[kabar]

I have been offered a M1873 copy, supposedly from around 1880 and from Mexico. The only marking on it is "32 calibre winchester" and "1873", there is no serial number. The gun is plated, but not so nice looking anymore.
I'm having problem finding any information about it on Internet.

Is this something worth having, and how much could it be worth?

 

[weagle99]

What is the asking price?

The copies are an interesting footnote in SAA history. That one looks like an out of proportion SAA with a Remington grip frame.

 

[kabar]

What is the asking price?

The copies are an interesting footnote in SAA history. That one looks like an out of proportion SAA with a Remington grip frame.

I live in Norway, so the prices here might be a lot higher that in the US. The seller is asking approximately $500. He have never shot it, but says it looks mechanical OK.

 

[BobWright]

Looking at the backstrap/frame joint looks like that gun may have been a Bisley copy. The gun looks pretty rough, certainly wouldn't bring $500 in US.

What do you plan on doing with it? Doesn't have much collector value, likely not too good a shooter, either.

Bob Wright

 

[kabar]

My plan is to shoot it, but maybe that's not a good idea.
I am just looking for a pre 1890 revolver to buy, since they need no registration in Norway. But since prices are kind of high here, I wonder if I shall import from the US instead.

 

[longranger]

, there is no serial number

It's worth about 10-15 years in federal penitentiary,not legal sell a gun without a serial #.

 

[kabar]

It's worth about 10-15 years in federal penitentiary,not legal sell a gun without a serial #.

good point. but is this law covering antique guns too?

 

[chaosrob]

I thought it was only illegal to remove a serial number from a gun that had one prior to '68? If the gun originally did not have a serial it would not be deemed illegal if it was from before that time, would it?

 

[longranger]

I was misinformed,my apologies. It is illegal to alter/deface an existing serial #. No requirement for a serial # before the 1968 GunControl Act. It may cause some consternation for a transfer,but not illegal.

 

[hwjhfs]

Saw a Mex/Spanish. copy of SAA at last show a couple weeks ago. Priced at $200 with a Mex holster. It did not sell.

 

[Jaymo]

Well, it certainly LOOKS like it was made in Mexico. Cheap and crude.

 

[kabar]

Well, it certainly LOOKS like it was made in Mexico. Cheap and crude.

Hmm, maybe I shall turn down the deal then.Maybe someone here has a better gun for me for a better price?Need to be from before 1890.

 

[Jim Martin]

Based on the 2 of these mexican "colts" I've had opportunity to look @ they are only good for wall hangers,I'd be afraid to shoot one of them w/blk powder much less smokeless,if u think it looks crude from the outside u should see what it looks like on the inside.

 

[kabar]

Thank you everyone for good answers. I will not buy the gun. Can you point me to a good place to buy antique guns, who also ships international? Or maybe someone here has a nice gun for me. I've just started collecting antique weapons.

 

[Jaymo]

A French 1873 Ordnance revolver would be a nice one.

 

[therevjay]

"Gun broker" or "Auction arms" antique listings. I have no idea what the import laws are like in Norway, but in the U.S. anything made in the time period you are looking for (pre 1890) would have few legal restrictions to buy.

 

[weagle99]

The seller is asking approximately $500

Too much in any country.

 

[kabar]

"Gun broker" or "Auction arms" antique listings. I have no idea what the import laws are like in Norway, but in the U.S. anything made in the time period you are looking for (pre 1890) would have few legal restrictions to buy.

Here in Norway you can freely and without any papers import all black powder guns made before 1890.

 

[kabar]

A French 1873 Ordnance revolver would be a nice one.

How much does these go for in the US?

 

[Hollywood]

The lack of a serial number surely would concern me greatly with any purchase, however, as he lives in Norway, our own NFA wont really come into it, but the Norwegian laws would.