Winchester 1873 HELP

[MikeHammer]

Hi guys/gals, don't know if this is in the right area but I'm looking for some info on a rifle. A friend of mine is trying to bring this from the USA into Canada, he has property in both country's. He was given this rifle years ago in the states and he has no real idea what he has, other than its a 1873 Winchester, he has never fired it, but to his knowledge it is completely functional. He has been unable to find a serial number on it at all, but he has not completely disassembled it either. Is there anywhere he should look for a number? I don't know much about these rifles but he is under the impression (from the guy he got it from) that it is valuable. I know the pictures are crappy but it's all I have for now. Any info would help, thanks in advance.

 

[Matt74]

The serial number should be stamped on the lower tang. Pull that lever down and it "should" be right there to see. Just fyi, buttstock has been really badly sanded as it is very undersized, or completely replaced.
Hope this helps a bit.
Matt

 

[Win 38-55]

Model 1873 saddle ring carbines are worth more than the rifle version, given the same condition. As Matt74 pointed out, however, someone really went berserk with the belt sander on that buttstock. On the other hand, you might be able to find an original replacement buttstock, but you will likely have to fork out a few hundred.

 

[kamlooky]

In all likelihood, it's probably worth more south side of the border than up here.

 

[MikeHammer]

Thanks for the info guys ill pass it along. I'm still trying to get better pics out of him but now I have to wait until he goes south again.

 

[sunray]

"...unable to find a serial number..." They weren't required until after 1968. The 1873 was discontinued in 1919, so you're buddy would have to find out exactly when that one was made. These guys might be able to help. http://winchestercollector.org/
As mentioned, it likely has greater value Stateside than here, but there are still a lot of avid Winchester collectors here too. Because it's not an antique under the FA definition of same, bringing it in will require the same paperwork as any other rifle.