What is this worth

[JRP2]

I have a winchester 1873 1st model with a 30 inch octagon barrel. Pitting in side the barrel is the worst of the damage, the rest of the rifle has the normal petina you would find on a 120 year old rifle that has actually been used. sn 285684-B missing the dust cover but all components operate correctly. I am finding it hard to find another to compare it to with the 30 inch octagon barrel 38-44 caliber. I cant seem to figure out how to post pictures here.

[Scorch]

Roughly, without seeing the rifle or lettering it, you are looking at $1500-$2000. Here is a comparable rifle for sale.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/951234540...8_WCF_38_4.htm

[JRP2]

Thanks for the info, the rifle you sent to compare it to doesnt have the 30 inch barrel. It is my understanding that the 30 inch barrel on the musket type rifle was only available in the octogon as a factory extra and not available on a stock rifle.

[big al hunter]

check Cabela's gun library I occasionaly see some similar rifles and that is where I found the closest match to my grandfathers winchester wrf special

[Winchester_73]

I am finding it hard to find another to compare it to with the 30 inch octagon barrel 38-44 caliber. I cant seem to figure out how to post pictures here

Well for one thing, there were no 1873s made in 38-44, its 38 WCF aka 38-40. 38/44 was used by gun makers such as S&W to indicate 38 cal on a 44 size frame but rest assured, Winchester did not make any 38-44 lever action rifles.

Thanks for the info, the rifle you sent to compare it to doesnt have the 30 inch barrel. It is my understanding that the 30 inch barrel on the musket type rifle was only available in the octogon as a factory extra and not available on a stock rifle.

The wild card here is the CUSTOM barrel length. 1873s were 24 in standard with anything longer or shorter for that matter being an option. Generally, longer lengths are rare and desirable. When you say "musket type rifle", what do you mean? Its either a musket or its a longer barreled rifle. I thought all 1873 muskets were 44-40 aka 44 WCF but I could be wrong. A musket would have a wood stock that nearly goes the length of the barrel and has barrel bands with a cleaning rod underneath. I think $1500 to $2000 is pretty conservative. I would say $2000 to $3000 if its a factory 30 in barrel.