Winchester 1873 Thoughts

[tankjake1977]

I need a little advice on two Winchesters I might have the opportunity to purchase. All I have right now is the pics I am attaching. The rifle on the right looks nearly perfect which makes me think it is a new model. However, it is chambered in 38 wcf which I didn’t think was a new production caliber (really don’t know though). The other is also 38 wcf but is not in the same condition. I don’t have the serial number yet, hopefully soon. I am also concerned with the blueing (because it’s so pretty). Is there a definitive way to tell if they’ve been re-blued? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks like always.

 

[palmettomoon]

Those pictures are terrible. Would need much better images to discern a reblue.

 

[tankjake1977]

Those pictures are terrible. Would need much better images to discern a reblue.

I understand. I guess I was asking if there was a way to tell when I get my eyes on them. Maybe something in particular to pay attention to or to look for.

 

[StuP]

A decent reblue depends on the prep work. Look for signs of polishing, softened edges etc.

 

[palmettomoon]

Rollmarks blurred at the edges, rounded over edges that should be sharp, polish too high, screw slots dulled, screw hole edges dished out....

Where wood meets metal, is there any blackening? If so, I'd expect a little rust on the metal making contact. Is the wood tightly fit or a little shallower than the metal?

 

[tankjake1977]

Rollmarks blurred at the edges, rounded over edges that should be sharp, polish too high, screw slots dulled, screw hole edges dished out....

Where wood meets metal, is there any blackening? If so, I'd expect a little rust on the metal making contact. Is the wood tightly fit or a little shallower than the metal?

Gotcha. The word Winchester on the barrel pic looked like it might have been worked. Both that and the beautiful condition had me questioning it. Thanks

 

[Gimmebackmybullets]

Heres one with a unmolested finish from 1893. Its been in my family for at least 60 yrs that I know of. Been in my safe for the last 22 yrs. I am now the Black sheep for it being willed to me by my Grandfather.

its in 38WCF as well.

 

[tankjake1977]

Heres one with a unmolested finish from 1893. Its been in my family for at least 60 yrs that I know of. Been in my safe for the last 22 yrs. I am now the Black sheep for it being willed to me by my Grandfather.View attachment 2741581 its in 38WCF as well.

That’s is awesome. Thanks for sharing. I am looking forward to finding out more about the two in the pic.

 

[palmettomoon]

Heres one with a unmolested finish from 1893. Its been in my family for at least 60 yrs that I know of. Been in my safe for the last 22 yrs. I am now the Black sheep for it being willed to me by my Grandfather.View attachment 2741581 its in 38WCF as well.

"You steals it from us! Nasty little hobbitssis! Steals it! My precious!"

 

[Retired Army]

View attachment 2740926 View attachment 2740927 View attachment 2740928 View attachment 2740926 View attachment 2740927 View attachment 2740928 I need a little advice on two Winchesters I might have the opportunity to purchase. All I have right now is the pics I am attaching. The rifle on the right looks nearly perfect which makes me think it is a new model. However, it is chambered in 38 wcf which I didn’t think was a new production caliber (really don’t know though). The other is also 38 wcf but is not in the same condition. I don’t have the serial number yet, hopefully soon. I am also concerned with the blueing (because it’s so pretty). Is there a definitive way to tell if they’ve been re-blued? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks like always.

If it’s still active, these guys may be able to help when you get more info

https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/what...kings-improvement-patented-mar...-344800.html