Winchester expert

[Deleted]

A friend just bought a handful of antique Winchester lever-actions at an estate sale and is in this over his head. The sellers couldn't find the provenance on the Winchesters and we need to positively identify some guns to put a value to them. My head is spinning, there's at least one "1 of 1,000", a possible 44-40 smoothbore "Exhibition Shooter" rifle, and much more. My friend will pay for qualified help, and as you can see, the situation is quite serious. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys....

[nolongcolt]

No expert here but while I have heard of the 1 of 1000 Win .44-40, a model 73 I believe, I sure cant figure out why it would be a smoothbore, unless its just shot out.

[Deleted]

The 1 of 1,000 is a 38-40 in very good condition. The smoothbore carbines were made for exhibition shooters in the 19th century for use with shot cartridges. Annie Oakley used one in 32-20. This one is a 44-40. Shot cartridges were used a lot more in aerial shooring than one might imagine. This may help put things into perspective: www.fourten.org.uk/mwpre410.html

[squawberryman]

Dave Riffle has that reputation, I've lusted over his tables before at the CADA

www.daverifflegunsales.com/