There is a M1873 coming up at an auction and I'm not up to speed on Winchesters. From the bad pic I did see it appears to be a 24" barrel version in .38-40. Its the only gun in the auction and the auctioneer is listing it as fair condition. It looks like it sat in the garage for a long time. Visible rust but until I can hold it I don't know how severe. No serial no. given and I won't know that until auction day. Bore condition unknown. Brass underneath is worn so must have seen a lot of use onetime. Wood worn but need a close look. If I base the condition from Fair to better than average wall hanger, what price range should I use for each version 1 ,2 & 3? An info at all would help. Thanks.

Very tough to say given that info but a wall hanger that looks complete will almost always bring $500-$600 even if it is missing internal parts. A complete, function gun is almost always at least $800.

A pretty decent 38-40 octagon rifle can usually be had for $1500 or so. Complete poor condition, but functional, guns seem to be fairly available at about $1000.

Alterations, broken/cracked stocks, bad bores, etc can make a big difference too. I wish I could offer more help. Good luck.

Thanks for the input. I do know its a round barrel not octagon. I'll just see how the bidding goes and what I can learn about 1873 Winchesters in the next few days.

Around here, the round barrel is much less desirable.

It sounds like junk. I would hold out for a better gun. 38-40 will bring less money than a 44-40, but I prefer the 38-40, so I would be happy with one. Check Bill Goodman out, he has a long list of old Winchesters and I think you could get one in decent enough shape to still shoot and not be worried about it falling apart...

Well I went to the auction. Rifle was made in 1892. A little better condition than was originally thought but still needed TLC. It went for $1400.00 I stopped at $400.00.

Would you have bought it for $1400.00 if it was in better shape?

To be honest no. This was just an opportunity being 3 miles from home. I do love old guns but hover around U.S. Krags and Savage 99's but if an opportunity arose to get a nice antique gun that interests me I try to pick it up. The time will come when I'll pursue a nice Winchester if possible. I appreciate the feedback you gave me on the rifle though. Always willing to learn.