W4224 BELGIAN MADE PERIOD COPY OF A WINCHESTER FIRST MODEL 1873 SADDLE RING CARBINE; The 20 inch barrel is marked “HENRY WINCHESTER RIFLE MOD. 1873” just ahead of the rear sight. This marking is known to have been used on Belgian copies as James Gordon mentioned these in volume II of his book The Winchester’s New Model of 1873: A Tribute where he wrote “We understand that there are also Belgian copies that were marked on the barrel ‘Henry Winchester Rifle Model 1873’.” He also said “These copies were of relatively good quality and would fool most collectors, except for the fact that they have no Winchester markings and lack serial numbers. Rather, they bear Belgian proof marks on the barrel and the receiver.” According to Gordon, all of the copies he had observed were first model carbines. This carbine has the Winchester first model style dust cover, sights and lever retainer. The only other markings are the Belgian “star/letter” inspector mark at the front left side of the receiver, and a small “crown/EB” proof of the national gun factory on the right side of the stock. Overall this gun rates excellent retaining 95% original blue finish toning toward brown. The hammer and lever retain 95% plus original case colors. The buttplate retains 97% original case colors. The wood is also excellent with limited light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. This is a rare HIGH condition period copy of a Winchester Model 1873 Saddle Ring Carbine.
ANTIQUE $ 6,175.
