What is an original, still functioning Winchester '73 worth (.44 cal)?

Question

just curious

it says ".44 cal" on the base plate. We've always shot .44-40's in it. It is in very good condition (no rust, but some discoloration of the metal due to age, and the wood is in great condition). The ejection port has a dust cover that slides over it and says "King's Improvement", as I recall. It has an octagonal barrel, and it does not have the flip-up sights like in most western movies. I am just curious, I wouldn't sell it.

Answer 1

Your serial number will help you narrow down what model it is and date of manufacture.
Here's some general info though that should indicate which specific model you have. Pricing will be easier once you know that.
MODEL 1873
- .32-20 WCF, .38-40 WCF, or .44-40 WCF cal., iron frame with sideplates, frame loading port, 20 or 24 in. round or octagon barrel, rifles have forearm caps and carbines have forearm bands, tube mag., blue finish with case hardened parts, oil finished stock, serial numbered on lower tang, 720,610 mfg. between 1873-1919.

Add 60%-100% for Deluxe Model 1873 with color case hardened frame, depending on original condition.
Since early Model 1873s were only made in .44 cal., no caliber markings are present. After the introduction of additional calibers, the barrels were stamped just in front of the receiver and on the brass elevator with the caliber.
Model 1873s are serial numbered sequentially on the lower tang. On guns serial numbered 80,000 to 170,000, an "A" followed the number. From 170,000 to 190,000, either "A" or "B" may be found, while after 200,000, usually "B" was used. The letter does not seem to have any definite meaning. The earliest guns had no marking on the upper tang, but were marked "Model 1873" on the lower tang next to the ser. no. up to number 350, after which "Model 1873" is marked on the upper tang, where it remained through the model run.

Model 1873 First Model Rifle
- serial numbers approx. 1-30,000, sliding thumbprint dust cover on 2 guides that are integral part of upper frame, absence of any cal. marking.

Model 1873 Carbine First Model
- 20 in. round barrel with carbine style forearm band. Distinctive curved buttplate, with saddle ring.

Model 1873 Musket First Model
- 30 in. round barrel, 27 in. mag. with 3 barrel bands, approx. 500 mfg.

Model 1873 Rifle Second Model
- improved dust cover featuring slides on center rail on rear section of frame top which is held in place by two screws, serial range 31,000-90,000.

Model 1873 Carbine Second Model
- changes similar to 1873 Second Model Rifle, with 20 in. round barrel and 2 barrel bands.

Model 1873 Musket Second Model
- changes similar to 1873 Second Model Rifle, with 30 in. barrel and 3 barrel bands.

Model 1873 Rifle Third Model
- dust cover rail integral with frame, serial 90,000-end of production.

Model 1873 Carbine Third Model
- changes similar to 1873 Rifle Third Model, with 20 in. barrel and 2 barrel bands.

Model 1873 Musket Third Model
- 30 in. round barrel and 3 barrel bands.

Answer 2

original functioning winchester 73 worth 44 cal

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What is an original, still functioning Winchester '73 worth (.44 cal)?
just curious

Answer 4

They are of course collectors items and valuable,...But that is based on the overall condition.Need some more details....44-40 caliber ??

*There were 10 different versions of the 1873 Winchester Lever Action Rifle.Depending on condition they are valued anywhere from $600-$100,000.00 depending on model and variation as well as overall condition.....

Answer 5

JD is right, there are so many, and different configurations...I was just looking on a couple of sites, and a first year issue was $18,500, and a couple were $2250....I saw one a couple of weeks ago for $1200......depends on condition, serial number, and whether or not it had been "refinished" or original.....

Answer 6

gunbroker.com, auctionarms.com, gunsamerica.com, american-firearms.com......... Check out these sites for value of your Winchester rifle.*

Answer 7

what year
what serial number
what condition

Answer 8

Probably not much if it was re-blued.