2 guns

kjm · October 25, 2002, 09:52 PM

OK I finally have them. The first is a double shotgun. The description follows:

Side by side
Double Damascus barrels.
Made by Manhattan Arms Co.
Serial # 552--
I don't know if it has much value, but it sure is pretty. Lots of engraving, and the parts fit together almost seamlessly. Of course, I know I cannot shoot it, but I would like to know a little more about it.

Second gun is a lever action rifle.

Octagon barrel,
Top of the barrel reads: "Winchester's repeating arms. New Haven Conn. USA - King's Impromvement patented March 29 1866, October 16, 1860-"

Close to the reciever reads "38 WCF"

On the tang "Model 1873"

On the bottom tang "415**B"

OK, there's what I have on it. The stock is interesting as it has a little hole to put bullets with at sliding door. The stock is in OK condition, but it is black, and there is an old repair to a crack on it.

Thanks for any info!

Jim Watson · October 25, 2002, 10:31 PM

Winchester 1873 415XX was made in late 1879 or early 1880, according to the Blue Book, serial number 41525 was the last gun made in 1879. That is a very early .38 WCF (Also known as .38-40.), maybe first year. The 1873 came out in .44 WCF and the .38 was added in 1879. The letter B is a factory work mark and has no known connection with caliber or features. Lots of guns marked A after the serial number, too.

The trap door in the butt plate is for a sectional cleaning rod, not ammo.

Value depends on condition and the exact specifications. Winchester made a number of manufacturing changes from 1873 til 1912 and would build guns with a wide variety of barrels, stocks and sights. Collectors have charts of the scarcity of each variation or special order item.

kjm · October 25, 2002, 10:41 PM

I am very sorry, but I gave you the wrong serial #. The serial is 4150--. Not the previous one. I missed the zero in the last one which probably makes a big difference.

This rifle belonged to my great, great-uncle who was born in 1878 and died in 1962. I don't know if he bought it new or possibly second-hand.

James K · October 25, 2002, 11:48 PM

Model 1873 #4150xx was made in 1892.

Jim

Harley Nolden · October 26, 2002, 04:01 AM

This is what I have on the Manhattan

HJN

October 25, 2002, 09:52 PM	#1
kjm Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 1,871	2 guns OK I finally have them. The first is a double shotgun. The description follows: Side by side Double Damascus barrels. Made by Manhattan Arms Co. Serial # 552-- I don't know if it has much value, but it sure is pretty. Lots of engraving, and the parts fit together almost seamlessly. Of course, I know I cannot shoot it, but I would like to know a little more about it. Second gun is a lever action rifle. Octagon barrel, Top of the barrel reads: "Winchester's repeating arms. New Haven Conn. USA - King's Impromvement patented March 29 1866, October 16, 1860-" Close to the reciever reads "38 WCF" On the tang "Model 1873" On the bottom tang "415**B" OK, there's what I have on it. The stock is interesting as it has a little hole to put bullets with at sliding door. The stock is in OK condition, but it is black, and there is an old repair to a crack on it. Thanks for any info! __________________ COME AND TAKE IT!!!

October 25, 2002, 10:41 PM	#3
kjm Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 1999 Location: College Station, Texas Posts: 1,871	I am very sorry, but I gave you the wrong serial #. The serial is 4150--. Not the previous one. I missed the zero in the last one which probably makes a big difference. This rifle belonged to my great, great-uncle who was born in 1878 and died in 1962. I don't know if he bought it new or possibly second-hand. __________________ COME AND TAKE IT!!!

October 25, 2002, 10:31 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,541	Winchester 1873 415XX was made in late 1879 or early 1880, according to the Blue Book, serial number 41525 was the last gun made in 1879. That is a very early .38 WCF (Also known as .38-40.), maybe first year. The 1873 came out in .44 WCF and the .38 was added in 1879. The letter B is a factory work mark and has no known connection with caliber or features. Lots of guns marked A after the serial number, too. The trap door in the butt plate is for a sectional cleaning rod, not ammo. Value depends on condition and the exact specifications. Winchester made a number of manufacturing changes from 1873 til 1912 and would build guns with a wide variety of barrels, stocks and sights. Collectors have charts of the scarcity of each variation or special order item.

October 25, 2002, 11:48 PM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Model 1873 #4150xx was made in 1892. Jim

October 26, 2002, 04:01 AM	#5
Harley Nolden Staff In Memoriam Join Date: January 8, 1999 Location: Brunswick,GA USA Posts: 1,884	This is what I have on the Manhattan HJN