September 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/10/2024
According to the factory letter, this carbine was shipped in December of 1893 in .44 caliber with a 15" barrel, fancy stock, Gilt & Nickel (finish) and $2.50 engraving. Standard features include the 1873 dated ladder rear sight, standard post front sight, saddle ring and stud. The left side of the barrel has a British proof mark and EU/GB and British proof mark are stamped at base of frame. The magazine tube cap and screw are missing. The Winchester factory barrel legends are stamped forward of the rear barrel band. This is because this is not the original barrel. When disassembled, you will find a VP verified proof mark which did not exist at that time. Also, barrel was cut at base through the threads and filled with epoxy. The tube appears to be replaced as well. The gun is original from the frame back. The receiver is engraved on both sides, the left side having the Stag panel. This exact panel engraving can be seen on page 179, Madis book, rifle #286684. There is engraving on the butt plate and the dust cover as well. It also appears that the frame was re-silvered at one time. This carbine comes with the BATF designation removing this gun from the NFA listing. CONDITION. There are no longer any traces of the gold, with some re-silver remaining finish but balance of the metal is now a soft grey homogenous patina. The engraving is soft and the stag panel is only partially visible with scattered pitting on the frame. The deluxe grain stock has been refinished, is shy to metal, with a wood plug wrist crack repair and small splice at lower tang. The forearm has also been refinished / replaced and shortened just forward of the rear band. The top of the receiver has a small metal plugged repair. The two line Winchester barrel legend is still quite legible. The dust cover is engraved and intact The action is in working order. The bore on the replaced barrel is still quite sharp and defined but does have abrasions. A factory engraved Model 1873 trapper may be the rarest Winchester variation known. Search results yielded no examples. Worthy of some professional attention.
Paperwork
Factory Research & ATF Exemption Letter