As near as anyone has figured out is the B denoted a minor mechanical change but no one knows what changed. The serial numbers first were just numbers until around 90,000 to 100,000 and then the A showed up and then the B showed up around 160,000. There is overlap during the transitions.

 

Thanks 1873man. This one is in the range of 360XXX. Oddly, Madis’ book doesn’t show any ‘letters’ with his serial number charts in the back of his book.

 

1873man gave you the reason - those letters have to do with running changes in various features that Winchester made. Running changes in production specs. I think you find them with no letters, then with an "A", then a "B" and finally a "C" as time went by. But those aren't part of the serial number, so aren't included in S/N lists.

 

The letter has nothing to do with the year the gun was made so non of the lookup table use the letter. If you send me the serial number I can get you a more accurate date plus I would like to add the gun into my survey I'm doing on the 73's. I assume its a 20" barrel 44 caliber carbine.

 

My 1873 SN 11645, evidently made in 1874. Doesn't help much with the question, just another 1873 "accounted for". P.S. And she's about 95% new.

 

There is no "C" in the 73's
Bob

 

Thank you, sir. Maybe memory will hold that in the future. Probably shouldn't count on it, though, not at nearly 81 now.

 

Your first model was made in November or December of 1885. Could you post what its configuration is so I can add it the survey.

Bob

 

Thanks for the info....Post? I can try, but no guarantees ....what are you looking for? Looks as issued to me so I thought it was just a standard .45-70. 1885 - guess that's why it looks so good...also have the bayo with "U.S." frog. I'm 82 so gotta start thinking about all my pets going to good homes....

 

I just bought the gun from my buddy recently. 1873man, it’s a:

Winchester 1873 3rd model; .32-20 cal.; 24’’ bbl.; Mfg. 1891; SN 392618 B. I made a mistake earlier in my post saying it was in the 360 range….just a typo on my part. Dyslexia. In remarkably good condition.

1873man, hope this helps,
Dan

 

Dan,
What is the barrel shape? Round, octagon or 1/2 Octagon? Gun was made July 8 1891
Bob

 

Sorry, octagon

 

Thanks for the additional info Bob.