Make: Franklin Mint

Model: Buffalo Bill Cody Historical Center Non-Firing Replica Winchester 1873

Serial Number: 494993 (the same serial number was marked on every one of these particular Franklin Mint non-firing replicas)

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked "WINCHESTER'S REPEATING ARMS. NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S.A. / -KING'S IMPROVEMENT PATENTED MARCH 29 1866. OCTOBER 16 1860.-", and at the rear with "44 W.C.F.". The top tang is marked "MODEL 1873.". The bottom of the lifter is marked "44 CAL". The bottom tang is marked "J. ULRICH" (the piece was not actually engraved by Ulrich, that’s simply part of the replica markings), and with the serial number. The receiver, dust cover, nosecap, and buttplate have decorative engraving, and there are buffalo “panel scenes” engraved on the sideplates.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped forend, pistol grip with ebony inlay, straight comb, and alloy crescent buttplate. The stocks have some light marks, most appear to be from display. It’s missing the finger lever latch, also called the finger lever catch, from the bottom tang. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good Plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue, Gold, & Case Color

Finish Originality: Original 

Overall Condition: This replica retains about 95% of its metal finish. The barrel and magazine have some faint surface oxidation and a few light marks. Most marks appear to be from display. Overall, this replica is in about Fine condition. 

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This replica comes with a display wall mount and a framed portrait photograph of Buffalo Bill Cody.

Our Assessment: Buffalo Bill Cody’s stature in the history of the Old West rivals that of such legends as Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, General Custer, Jesse James, and Billy the Kid. He served as a scout for the US Cavalry in the late 1860s and early 1870s, earning the Medal of Honor for his skill and daring, and even served as a scout for the highly publicized hunting expedition of Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia in 1872. In 1883, Cody founded his eponymous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West,” a circus-like show that dramatized key events from the still unfolding and evolving Wild West for audiences across the United States and Europe. The shows were spectacular and often featured living legends from the Old West, such as Sitting Bull, Annie Oakley, and Frank Butler, all performing to live music that accompanied the show. Cody also famously set up an exhibition next to the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair (in which he had been denied from participating), which was immensely popular and undoubtedly drew plenty of would-be fairgoers as patrons. Lastly, Cody was instrumental in the founding of the city in Wyoming at the foothills of Yellowstone which now bears his name, and in which our company is headquartered, and where this auction will occur. Cody passed away at the age of 70 in 1917. Following his passing, Cody received tributes from King George V, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Woodrow Wilson, a testament to his immense popularity and worldwide appeal.

This commemorative non-firing replica of the Winchester 1873 was issued by Franklin Mint in the early 1980s to benefit the Buffalo Bill Historical Center located in, you guessed it, Cody, Wyoming. It features beautiful engraving in the style of John Ulrich, and includes the original wall mount as well as a beautifully framed portrait photograph of the “Last of the Great Scouts-Colonel William F. Cody”. This is a wonderful set to commemorate one of the legends of the Old West, and will make a great addition to any collection.