Looking for information on the best way to sell this old rifle and a good round about price for it. It is a Winchester Model 1873, .32 Cal. Lever Action Serial #338331. Made in 1890 Winchester search for serial number provided Mfg. Date. It is in fair condition, meaning all components are working, But has as one can see in the pictures needs a good restoration job. It has a 24" octagon barrel and is unaltered, as original.
I have seen these on many different websites for prices from $900 to $15,000+. So, I was wanting to get experienced ideas for the members here on what I should ask for it.
Thanks, James Howe
There are several negative issues with your Model 1873 Sporting Rifle;
First (and worst) is the fact that it does not have its factory original barrel on it. Somebody replaced it with a 1908 (or later) production barrel. The location and style of the roll markings on the barrel are the dead giveaway.
Next, the overall graded condition of the rifle is in the lower half of the grading scale.
Last, the 32 WCF is the least desirable (and valuable) cartridge chambering in the Model 1873.
Bert,
I would like to thank you for your time and advice regarding this. I do have another question for you. What exactly is the roll markings you had mentioned and their location? I would like to properly explain to potential buyers, that the barrel has been replaced just in case they do not notice.
The Winchester address marking and the caliber marking should be roll marked on the top dead center (12 o'clock) position of the barrel for a pre-1908 production Model 1873. Sometime in late 1907 to early 1908, Winchester moved the markings to the left flat (10 o'clock) position.
James, that is the printing shown in your last picture.
Apparently earlier guns were marked in a different location, and stamped in a different font, or maybe it was originally one line, or three lines, instead of two. But your newer barrel has more modern markings.
Thanks to the information on the rifle. It was very helpful and it has just sold, I accepted $600 cash for it.
James
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