[OcavianP]

Hello guys. I just receive a gift from my father a Winchester 44-40 24" barrel. I tried to find the approximate year when was build but he best i could do is hat this gun is a second generation. The serial number is : 48xxx
I hope some one can help me because i looked all week and didn't find anything.
The condition in good is 100% original and is in firing condition.
Thank you very much.

Have a nice day.
Bye.

 

[GunHugger]

What model is the Winchester?

They didn't start at 0 and serial number all of the many models. Each model has it's own run of numbers so you must know the model number to look up the serial number.

 

[OcavianP]

Sorry. Yes the model is Winchester model 1873 44-40 cal., 24" octagonal barrel.
I will try to put some pics up later today.

 

[GunHugger]

1880.

MODEL 1873

Year App rox. Last No.
1873 1 to 126
74 2726
75 11325
76 23151
77 23628
78 27501
79 41525
80 63537
81 81620
82 109507
83 ............
................

I can't even guess at the current value of a gun such as this. Blue Book says $12,000 for one in 95% condition down to $800 for 10%. They can bring big money depending on condition and the current buying habits of collectors.

I would spend $55 for a Factory letter since having such a letter with the gun in a plus if selling or just to know more about it. See below.

For additional information including factory letters
contact the Cody Firearms Museum. Factory letters are
$55.

Buffalo Bill Historical Center
Attn: Cody Firearms Museum
720 Sheridan Ave.
Cody, WY 82414

In the spring of 2005, the Cody Firearms Museum
began a research project involving the Winchester
Repeating Arms Company production through the
comparison of shipping and polishing room records.
The little known polishing room records (used in many
works of George Madis) are a collection of small
notebooks that document Winchester firearms receiver
serialization circa 1873 to 1964. These notebooks
cover many, but do not cover all models or all eras of
production. The data assembled from this research will
be published over time to improve available information
to collectors

 

[OcavianP]

OMG somebody knows a lot about this guns. Thank you very much for this info. I will go ahead and try to get that letter. Thanks again for the fast and detailed response.
Have a nice day.
Bye.

 

[Bert H.]

Hello Gunhugger,

A Factory letter is $70 - http://www.bbhc.org/explore/firearms/firearms-records/

Bert H.

 

[GunHugger]

Hello Gunhugger,

A Factory letter is $70 - http://www.bbhc.org/explore/firearms/firearms-records/

Bert H.

I got the info about the letter from the current online BlueBook of Gun Values. Up to date as far as I knew.

 

[Bert H.]

I got the info about the letter from the current online BlueBook of Gun Values. Up to date as far as I knew.

The Blue Book of Gun Values is very seldom up to date on anything related to Winchester firearms, this subject included. When in doubt, refer to the source.

Bert H.

 

[GunHugger]

Excuse me, I'll try harder to be more correct about the letter price in the future.