I had an original Winchester Model 73 Carbine confiscated and
destroyed by the Pinellas County, Florida Sheriff's Dept.
inappropriately in a divorce action. I intend to seek compensation or
replacement but do not know the market value of the item.  Can you
help me determine that?

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Request for Question Clarification by kriswrite-ga on 22 Aug 2003 09:19 PDT

What kind of condition was it in (inside and out)? Did it function
properly? Were there any cracks, chips, or other damage? Any other
information about condition, history, etc. will be essential in giving
an estimate. But please know that the estimate can only be rough
unless we can see the gun in person.

Kriswrite

The model 1873 Winchester is widely know as "The Gun That Won The
West" because it's production run was so high that it became the
everyman rifle of choice.  It was probably the most popular civilian
rifle used on the frontier of the American west. More than half a
million were produced by the turn of the century. Late production of
this extremely reliable rifle was a favorite south of the border to
the very end of production in 1923, when more than 20,000 were
produced.


A few quick searches turned up a few likely sources for valuation.  As
always, the best way is to see what others are selling/have sold it
for, as well as the condition of your gun.

1873 carbines ranging from 795 - 875
http://www.armchairgunshow.com/otsRW_winchester_1873.htm

An Indian decorated one for 2750
http://www.19thcenturyweapons.com/gallerypages/windian.html

http://www.cabelas.com/ has several in their 'gun library' for prices
upwards of 2000.

A Winchester M-73 SRC for 2750
http://www.sherwoodsspirit.com/rifles.html

The value will also be determined by the model it was.  Production
runs of the gun were:
.44-40 or 44 W.C.F……………………566,487 

.32-20 or 32 W.C.F……………………109,558 

.38-40 or 38 W.C.F………………….….24,826 

.22 Rimfire………………………….…..19,738