police Lugers - Co-Author of Simson Lugers Author of Veteran Bring Backs Vol I, Vol II, Vol III and Vol IV

04-26-2008, 07:44 PM	#20
lboos User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ga. Posts: 69 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ed, no such luck for me today, i looked at about 20 1873s. from the pic. of your winchester they were asking from $2200 to $3500 and most were 32-20s. i took $2000 in cash in hopes of buying a shot out ole winchester, no way. I was not going home emptey handed so i paid $20 for a Zippo lighter marked Vietnam 65 66 Chu lai for my outher hobby, i have 10 now, so it wasen,t a complete loss. you done good" boos.