Winchester 1873

[dracoman]

Hi

Looking to get some information on a Winchester 1873 rifle. It is a second model 44 WCF, 24 inch round barrel, manufactured approx 1881. The rifle has a small shield insignia inset in the stock. It also has 23 notches cut into bottom of stock. I can only imagine what those would mean. Would appreciate any information on value, shield, etc. I can now post pics.
Tks

Greg

 

[jpc]

expired

 

[Turf]

If it was mfg'd in 1881 it likely has an iron receiver as steel receivers weren't introduced until 1884. The cartouche (shield) could refer to British naval or Canadian or even Swiss origin. Depends if it is a crown and anchor or perhaps a personal insignia or US Army. If it's 2nd model the serial number should be between 31,000 and 90,000. And, like you said, the notches could refer to anything that didn't make it home one night or ended up on someone's dinner table.

Value could be anywhere from $500.00 to over $50,000 depending on overall condition, bore, bluing etc.

I posted before I saw the pics. Not a cartouche as I thought it might be so I have no idea about that. Where it's placed it looks to be a personal touch but I really have no clue what it is.

 

[Turf]

LOL maybe it belonged to Ned Christie

 

[jpc]

expired

 

[dracoman]

The shield is on both sides of stock. If only guns could talk. Bet there would be stories with this one.

 

[dracoman]

The shield is on both sides of stock. If only guns could talk. Bet there would be stories with this one. Serial number is around 71###

 

[dracoman]

btt

 

[dracoman]

btt

 

[mbogo3]

Both attachments come up as invalid

 

[kamlooky]

Notches could mean a number of things...........deer, mewsies, Wilie E. Yote's, homo-saypee-inzs.............?

 

[dracoman]

btt

 

[billybob]

I have seen wear patterns on winchester rifles like that before. They came from riding in the boot of a horse driven wagon. Usually beside the foot of the driver as the wagon bounces along.