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Restore Model 1873 38 cal

bonobo

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Recently fell into a handful of firearms, one of them being a lever action 38, marked 1873??

Action seems to be in good working order, but the barrel is covered in a thin layer of oxidation.

I’m no expert on firearms but consider myself fairly well versed regarding contemporary platforms. This old thing though, I really have no clue what I’ve got. Is this a collectors item? Would it be worth having restored?

Thanks in advance
 

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I would not have it restored. The chambering is likely to be 30/40 or 38 WIN. That's a bottle necked 'pistol' caliber cartridge that can be loaded with .401" lead bullets to black powder pressures. I have an 1892 Win chambered the same and it's a lot of fun and pleasant to shoot.
 
LOL @ "falling into" an 1873 in unmolested condition. What else did you fall

Ha, I reckon it’s unmolested condition? Like I said, it’s definitely got a noticeable layer of oxidation on the barrel. What would a piece like this fetch $?

To answer your question though; a 1917 enfield, and what appears to be an IJA Arisaka? Curious about these as well
 
Lotta 'depends' there as to value. If the bore is original and in shootable condition? I'd say $850 - $1000. Screw slots buggered or missing altgother, dust cover missing, all those things ad up. These are quite common if memory serves. I've seen a lot in 'brown' condition around here.
 
It's a Winchester model 1873, .38 WCF (.38-40) caliber and yes it is collectible and no it should not be restored. It is more valuable in it's present condition. It's value greatly depends on condition and only a hands-on inspection can determine that.
 
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